Project 10073 Record — Manitou Springs, Colorado, 6 August 1965

On 6 August 1965, at 1710Z, a sighting of an unidentified object occurred in Manitou Springs, Colorado. The initial report was made by a lifeguard at a local pool who observed the object through binoculars. The object was described as round, flat like an oyster, and appearing the size of a silver dollar. It was noted to be silver in sunlight against the sky, but appeared black against clouds. The object drifted from east to west before disappearing behind mountains. The investigation, conducted by Captain Dehoff of the 4600 ABWG at Peterson Field, determined that the sighting coincided with the local rodeo season, during which many gas-filled toy balloons were being sold and released in the Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs area. A witness who had initially reported the object later contacted the investigator to confirm that, upon closer inspection with binoculars, the objects were definitely toy balloons of assorted colors, sizes, and shapes. Further inquiries with local law enforcement, NORAD, SPADATS, and FAA facilities yielded no additional significant information. The final conclusion of the investigating officer was that the object was a gas-filled toy balloon.