UFO Observation, 13 March 1968 — Salem, Ohio

This document contains a series of records regarding a UFO sighting reported by a civilian in Salem, Ohio, on March 13, 1968. The observer, a 38-year-old female, reported seeing an object shaped like a blimp at approximately 2300 hours. She described the object as having a red front, a blue middle, and a very intense white rear, which she noted was brighter than any fluorescent light. She also reported hearing a 'swishing' sound. The object was in view for approximately one minute before passing behind a cloud. The observer completed an Air Force Technical Information questionnaire (AF Form 117) to provide details, including sketches of the object's shape and path. The Air Force's Foreign Technology Division, specifically the Aerial Phenomena Office, initiated an investigation into the report. They contacted the Salem Police Department to inquire if any other reports of unusual objects had been received for that date; the police responded that they had checked their files and found nothing. The Air Force concluded that the data was conflicting and insufficient for a scientific investigation. The file also includes correspondence from the Aerial Phenomena Office to other individuals regarding separate sightings in Neville and Mt. Healthy, Ohio, suggesting a broader effort by the Air Force to investigate reports of aerial phenomena in the region during the spring of 1968.