UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT observed North of Staten Island, New York, on 14 June 1954 at 0130 hours

This document details an investigation into an unidentified flying object sighting reported on 14 June 1954 in Great Kills, Staten Island, New York. The witness, a 29-year-old telephone switchman, reported observing a round, white object that blended into reddish tones at its circumference. The object appeared spontaneously and moved horizontally from right to left in a shallow arc, ascending and then descending to its original height over a duration of approximately 2 to 3 seconds. The witness estimated the object's size as equivalent to a two-inch ball held 15 to 20 feet away, observed at an elevation of 30 to 35 degrees. Immediately following the disappearance of the object, the witness noted that the western sky illuminated as if by 'heat lightning,' though no sound of thunder was heard. Shortly thereafter, the sound of what may have been an aircraft was heard from the opposite direction. The investigation was conducted by Special Agent John C. Shiner of the 2d District Office of Special Investigations. The witness, who claimed 20/20 vision and denied alcohol consumption, indicated that another individual might have witnessed the event, though this person remained unidentified. The official conclusion recorded on the Project 10073 record card is 'Meteor Sighting.' The file includes correspondence between the 2d District OSI and the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, confirming the investigation was closed and processed under the purview of Air Force Regulation 205-8.