Project 10073 Record — Bossier City, La., 8 April 1966

On 8 April 1966, at approximately 0150Z, a college student from La. Tech, while visiting home in Bossier City, Louisiana, observed an unidentified object in the sky. The witness, accompanied by several elderly neighbors, described a round, orange-red object that appeared to hover, circle, and then climb rapidly at a 60-degree angle. The witness used 16x50 binoculars to observe the object, noting that it appeared to flash bright and dim repeatedly and left a smoke trail before disappearing into the overcast. The witness estimated the object was approximately three miles away, potentially over Barksdale AFB or a shopping center in Shreve City. Major Donald R. Ryan, the investigating officer, conducted a follow-up investigation in the area. He noted that a carnival was operating in Shreve City with tall rides featuring bright, flashing lights. Major Ryan concluded that the witness had not seen a physical object, but rather the reflection of these carnival lights against the high overcast cloud layer (approximately 6000 feet). He noted that another report of a red light had been received from the area, and that the primary witness, Mr. Gaulden, admitted he only saw the lights, not a solid object.