Project 10073 Record Card and Air Intelligence Information Report — Suffolk, Virginia, August 1961

On August 6, 1961, at approximately 2235 local time, a couple in Suffolk, Virginia, observed five to seven unidentified objects in the sky. The witnesses, who were standing by their car due to mechanical trouble, described the objects as orange, two-bladed propeller-like shapes that appeared to be the size of a small watermelon when held at arm's length. The objects were initially seen in a 'V' formation before transitioning into a trail formation and circling in a clockwise manner for approximately two to three minutes. The witnesses reported that the objects had no sound, no exhausts, and no trails, but appeared to be wavering. An eight-year-old girl and her mother were also mentioned as witnesses, though they only observed the objects as they were disappearing to the North-east. Major Albert F. Houghton of the 4505 Air Refueling Wing conducted an investigation into the incident. He visited the residence of the primary witnesses on August 12, 1961, to gather further details. In his report, Major Houghton noted that the witnesses' home was located near a four-lane highway featuring brightly lit car dealerships and a 24-hour fruit market. The investigator concluded that the objects were likely birds reflecting the neon lights from these nearby commercial establishments. This conclusion was supported by the description of the objects' movement, which the investigator felt resembled birds looking for a place to land. The incident was documented in several communications, including an Air Intelligence Information Report (ARWOI 61-0001) and internal military messages, which requested further clarification on the size and elevation of the objects. The final assessment by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) categorized the sighting as a reflection of light on birds.