Project 10073 Record: UFO Observation, 25 August 1967

This document contains a Project 10073 record regarding a UFO sighting reported on 25 August 1967 near St. Vrain, New Mexico. The primary witness, a truck driver, reported observing a round, whitish-yellow object, approximately 3/4 the size of the moon, which appeared to have a trailing tail that glowed and changed shape. The object was observed for 14 minutes, during which it initially lost altitude, then gained altitude, and eventually performed a 'U' turn before disappearing to the southwest. The witness also reported seeing two other objects that looked like meteors but did not burn out, which were later identified as parts of an Athena missile impact at White Sands. The investigation, conducted by SSgt James O'Donnell of the 27th Tactical Fighter Wing, included follow-up inquiries with Cannon AFB and White Sands. It was determined that White Sands had two re-entry vehicles scheduled that morning. The investigator concluded that the primary sighting could not be definitively explained, but suggested that a temperature inversion at 18,000 feet, combined with the reflection of lights, might have been responsible. The document includes the original FTD Form 164 questionnaire completed by the witness, as well as internal memos for the record detailing the investigative process.