Project 10073 Record Card and UFO Report — Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, 25 September 1961

This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and an accompanying Air Force staff message detailing a UFO sighting that occurred on September 25, 1961, near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. The witness, a 29-year-old former USAF jet mechanic, reported observing a round, black object that appeared to be the size of a dime at arm's length. The object, which trailed black smoke, was observed twice for 1.5 minutes each time while the witness was driving. During the observation, the object reportedly turned to a red glow, with its light intensity compared to the dimming of a light via a rheostat. The object moved toward the southeast and gained altitude. A preliminary investigation conducted by the Intelligence Officer at the Grand Forks Air Defense Sector found no explanation for the sighting. The investigation involved telephonic interviews with the witness, consultation with Detachment 2 of the 29th Weather Squadron, and coordination with FAA and military tower operators in Grand Forks and Fargo. While other aircraft, specifically DC-8s and B-52s, were reported in the general area by the Duluth Air Defense Sector's SAGE identification section, they were not linked to the sighting. The report notes that no balloons were released in the area during the period and that no unusual objects were detected by the Grand Forks Air Defense Sector. The investigation was initiated following a separate unusual sighting report broadcast on a local television station.