Project 10073 Record Card and Correspondence — Forbes AFB, Kansas, 2 January 1963

This document details a UFO sighting report filed by Airman Russell R. Newman of the 815th Combat Defense Squadron at Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas, on January 2, 1963. At approximately 1257Z, the witness observed a bright light that changed color from orange to red and increased in brilliance. The object appeared in the southwest at an elevation of 20 degrees and moved toward the east, disappearing over the horizon within two to three seconds. The witness reported no sound or trail and estimated the distance to be two miles. The weather conditions at the time were reported as fog and light drizzle with a ceiling of zero and visibility of 5/8 of a mile. The report includes a follow-up communication from Colonel Eric T. de Jonckheere, dated March 9, 1964, requesting further information from Airman Newman regarding the movement of the object, noting a discrepancy between the reported movement and the poor visibility conditions. Lieutenant Lambert, who was at the site, also recalled a similar phenomenon from November 1961. The official conclusion provided by 2/Lt John K. Hord suggests the phenomenon may have been the reflection of a colored searchlight off the fog, although the initial record card also lists 'Astronomical Meteor' as a classification.