Project 10073 Record Card and Related Correspondence — Randolph AFB, Texas, July 1958

This document contains a series of reports and correspondence regarding a UFO sighting reported on July 13, 1958, by personnel at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. The primary witnesses, S/Sgt John M. Loring, Jr. and A/2C James A. Bowman, observed a round, white object resembling a bright star, which appeared to be the size of a pinhead. The object was observed for approximately 35 seconds as it traveled in a straight, descending line before fading near the horizon. The witnesses used binoculars to aid their observation. The report notes that the object made no sound and exhibited varying brightness. Weather conditions at the time were clear with excellent visibility. Following the report, military intelligence personnel, including Captain G. Miatech of the Astronautics Branch, conducted an analysis of satellite orbital data. They determined that the rocket and satellite portions of Sputnik III (1958 Delta I and II) were predicted to pass over the general vicinity of San Antonio, Texas, at approximately the time of the sighting. The investigators concluded that the object was almost certainly one of these components, noting that the predicted path and the object's appearance were consistent with a satellite observation. The documentation includes multiple record cards, teletype messages, and handwritten notes summarizing the investigation and the final determination that the sighting was a satellite.