Alleged UFO Sighting, 25 June 1964, El Paso, Texas

This document collection details the investigation of a UFO sighting reported by 14-year-old Jack Spiro in El Paso, Texas, on June 25, 1964. Spiro, using a telescope, observed three V-shaped objects in the southwestern sky, describing one as glowing and two as 'dark ivory' in color. He captured 28 frames of color motion picture film of the objects. The sighting was investigated by the 95th Bombardment Wing at Biggs Air Force Base. The investigation concluded that the objects were a weather observation balloon launched from the El Paso weather station approximately ten minutes before the sighting. Tracking data from the launch site was found to correspond with the reported positions of the objects. The film was sent to the U.S. Army Photographic Range Instrumentation Laboratory at Fort Bliss for analysis. The laboratory specialists, in the presence of the photographer, examined the film and determined that the camera was in constant motion during the three-second exposure period. The analysis revealed only the top of an occasional telephone pole and scattered clouds. Air Force officials, including Major Thornton and Colonel William W. Saunders, maintained that the objects were identified as a balloon and its instrument packages. Despite the official conclusion, the documentation reflects some tension, as the witness's mother expressed resentment regarding the Air Force's change in attitude after initial reports suggested the film contained 'something unusual.' The case was ultimately carried in Air Force files as a balloon observation, and no formal report was submitted to higher command because the investigating officer was satisfied with the identification.