Project 10073 Record: Sighting at Merced, California, 28 October 1954

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report (SAC IR 16-54) concerning an unidentified aerial phenomenon sighting reported by a military witness on 28 October 1954. The witness, an aircraft mechanic assigned to the Hq Sq, 93d Bomb Wing at Castle Air Force Base, California, observed a round, white, illuminated object while at the Merced Country Club. The observation lasted approximately 25 seconds. The witness described the object as being roughly the size of a baseball, traveling in a straight path from north to south at an estimated altitude of 1000 to 2000 feet. Notably, the witness reported a loud jet-like sound, which he compared to air escaping from a small orifice under high pressure. The witness was impressed by the object's unusual speed. The report includes a profile sketch of the object's path. Intelligence officers at the 93d Bomb Wing conducted an investigation and noted that while the witness was considered sincere, the long delay between the sighting and the report hindered the investigation. It was noted that several B-47 and KC-97 aircraft had departed Castle Air Force Base earlier that day, though their specific locations at the time of the sighting were unknown. Another officer from the 328th Bomb Squadron reportedly made a similar observation but was unavailable for follow-up. The official conclusion reached by the project record was that the object was 'PROBABLY AIRCRAFT'.