Project 10073 Record — Sighting of 4 January 1965, Bethel, Vermont

This document archive details a UFO sighting that occurred on 4 January 1965, between Bethel and Randolph, Vermont. The primary witnesses were Dr. Richard S. Woodruff, a State Pathologist, and Corporal Ronald J. Woodward of the Vermont State Police. While driving on Highway 12 at approximately 5:15 PM, both men observed three objects that they described as orangish-red, round, and appearing like a 'ball of fire.' The objects were estimated to be the size of a football held at arm's length, moving in a rapid, horizontal arc from west to east at an altitude of 200-300 feet. The witnesses reported no sound and no visible tail of flame. The sighting lasted only a few seconds. The incident was reported to the Vermont Aeronautics Board and subsequently to NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena). The USAF, through the Aerial Phenomena Branch, evaluated the sighting as a probable observation of meteors, specifically the Quadrantid meteor shower. Both Dr. Woodruff and Cpl. Woodward strongly contested this conclusion, arguing that the objects' behavior, appearance, and lack of trails were inconsistent with meteors. The archive includes extensive correspondence between NICAP investigators, Dr. Woodruff, and USAF officials, including Major Hector Quintanilla, Jr., regarding the disagreement over the official explanation. The documents also contain newspaper clippings and internal NICAP analysis attempting to refute the meteor hypothesis.