Project 10073 Record — Festus, Missouri, 13 October 1954

This document contains a Project 10073 record regarding an unidentified flying object sighting reported on October 13, 1954, near Festus, Missouri. The witness, a civilian, was driving on the Festus-St. Genevieve highway at approximately 2010 hours when they observed an object they described as a flat cylinder, roughly 12 to 14 inches in diameter and 1 to 2 inches thick. The witness initially observed the object as a yellowish-white light that appeared to pace their vehicle and another approaching car. As the object moved, it changed from a bar-like shadow to an oval, and finally to a full circle. The witness noted that the object appeared to be rotating and, when it came within close range of their windshield, it emitted a brilliant glowing white light. The witness reported no sound, trail, or exhaust associated with the object. The witness expressed skepticism regarding the official conclusion that the object was a reflection from debris, noting that the object's speed and maneuverability, particularly its sudden acceleration toward their vehicle, seemed difficult to explain by natural means. The report includes a formal letter from the Bureau of Aeronautics Representative at McDonnell Aircraft Corporation to the Director of Intelligence at USAF Headquarters, forwarding the witness's account for further evaluation. The official conclusion recorded on the Project 10073 form is 'Possible reflection from debris.'