Project 10073 Record: UFO Sighting Report - Pottstown, Pennsylvania, 28 July 1968

This document collection details the investigation of a UFO sighting reported by a newspaper editor in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, on the evening of July 28, 1968. The witness, who was sky-watching due to previous reports in the area, observed a round, bright light that changed colors from red to white to pale orange-red. The object was reported to have moved in a Northwesterly direction, performing a tight triangular pattern with sudden, erratic movements before disappearing at the horizon. The observation lasted approximately 20 minutes. The witness, frustrated by what he perceived as unprofessional treatment and a 'mickey mouse' response from the duty officer at McGuire Air Force Base, contacted his congressman, Richard S. Schweiker. This led to an internal Air Force inquiry involving the Foreign Technology Division (TDPT-UFO) and Capt. Jesse Underwood at Benton Air Force Station. The correspondence reveals significant internal friction regarding how the Air Force handled public inquiries. Air Force personnel, including Lt. Col. Hector Quintanilla and Capt. Underwood, debated whether an official apology was warranted for the perceived dismissiveness of the duty officer at McGuire AFB. The investigation concluded with a possible identification of the object as a hot air balloon, though the witness expressed skepticism regarding this explanation. The documents also highlight the broader administrative challenges faced by the Air Force in managing UFO reports, with some officers suggesting that the current reporting procedure was inefficient and ineffective.