UFO Sighting Report — Alden, Michigan, 18 August 1965

On August 18, 1965, multiple civilians in the vicinity of Alden, Traverse City, and Platte Lake, Michigan, reported observing an unidentified flying object. The reports were received by the local police department and subsequently referred to the Air Force. TSgt David N. Moody and Major Frank D. Bingham of Empire AFS conducted an investigation into the sightings. Witnesses, including a student, a sheriff's deputy, and a state trooper, described a round object, approximately the size of an average star, which changed colors from red to white to green. The object was observed at an altitude of 50 to 60 degrees above the horizon and exhibited movement ranging from stationary to steady travel in a northeast direction. The duration of the observation was reported as 5 to 8 minutes. One witness captured the object on film using an 8mm Bell & Howell camera with an F1.8 lens and a haze filter, utilizing Kodachrome II daylight film. Approximately 20 feet of undeveloped film was forwarded to the 26th ADIV for analysis. Empire AFS reported no radar contact regarding the object. Following an investigation and coordination with AFSC (FTD), Major Bingham concluded that the object was the Echo II satellite, which was noted to be west of Detroit at 1119 hours on the same date, heading northeast. The report was submitted in accordance with AFR 200-2.