Project 10073 Record: Sighting Report - Wall, South Dakota, 3 October 1966

On 3 October 1966, at approximately 0235Z, four airmen stationed at a Missile Launch Control Facility 19 miles west of Wall, South Dakota, observed four unidentified aerial objects. The witnesses, identified as A2C Paul J. King, A2C Courtis E. Clark, A1C Edward R. Love, and A2C John W. R. Christoph, all members of the 821st Combat Defense Squadron, reported seeing bright orange, cigar-shaped objects hovering at ground level, approximately one-quarter mile east of their site. The objects were described as being roughly the size of a baseball held at arm's length. According to the reports, the objects ascended at a high rate of speed toward the east. The weather conditions were noted as partly cloudy with good visibility. The observers reported no sound associated with the objects, though some mentioned red and blue flashing lights. The crew attempted to mitigate potential reflections by turning down surface lights, but this had no effect on the sighting. The local FAA reported no air traffic in the area. The incident was initially relayed informally through the SAC Command Post to the FTD Duty Officer. Because the report was not submitted in accordance with Air Force Regulation 80-17, the Foreign Technology Division requested formal documentation. Subsequent correspondence between the 821st Combat Support Group and the Foreign Technology Division resulted in the completion of FTD Form 164s by the witnesses. The official conclusion provided by the Base Operations Officer at Ellsworth AFB was that the objects were likely low-flying aircraft, although the witnesses' accounts contained conflicting data regarding the objects' movements and descent.