Analysis of Metallic Sphere — Liberty, Ohio, February 1965

This document details the recovery and subsequent technical analysis of a metallic sphere found in Liberty, Ohio, in February 1965. The object was discovered by two 14-year-old boys while building a tree house near a body of water. After the object was reported to the Air Force, it was transferred to the Foreign Technology Division (FTD) and subsequently analyzed by the Air Force Materials Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The technical examination revealed that the object was a 9-inch diameter sphere weighing approximately 23.99 pounds, constructed from two aluminum (195 casting alloy) hemispheres held together by four steel set screws. The exterior was finished with black paint, and the interior showed signs of severe corrosion. The laboratory concluded that the object was of American origin and was likely designed for compressive loads, though it was not suitable for internal gas pressure. The report explicitly notes that the object did not exhibit any evidence of 'space residence.' Several potential applications were considered, including use as a waste disposal container for radioactive materials or as a protective shell for instrumentation in nuclear blast tests, but none were confirmed. Following the analysis, the sphere was returned to its owner on 26 March 1965. The file includes various administrative records, including property receipts, photo service requests for X-rays and exterior shots, and correspondence from Major Hector Quintanilla, Jr., Chief of Project Blue Book, informing the owner of the findings.