Project 10073 Record Cards and Evaluation Correspondence — Kirksville AFS, Missouri, September 1960

This document collection contains official Project 10073 record cards and related correspondence regarding unidentified aerial phenomena reported by the 790th Radar Squadron at Kirksville Air Force Station, Missouri, in September 1960. Two primary incidents are documented. The first, occurring on September 17, 1960, involved 8-12 objects in a trail formation observed at 95,000 feet, which descended to 23,000 feet before being lost. Later, 6-8 objects were tracked at 100,000 feet. The second incident, on September 20, 1960, involved three groups of four objects in trail formation, which were tracked at various altitudes including 10,000, 65,000, and 70,000 feet. In both instances, the objects were tracked using the AN/FPS-6A height-finder radar. The witnesses, including A/1C Charles J. Herrick, A/2C Charles F. Patmnn, A/2C Donald L. Mitchell, and TSgt James H. Estep, were noted as reliable. Following a request for evaluation by Colonel Richard R. Shoop, the AFCIN-4E1 office, under Acting Chief Roy L. James, concluded that the sightings were not anomalous. The official evaluation stated that the AN/FPS-6A radar equipment was sufficiently powerful to pick up atmospheric reflections, particularly when warm, moist air mixed with cold, dry air. This weather-related explanation was supported by the fact that a severe weather advisory had been issued for the region at the time. The report notes that no other stations in the area reported similar targets, which limited the ability to further verify the atmospheric explanation. The documents include the original record cards, the request for evaluation, and the final assessment provided by the Air Force intelligence office.