Project 10073 Record Card and Supplement to AF Form 112 — Orly AF France, 18 February 1956

This document details an Air Intelligence Information Report (IR 2-56) regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon observed on 18 February 1956 by the aircrew of a C-119 aircraft belonging to the 465th Troop Carrier Group. The crew, consisting of 1/Lt Stanford G. Hahn, 1/Lt Robeson S. Moise, and A/1c Allen L. Starkey, reported observing a round, star-like object while en route from Marseille to Montelimar, France. The object, which appeared to change colors between white, red, and green, was initially mistaken for another aircraft. The crew observed the object for approximately 30 minutes, noting that it eventually appeared to move away and burn out. The report notes that the crew only considered the incident worthy of reporting after reading about a similar unidentified blip on the Orly Air Traffic Control radar in the New York Herald Tribune on 20 February 1956. The official conclusion recorded on the Project 10073 record card identifies the object as the planet Venus. The report includes supplemental forms detailing the flight conditions and observer information, as well as press clippings from the New York Herald Tribune and other sources discussing the 'Phantom of Orly' and the public speculation surrounding the radar sightings at Orly International Airport. Intelligence Officer Captain Alvin R. Herzog noted that no further analysis was feasible regarding the incident.