Project 10073 Record: Sighting at Eielson AFB, 11 July 1968

On the morning of 11 July 1968, at approximately 0300 local time, tower personnel at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska observed a large, bright orange or yellow light in the sky south of the base. The object remained in view for approximately 25 minutes, showing little lateral movement before gradually dimming and disappearing into a layer of haze. The observers, including the tower operator and the Supervisor of Flying, Major Gamon, described the object as self-luminous, solid, and round with sharp edges. Radar controllers at the Fairbanks RAPCON were contacted and reported radar returns south of Eielson AFB. However, the investigation concluded that these radar returns did not correlate well with the visual sightings in terms of movement and were likely 'ghosts' or anomalous propagation, a common occurrence in the region. The investigation involved contacting multiple agencies, including the 744th ACW Squadron at Murphy Dome, to rule out known aircraft, balloons, or other vehicles. The final report, signed by Major Robert S. Adams, concluded that the sighting remained an 'Unidentified Flying Object' as it could not be explained and appeared out of the ordinary, making it reportable under Air Force Regulation 80-17.