Project 10073 Record: Sighting Report - Decatur, Illinois, October 1968

This document contains a Project 10073 record regarding a UFO sighting reported by a civilian in Decatur, Illinois, in October 1968. The witness, a 13-year-old, reported observing a bright, star-like object on the nights of October 20 or 21, 1968. The witness provided a detailed narrative and completed a Sighting of Unidentified Phenomena Questionnaire (Form 117). According to the witness, the object was initially spotted around 6:30 P.M. and appeared as a white light. Upon using a telescope, the witness described the object as having a diamond shape, glowing with a dark greenish color, and emitting red and blue lights. The witness also reported that the object shot out lightning-like bolts, which caused a physical sensation of coldness and tingling. The observation lasted approximately 95 minutes. The witness noted that the object moved from SSW to WSW and eventually disappeared in the northeast. The Air Force investigation, conducted by Major James H. Aikman at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, noted significant discrepancies in the witness's account, specifically regarding the date of the sighting. The official conclusion reached by the Air Force was that the observer was likely viewing the star Arcturus, which was visible in the western sky at the time. Due to the conflicting dates provided by the witness, the case was officially classified as 'Conflicting Data.' The document includes the original correspondence from the witness to the Air Force, the completed questionnaire, and the official response from the Air Force advising the witness on how to report future sightings and suggesting educational materials on identifying flying objects.