Project 10073 Record: Unidentified Object Sighting, Chicago, Illinois, April 1954

This document comprises a series of reports and correspondence regarding a UFO sighting in Chicago, Illinois, on 8 April 1954. The primary witness, Mrs. Lelah H. Stoker, reported observing a large, white, oval-shaped object, which she described as a 'saucer,' hovering over the water near the Belmont Yacht Club. According to the report, the object landed, and a small, human-like figure wearing a tight-fitting suit and headpiece exited the craft. The figure reportedly walked around the area before re-entering the craft, which then departed silently. The witness estimated the object was at an altitude of approximately 1500 feet off the shore. The report includes details of the witness's background, noting her extensive travel and intellectual interests, as well as her familiarity with the book 'Flying Saucers Have Landed' by Demund Leslie, which she cited as containing illustrations similar to what she observed. The investigation was handled by the 24th OSI District and the Fifth Army Regional Office. The document notes that the witness was initially hostile during follow-up interviews conducted by agents. The official conclusion recorded in the Project 10073 record for this incident is 'UNIDENTIFIED.' The correspondence highlights the military's internal handling of the report, emphasizing that the information was derived from a non-USAF source and required safeguarding in accordance with AFR 205-1. The file includes a summary of information dated 16 April 1954 and a cover letter from Colonel Roberts P. Johnson, Jr., dated 26 May 1954, addressed to the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.