Project 10073 Record Card — Fargo, North Dakota, 14 May 1955

This Air Intelligence Information Report, dated 17 May 1955, documents the investigation of an Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) sighting that occurred on 14 May 1955 near the Starlite Drive-in Theater in Fargo, North Dakota. Three civilian witnesses reported observing an object with blue, orange, and green lights that exhibited an erratic flight path for approximately 7 to 15 minutes. The witnesses provided varying descriptions of the object's size, movement, and appearance, with one witness noting it appeared to hover and move in a manner consistent with a red pulsating glow. The investigation was conducted by the 1602d AISS, specifically by 2nd Lt. Walter E. Sampson. The investigation included contacting the Fargo Filter Center, the AC&W site at Finley, and the 178th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. Radar checks at the Finley site yielded no contacts in the area. Further inquiries revealed that a helicopter (referred to as a 'heliaplane') belonging to Air Activities Inc. of St. Paul had taken off from Fargo at the time of the sighting. Personnel at the 178th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron confirmed that a helicopter had landed at Hector Airport in the early hours of 14 May. Subsequent interviews with the individual who serviced the aircraft confirmed it was equipped with conventional navigation lights and a revolving beacon. The investigating officer concluded that the description of the aircraft's flight path, the presence of the revolving beacon, and the timing of the flight closely matched the observations reported by the witnesses. Both the preparing officer and the approving officer, Colonel John M. White, Jr., concurred that the sighting was caused by this specific heliaplane.