Project 10073 Record Card and Air Intelligence Information Report — Levelland, Texas, 24 August 1952

This document is a collection of records, including a Project 10073 record card and an Air Intelligence Information Report (IR-67-52), concerning an unidentified aerial phenomenon reported in Levelland, Texas, on 24 August 1952. Civilian witnesses reported observing two spherical objects between 2130 and 2400 hours. The objects were described as having a diameter of approximately three feet, emitting a constant glow in yellow, red, and blue, and producing a shrill, whistling sound. The witnesses observed the objects hovering in mid-air before they performed a straight and level flight, veered upward, and gained altitude until they were no longer visible. The report notes that the objects appeared to have an exhaust trail. An investigation was initiated by the Flying Training Air Force, with interviews conducted by A/2c Loren M. Cockriel and Major James T. McElroy. The military investigated the possibility that the objects were related to an F-51 aircraft piloted by Col. P.M. Childress, which was operating in the area under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at 7,000 feet. However, the pilot reported that he did not see the objects, though it was suggested that his aircraft's exhaust might have been mistaken for the reported phenomenon. The investigation faced challenges, including a garbled message that created uncertainty regarding the exact time of the sighting. Consequently, the final evaluation was marked as 'Unknown' and 'Insufficient Data for Evaluation,' with further action pending the return of a questionnaire sent to a witness named Mr. B. Sharp. The document includes internal correspondence and teletype messages confirming the details of the report and the status of the investigation, emphasizing the need for clarification on the timing of the event to determine if the F-51 could be ruled out as the source of the sighting.