Project 10073 Record: Unidentified Flying Object Sighting, Marshfield, Missouri, 22 September 1954

On 22 September 1954, at approximately 1500Z, two employees of the Webster Gas Company in Marshfield, Missouri, observed an unidentified flying object while returning from a delivery. The witnesses, who were driving on Scout Camp Road, first noticed three formations of silver objects in the distance, which they described as appearing like silver dots. After stopping their truck, one of the witnesses observed a single object approximately 500 feet high and 200 yards southwest of their position. The object was described as boomerang-shaped, dark tan in color, with two black stripes near the end of one wing or rotor. It was estimated to be 6 to 7 feet wide and appeared to be made of a thin, plastic-like material. The object was silent and revolved slowly. It hovered at the 600-foot level before climbing to 1500 feet and then descending. During its descent, it tumbled, emitted a puff of white smoke, and fell straight down into a patch of timber. The witnesses did not see the object impact the ground due to the terrain but later searched the area, finding two spots of pulverized earth. No animal tracks were found at the site. The witnesses reported the incident to CWO A. R. Justman at the Fordland Air Force Station. A subsequent investigation by CWO Justman and M/Sgt Frazie Noe, including a search of the area, failed to yield further evidence. The Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) evaluated the report, noting that the witnesses were sincere and of average intelligence. The official evaluation of the sighting remained 'Unknown.'