Project 10073 Record Card and Related Correspondence: Sighting near Battle Creek, Michigan, 26 June 1960

On 26 June 1960, at 2130Z, a civilian observer reported sighting three box-like objects near Turtle Lake, 20 miles south of Battle Creek, Michigan. The objects were described as having no sharp corners, being silvery in color, and reflecting sunlight. They were observed in a line formation, spaced approximately two miles apart, moving in a southerly direction at a very slow speed for approximately five minutes. The observer, who was in a boat on the lake, noted an absence of sound. The observer captured the event using an 8mm Revere eye-matic movie camera with a 32.5mm telescopic lens, using Kodakchrome Type A daylight film.

The report was processed by the Detroit Air Defense Sector (ADC) and forwarded to the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) at Wright-Patterson AFB. Subsequent investigations included inquiries to the 30 Air Division (SAGE) and local air defense control centers (AADCP) to determine if any aircraft were in the area at the time of the sighting. All radar checks returned negative results. The 8mm film was examined, but officials reported that the images were too small and lacked sufficient detail to identify the objects, showing only an oblong orange light. Despite the lack of radar confirmation and the inconclusive nature of the film, the investigator, MSGT Hunter W. Crowder, concluded that the objects were likely helicopters. This conclusion was based on the witness's own identification and subsequent interviews. The case was closed with the determination that the objects were probably helicopters, though the official record notes that efforts to confirm the presence of helicopters in the area at that time were unsuccessful.