Project 10073 Record Card and Air Intelligence Information Report — Monroe, Louisiana, 15 January 1962

On 15 January 1962, at 1058Z, a civilian witness in Monroe, Louisiana, reported observing three or more unidentified objects. The witness described the objects as round, white, and approximately the size of a half-dollar, with occasional rust-colored centers. The objects were reported to have an arrow-like shape with two fixed arcs suspended downward, each spanning 35 degrees. The witness observed the objects wobbling like a top during deceleration and performing various maneuvers, including a 20-degree bank in formation. The objects were seen 10 degrees above the horizon before fading from sight to the south. The witness, whose identity is redacted, was interviewed by Lt. Col. D.G. Thompson of the 4238 Strategic Wing at Barksdale AFB. The investigating officer, A/2C Frederick J. Wise, noted that the witness appeared normal and reliable. A preliminary analysis conducted by the Air Intelligence Division concluded that the sighting was likely a combination of weather balloons released from Barksdale AFB and Texarkana, Arkansas, and the rising of the moon. The report further suggests that the characteristics of the objects were similar to stars, specifically Beta Centaurus and Beta Crux, which were distorted by atmospheric refraction at the time of the sighting. The report was approved by Lt. Col. Bithel L. Ellis.