Project 10073 Record Card and Related Correspondence — Malmstrom AFB, August 1958

This document collection details a UFO sighting reported on 4 August 1958 at Malmstrom AFB, Montana. A witness, A/2C Bejnard G. Bell of the 29th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, observed a small, bright silver, flying-wing or delta-shaped object, approximately the size of a volleyball, moving north. The object produced a whistling sound that rose and fell in pitch every five seconds and was described as quieter than a jet. While the observer reported no visible means of propulsion, the official conclusion from the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) suggested the description was typical of an F-100 series aircraft. The documentation is notable primarily for the subsequent administrative conflict between ATIC and the 29th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. ATIC, represented by Captain George T. Gregory, issued a formal reprimand regarding the squadron's non-compliance with Air Force Regulation 200-2. Despite the squadron's own admission that an unconventional object was sighted and that their approach control radar had tracked an unidentified target for approximately four sweeps, the unit failed to order a scramble or take any intercept action. ATIC officials expressed significant concern over this apparent disinterest or failure to follow established intercept directives, noting that the object's flight path and light characteristics were distinct from locally assigned aircraft. The correspondence confirms that this incident was treated as a case of administrative failure, with ATIC demanding clarification on why no intercept was attempted. The matter was discussed with and approved by Major Tacker of AFCIN-X1 on 12 August 1958, and the incident was filed under Malmstrom UFO Case File 4E48.