PROJECT 10073 RECORD CARD - 4 December 1958

On December 4, 1958, at approximately 11:30 P.M., a civilian witness in Dayton, Ohio, observed an unusual aerial phenomenon during a rainstorm. The witness reported seeing a series of four flashes of light, accompanied by muffled retorts. Following the fourth flash, the witness observed an orange sphere, estimated to be the size of a grapefruit, positioned above the trees and houses in the vicinity of the Paul Welch homes. The object remained stationary, glowing orange between the 'explosions,' before disappearing as if an electric light bulb had been turned off. The witness noted that the object did not change size, except during the flashes when its brilliance increased significantly. The witness investigated the possibility of electrical issues, contacting Dayton Power and Light on the morning of December 5, which confirmed no electrical disturbances or service calls in the area. Additionally, the witness confirmed that Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) was not conducting night photography tests on the night of the incident. The official Project 10073 record card concludes that the description provided by the witness is typical of lightning, though it acknowledges the witness should be familiar with such phenomena. Ultimately, the case was classified as having insufficient data for a definitive evaluation.