PROJECT 10073 RECORD CARD - 18 Aug 61

On August 18, 1961, at 1600Z, a civilian source reported an unidentified aerial phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean at coordinates 24.53N 150.22W. The witness observed a vapor trail moving from the eastern horizon to the western horizon over the vessel, identified as the SS LURLINE. The trail was described as being at a low altitude and spreading rapidly. The observation lasted for approximately five minutes. The incident was reported via a Department of the Air Force staff message, which was circulated to various military commands, including CINCPACAF, CINCNORAD, and the Air Defense Division in Kunia, Hawaii. The official analysis conducted by ATIC concluded that the phenomenon was a probable missile. This assessment was based on the observation's location, which aligned with the expected down-range flight path of missiles launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Although the specific launch schedule for that time was not available to the reporting location, the analysis noted that there was no information conflicting with the conclusion that the object was a missile. The report includes a note that an advance copy was delivered to OOP-CP on August 18, 1961.