UFO Observation, 17 and 18 February 1968 — Miami, Florida

This document contains a formal Air Force response and the associated sighting questionnaire regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon reported in Miami, Florida, on February 17 and 18, 1968. The witness, a Foreign Service Officer and former Air Force Captain with private pilot experience, reported observing a total of five objects over two consecutive nights. The witness described the objects as orange, ball-like lights that rose from the horizon, moved in a straight trajectory, flickered, dropped sparks, and eventually burned out. The witness noted that the objects appeared to move at approximately 110 knots and were silent. The witness initially speculated that the objects might have been fireworks or flares, but expressed doubt due to the duration of the sighting and the consistency of the behavior. The Air Force, represented by Lt. Col. Hector Quintanilla, Jr., responded to the witness on June 14, 1968, stating that the observations were likely 'garmet bag hot air balloons.' The document includes an enclosure describing these balloons, noting that they are often made from garment bags, use a heat source on a balsa wood platform, and can appear as bright, flickering lights that drop burning debris before disappearing.