UFO Sighting, 22 August 1967, Washington, D. C.

On August 22, 1967, at approximately 2200 hours local time, numerous reports were received regarding an unidentified object over the Georgetown area of Washington, D.C. The object was described by observers as a round, red light, roughly the size of a baseball or grapefruit, which appeared to flash at intervals. It made no sound, left no trail, and was observed to move in a northeasterly direction before disappearing suddenly. The sighting lasted between 10 and 20 minutes. Following the incident, Lt. Willard D. Nielsen of the 1001st Air Base Wing at Andrews AFB conducted an investigation. He interviewed witnesses, including a D.C. police officer who was on duty at the corner of Wisconsin and Q Streets at the time of the sighting. This officer described the object as looking like a red railroad flare. Despite inquiries with the D.C. police, the Ellington police, and local air traffic control, no radar confirmation or physical evidence was found. Major Quintanilla of the Air Force's UFO investigative unit coordinated with Lt. Nielsen and Public Relations officials to manage public inquiries, emphasizing the need for confirmation before releasing a formal statement. The investigation ultimately concluded that the object was likely a red light or flare attached to a balloon, potentially released as a hoax. Lt. Nielsen recommended no further action unless the object reappeared.