Project 10073 Record — St. Louis, Missouri, April 9, 1968

This document contains a sighting report and associated correspondence regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon observed in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 9, 1968. The primary witness, a nine-year-old child, reported observing a yellow, flickering light in the southeast sky while playing with friends. The witness described the object as appearing square or rectangular, specifically noting it looked like three squares attached in a row. The observation lasted approximately one minute before the object vanished. The witness initially compared the object to the moon, noting it shone brightly. Following the report, the U.S. Air Force Office of Information, specifically Lt. Colonel David L. Stiles, responded to the witness's letter dated April 10, 1968. The Air Force requested that the witness complete a formal questionnaire to assist in their evaluation. The final assessment recorded in the Project 10073 file concluded that the phenomenon was a 'possible (HOT AIR BALLOON),' suggesting it may have been a 'garmet bag hot air balloon.' The file includes the completed questionnaire, sketches of the object, and the original correspondence between the witness and the Air Force.