Project 10073 Record Card and OSI Special Inquiry regarding Unidentified Flying Objects

This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and associated correspondence from the 7th OSI District regarding multiple sightings of unidentified flying objects in the vicinity of Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, in June 1954. The primary incident occurred on 15 June 1954, when an object was observed over the Atlantic Ocean near Indialantic. Witnesses, including Major R. C. Shallsey and A/3C Lewin R. Manley, described an intense white light, brighter than a flashlight beam, which changed colors—shifting between white, red, green, and blue—and performed various maneuvers, including rotating and cycling. A/3C Manley, who had pilot training, noted the object appeared to be about one-fourth the size of the moon and resembled an aircraft landing light. When a spotlight from an automobile was directed at the area, the lights ceased, leading investigators to conclude the phenomenon was likely a beacon or searchlight from an ocean vessel. A second sighting occurred on 18 June 1954, reported by Major Wendell F. Moseley and two airmen, who observed a bright light moving in a northerly direction at a high rate of speed, which also blinked and changed colors. Despite the detailed reports, the official conclusion for the primary incident remained that it was a searchlight from a vessel, noting that no aircraft were known to be operating in the area at the time. The documents emphasize the sensitivity of the information, citing AFR 124-1, which prohibits the release of investigative information to unauthorized persons.