Project 10073 Record Card — Custer AFS, Michigan, 14 October 1958

This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and associated teletype correspondence regarding an unidentified aerial object sighting reported on 14 October 1958 at Custer Air Force Station in Battle Creek, Michigan. The sighting occurred at 2130Z. The object was described as a round, transparent, illuminated sphere, appearing to be the size of a softball when held at arm's length. The observation was made using binoculars under clear weather conditions with unlimited visibility and winds from the WNW at 15 to 20 knots. The object was reported as remaining still. The report was filed by 1st Lt John N. Meyer of the 781st AC&W Squadron. Following an investigation, the object was officially identified as a clear plastic balloon. The conclusion was reached based on the object's physical characteristics and the fact that the University of Minnesota had released a balloon earlier that morning at 1300Z. The report notes that the object had no attached instruments and that the wind direction was in accordance with the balloon hypothesis. The documentation includes the original record card, a teletype message to the Air Defense Command and the Air Technical Intelligence Center, and a follow-up page detailing the specific characteristics and environmental conditions of the sighting.