Sighting Report — Yakima, Washington, 12 October 1953

This document is a military teletype message dated 16 October 1953, originating from the 25th Air Division, regarding a sighting incident that occurred on 12 October 1953 near Yakima, Washington. The report details an observation made by a CAA tower operator and the aircrew of an Air Force AIREVAC flight (SP41). The witnesses reported seeing a single, circular, silver and gold-colored object. The object was described as being the size of a pinhead, with no reported movement or sound. The estimated altitude of the object varied between 15,000 and 25,000 feet. The weather conditions at the time were described as having high, thin, scattered clouds. A fighter pilot also reported a cloud formation in the area. Following an evaluation by the 25th Air Division, it was concluded that the object sighted was, in fact, a cloud formation. The report notes that the atmospheric conditions were ideal for the reflection of sunlight off the clouds, which likely caused the visual phenomenon. The message confirms that no air traffic was in the area of the object and that no further action would be taken. The document is marked as unclassified and includes instructions for its eventual downgrading and declassification.