Project 10073 Record — Sighting Report, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1 January 1968

This document contains a collection of correspondence, sighting questionnaires, and internal records regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon reported in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the evening of January 1, 1968. The primary witness, an electrical engineer, reported observing two bright red, self-luminous objects in the eastern sky between 9:20 P.M. and 9:30 P.M. EST. The witness, who was with family members, observed the objects from his backyard using 7x35 binoculars. He described the objects as appearing similar to bright stars but noted they were capable of changing position relative to one another, moving from a horizontal to a vertical orientation. The objects flickered at approximately four-second intervals and eventually dimmed and disappeared one by one. The witness noted that the temperature was approximately +9°F with clear, cloudless skies and no wind. Following the sighting, the witness contacted the local police, who confirmed they had no reports of unusual activity. After observing a brief mention of the event in the local newspaper and waiting for an official explanation that never came, the witness filed a formal report with the Air Force. The Air Force investigation, led by Major Hector Quintanilla, Jr., of the Aerial Phenomena Office, ultimately concluded that the objects were likely 'garment bag hot air balloons.' The file includes multiple iterations of the sighting questionnaire, correspondence between the Air Force and the witness regarding the correct date of the incident, and a formal inquiry sent to the Cincinnati Police Department, which yielded no corroborating reports. The document also includes a reference sheet describing the characteristics of 'garment bag hot air balloons,' which the Air Force used to explain the sighting, noting that such objects often appear as red, orange, or white lights and can remain aloft for 10 to 15 minutes.