Project 10073 Record Card and Teletype Report — Rockville, Maryland, June 1950

This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and a subsequent teletype report regarding a UFO sighting that occurred on June 8, 1950, in Rockville, Maryland. The primary witness was Major William B. Jakeway of the 6970 Support Squadron, stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland. Major Jakeway observed a single object at approximately 0130Z. He described the object as having the shape of a Matador missile, roughly the size of a jet aircraft, and noted it possessed a trail of flame measuring 25 to 50 yards in length. The object moved in a straight, flat path at a high rate of speed, maintaining an elevation of 45 to 50 degrees. The observation lasted for five minutes. Major Jakeway initially mistook the object for a comet before calling his family to witness it. The report notes that the weather conditions were clear and calm. The investigation was conducted by Captain James B. Farmer, the Airdrome Officer, who assessed the witness as reliable. Captain Farmer concluded that the object was likely a jet aircraft operating with its afterburner engaged, which would account for the observed exhaust flame. The report was transmitted via teletype from Base Operations at Bolling Air Force Base to various commands, including the Air Defense Command and the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC).