Project 10073 Record Card and Incoming Message regarding UFO Sighting, 21 October 1959

This document consists of a Project 10073 Record Card and an associated incoming Air Force staff message regarding a UFO sighting reported on October 21, 1959. The sighting occurred at 0507Z in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 380 miles east of Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. The observer, Seaman W.J. Lawrence, was stationed on the flying bridge of the USS Skywatcher (AGR 2). He reported seeing a tear-shaped, bluish-white light with vapors following it, which moved from east to west on a true heading of 285 degrees. The object appeared to follow the curve of the earth but did not pass the horizon, eventually appearing to burn out. The duration of the observation was approximately ten seconds. The report notes that there was no radar contact made at the time of the sighting. Weather conditions at the time were reported as night with stratus clouds at 6500 feet and visibility better than ten miles. The report was prepared by SSGT Donald E. Woods of the Intelligence Division at the New York Air Defense Sector. Attempts to follow up with the picket ship for further information were unsuccessful as the ship had been relieved from its station and was bound for its home port. The official conclusion recorded on the card is that the description is similar to a meteor at high altitude. The document also includes detailed wind and altitude data provided by Detachment 4 of the 12th Weather Squadron.