Project 10073 Record: UFO Sighting, 17 July 1965, Dudley, Massachusetts

This document details a UFO sighting reported by two youths, aged 16 and 17, in Dudley, Massachusetts, on July 17, 1965. The witnesses reported observing an oval, cigar-shaped object, approximately the size of a pencil, which appeared silver-yellow in color. According to the witnesses, the object remained stationary for 15 to 20 minutes, moving left and right before eventually disappearing by shooting straight up. The witnesses attempted to use a telescope, but tree branches obstructed their view. The report was initially processed by the 551st Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing at Otis Air Force Base. The initial military assessment, provided by Lt. Colonel Charles P. Carlley, suggested the sighting was valid, noting the sincerity of the witnesses. However, the report was forwarded to the Foreign Technology Division (FTD) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for further evaluation under Project Blue Book. Major Hector Quintanilla, Jr., the Chief of Project Blue Book, determined that the information provided was insufficient for a definitive evaluation. Subsequent internal notes indicate that the sighting was likely an astronomical phenomenon, specifically the star Regulus, and that the reported motion was likely illusory, potentially caused by atmospheric refraction. The final conclusion of the Air Force was that the report was unreliable and provided insufficient data for statistical purposes.