Project 10073 Record: Sighting at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, 4 November 1954

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report regarding a sighting of an unidentified aerial object on 4 November 1954, near Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. The witness, 1st Lt. Jay H. Day of the 65th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, observed a round, white, pea-sized light for approximately 20 minutes. According to the report, the object performed four 360-degree circles, ascended from an elevation of 45 degrees at a 250-degree azimuth, and eventually came to rest at approximately 80 degrees elevation. The observer, who was noted as a highly reliable radar observer, was looking in the direction of Fire Island at the time. The investigation into the incident involved checking weather data from the Anchorage International Airport. It was determined that a rawinsonde balloon had been launched at 1430Z and burst at 1530Z, and that red and black ceiling balloons were released at 0420Z. The 10th Air Division radar did not track any unidentified objects during the time of the sighting. Based on this information, the official conclusion reached by the military investigators was that the object was 'Probably Balloon.' The report includes detailed descriptions of the object's behavior and the weather conditions at the time, noting overcast skies and scattered clouds. The document is signed by 1st Lt. Walter Heidenok and approved by Major William K. [illegible].