Project 10073 Record: Cherry Creek, New York Sighting, 19 August 1965

This document details a series of reports concerning an Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) sighting that occurred on August 19, 1965, at the William Butcher dairy farm near Cherry Creek, New York. The primary witness, 16-year-old Harold Butcher, reported observing a large, saucer-shaped object, approximately 50 feet long and 20 feet thick, while working in a barn. The object was described as shiny silver with red glowing streamers and a red-to-yellow trail. The witness reported that the object caused unusual AM radio interference and a 'beep-beep' sound. Upon stepping outside, the witness observed the object ascend rapidly into low clouds, which subsequently turned a green color resembling tree leaves. An odor similar to burning gasoline was noted. The object reportedly reappeared later that evening, descending slowly and performing various maneuvers before moving away in a south-southwest direction. The incident reportedly caused significant distress to livestock on the farm, including a bull that bent a steel bar and a reduction in milk production from the cows. A dog was also reported to have barked throughout the event. The incident was investigated by the 4621st Air Force Group, led by Captain James Dorsey, as well as by NICAP members. While some initial reports from local law enforcement suggested the possibility of a hoax, the Air Force investigators and technicians remained convinced that the sighting was not a fabrication. Physical evidence, including an oily purple substance and singed foliage, was collected and analyzed; however, the substance was identified as a combination of Gentian Violet and 3-in-one oil, which was deemed unrelated to the sighting. Despite the dubiousness of the event sequence, the Air Force officially classified the sighting as 'unidentified' due to the lack of a concrete explanation.