Project 10073 Record — Sighting Report 6 October 1965

This document is a declassified Air Force staff message regarding a UFO sighting reported on October 6, 1965, in the Pacific region. The witness, Major R. E. Michaud, an aircraft commander with the 552nd AEW, observed a round, reddish-yellow ball of light with a short tail. The object was seen at 35 degrees above the horizon, ahead of the aircraft, and did not maneuver before fading from sight. The observation lasted approximately four minutes, though the investigating officer, Major Arthur F. Shiflett, noted that this duration was inconsistent with typical meteor or space debris sightings and suggested a possible reporting error, proposing the duration may have actually been four seconds. The report includes technical details such as weather conditions, radar data indicating bending between 4,000 and 5,000 feet, and the aircraft's position. The official conclusion reached by the intelligence officer was that the object was likely a meteorite or space debris burning up in the atmosphere. The file also notes the existence of 17 photographs and two 35mm films related to the case, which were held in the custody of the Audio-Visual Division.