Project 10073 Record Card — Lambert Field, Missouri, 27 August 1954

On 27 August 1954, at approximately 0100Z, a sighting of an unidentified object occurred near Lambert Field, Missouri. The object was described as a singular, spherical, black entity with an estimated diameter of 8 to 10 feet. Two witnesses, identified as a USN LCDR aviator and an aircraft mechanic, observed the object for a duration of 3 to 4 minutes. The witnesses reported that the object was spinning and initially appeared to be a balloon, but it subsequently exhibited a sudden change in speed and direction, accelerating from 30 knots to 200 knots before disappearing to the northwest. The observation was made with the naked eye and later with 6x30 glasses. The object was estimated to be at an altitude of 1200 feet. No sound or trail was associated with the object. Official follow-up investigations confirmed that there was no meteorological activity, no physical evidence, and no radar contact from CAA radar. Furthermore, no other similar reports were received, and no weather balloons had been released by the CAA or Navy at Lambert Field in the 17 hours preceding the incident. The final conclusion recorded on the project card is that the object was a 'possible balloon'.