Project 10073 Record Card and Correspondence — Miami Beach, Florida, 22 June 1954

This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and supporting naval correspondence regarding an Unidentified Flying Object sighting on 22 June 1954 in Miami Beach, Florida. The primary witness, Major Edmund BUCHSER, Jr. of the USMCR, reported observing a large, bright white light at approximately 2100 hours. Initially, the witness believed the object was a falling star at a bearing of 030 degrees. Within two seconds, the object's descent angle steepened and its brilliance increased, leading the witness to briefly suspect it was an aircraft in a steep dive or crashing. The witness moved to the beach, approximately 100 feet away, and observed the object increase in brilliance and speed until it reached an angle of about 10 degrees above the horizon. At that point, the object slowed down and hovered with a brilliance described as far greater than any aircraft light the witness had ever observed. The object was then at a bearing of approximately 010 degrees. Major BUCHSER called for Major James V. WILKINS to witness the event. By the time Major WILKINS arrived, approximately one minute later, the light had faded to the intensity of a normal white aircraft light. The object remained visible for a total of seven minutes before fading from view. Both witnesses were unable to estimate the speed or altitude of the object. The Sixth Naval District forwarded these statements to the Director of Intelligence at the USAF, noting that the files of the District Intelligence Office (DIO-6ND) contained no derogatory data concerning the witnesses. The official conclusion recorded on the project card is 'UNIDENTIFIED'.