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Declassified UFO / UAP Document

Project 10073 Record Card — Danbury, Connecticut, 22 September 1961

📅 22 Sep 61 📍 Danbury, Conneticut 🏛 AFSC (FTD) 📄 Record Card and Correspondence
Project 10073DanburyConnecticutUFOflareballoon1961

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AI-Generated Summary

TL;DR

A civilian reported a bright, descending object in Danbury, Connecticut, on September 22, 1961. Air Force investigators concluded the object was likely a flare attached to a balloon.

This document contains a Project 10073 Record Card and associated correspondence regarding a UFO sighting reported by a civilian, Mrs. Voit, on September 22, 1961, in Danbury, Connecticut. The witness observed an object at 0315 hours that appeared to be descending at a 40-50 degree angle. She described the object as burning brightly and appearing to operate mechanically, noting that it seemed to 'spurt' fire and light up at regular intervals, suggesting a diving motion rather than the descent of a falling star. The official evaluation, conducted by AFSC (FTD), concluded that the object was likely a flare. The report notes that there have been previous instances where flares attached to balloons were misidentified as UFOs. The documentation includes a cover memo from Lt. Colonel Richard G. Jones of the Directorate of Warning and Threat Assessments, forwarding the report for action, as well as a copy of the original correspondence addressed to the Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara.

It is quite possible that object was a flare. It has been previously reported that there has been instances where flares have have been sent up attached to balloons which were subsequently reported as UFO's.

Official Assessment

It is quite possible that object was a flare. It has been previously reported that there has been instances where flares have have been sent up attached to balloons which were subsequently reported as UFO's. It is therefore concluded that object was probably a flare.

The object was likely a flare attached to a balloon.

Witnesses

Key Persons

Organizations