Project 10073 Record — Mt. Angel, Oregon, 18 July 1968

This document details a UFO sighting reported on 18 July 1968 in the vicinity of Mt. Angel and Silverton, Oregon. A civilian witness reported observing a single, slightly cigar-shaped object that appeared metallic and silver in color. The witness described the object as flying in sharp angles, moving left, right, and upward, before disappearing by ascending straight up. A notable feature reported was that the center of the object's base appeared to be revolving and reflecting sunlight. The total duration of the observation was eight minutes. The Air Force's Aerial Phenomena Office, led by Lt. Colonel Hector Quintanilla, Jr., investigated the report. They contacted the Silverton Police Department to inquire if any other reports of unusual objects had been received in the area, to which the police responded that they had not. The Air Force also sent a letter to the witness requesting they complete an AF Form 117 for further scientific investigation. Internal intelligence assessments by Major Arthur F. Shiflett noted that while the object's appearance suggested a light aircraft, its flight characteristics—specifically the sharp-angled turns and the manner of its vertical disappearance—contradicted that theory. Ultimately, the official conclusion reached by the Air Force was that there was insufficient data for a definitive evaluation.