Sighting Report — Bolar, Virginia, January 1965

This document consists of a formal sighting report and a supporting letter from Mrs. Virginia C. Howdyshell, the Postmaster of Bolar, Virginia, addressed to the Commanding General at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Mrs. Howdyshell reports observing a round, reddish-orange glowing object on the nights of January 25 and 26, 1965. The object, estimated to be approximately 8 inches in diameter, was observed at a distance of roughly 270 yards from the Bolar Post Office. The witness noted that the object would disappear for 2-3 seconds before reappearing, and it appeared to be either on the ground or hovering a few feet above it. Additionally, she reported seeing large, bluish-white circles of light, similar to fluorescent lamps, located about 75 yards from the primary object. These circles moved in various directions and were observed through the windows of a trailer by her son-in-law. Mrs. Howdyshell, acting on the advice of Postal Inspector J. S. Whitlack, felt compelled to report the incident despite initial hesitation, noting that she and her husband had carefully checked the area and were certain there was nothing local that could account for the lights. The official military evaluation, recorded on the FTD form, concludes that the phenomena were likely terrestrial in origin, specifically attributing the lights to flashlights or lanterns used by hunters, with the larger circles caused by light beams reflecting off the mountainside or other solid objects.