UFO Observation, 28 March 1968 — Grand Valley, Colorado

This document collection details the investigation of a UFO sighting reported by a civilian in Grand Valley, Colorado, on the evening of March 28, 1968. The witness reported observing an orange light moving straight up in the western sky. The light reportedly extinguished and then reappeared, remaining visible for approximately ten seconds. The witness provided a detailed account, noting the object's speed appeared to be two to four times that of a commercial jet and estimating its altitude at 100,000 feet or more. The witness also noted a sound similar to a jet passing over, heard roughly a minute and a half after the sighting. The Aerial Phenomena Office, led by Lt. Col. Hector Quintanilla, Jr., initially requested that the witness complete an AF Form 117, as the initial report was considered insufficient for a formal scientific investigation. Following internal inquiries, the Air Force coordinated with the Department of the Army at the White Sands Missile Range. It was confirmed that an Athena missile had been launched from Green River, Utah, at 2124 hours on the night of the sighting. The Air Force concluded that the burning characteristics of the Athena missile's boosters were consistent with the witness's description, and therefore, the object was very likely the Athena missile.