PROJECT 10073 RECORD CARD — Bay Minette, Alabama, 19 May 1961

This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and a formal report from the 2350th Air Base Wing (AMC) regarding an unidentified flying object sighting on May 19, 1961. The incident occurred seven miles west of Bay Minette, Alabama, at 1618Z. A civilian witness, deemed reliable by the investigating officer, 2nd Lt. William E. Stearley, reported seeing an oval-shaped object that appeared to have the surface characteristics of aluminum reflecting the sun. The witness described the object as being the size of a grapefruit held at arm's length. The object traveled from ENE to SSW, covering a 20-degree arc in approximately 30 seconds without performing any maneuvers. The witness initially believed the object to be a satellite. Following the report, the Air Force conducted an investigation, which included checking with other military units, such as an Air Policeman at Mexico Beach near Tyndall AFB, Florida, and monitoring for potential scrambles of aircraft like the F-102. These follow-up inquiries produced negative results. Due to the lack of conflicting information and the witness's own assessment, the case was officially categorized under the satellite classification. The report was signed by Captain J. E. Davis of the Security and Law Enforcement Division at Brookley Air Force Base.