Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Project 10073 Record: UFO Sighting Report - 15 December 1968
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AI-Generated Summary
A former Air Force member reported a silent, rapidly descending, color-changing light over St. Louis, Montana, on December 15, 1968. The Air Force officially categorized the incident as a possible hot air balloon.
This document contains a formal UFO sighting report filed by a 48-year-old former Air Force member regarding an incident on December 15, 1968, in St. Louis, Montana. The witness, who was outdoors at 4:20 A.M., observed a light that descended rapidly from an estimated 40,000 feet to 3,000 feet. The witness described the object as initially appearing star-like, then changing into a cigar shape, and finally returning to a round shape. The object was described as having a fluorescent red color and moving in an erratic fashion toward the North/North-East before disappearing. The witness explicitly noted the lack of any sound, stating that if it had been an airplane, they would have heard the engine or the swish of air. The witness reported the incident to the local airport, which directed them to Scott Air Force Base. The official Air Force documentation, dated January 8, 1969, includes weather data for the time of the sighting, noting clear skies and 25-mile visibility. The project record concludes with a potential explanation of 'Possible (HOT AIR BALLOON)'. The witness emphasized their experience with aircraft, asserting that the object was not a conventional plane.
If it had been a plane at about 3000ft to 5000ft. I'm sure I could have heard some noise, even if the engine had been cut I'm sure I could hear the swish of the air. With this thing I heard absolutely nothing.
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Official Assessment
Possible (HOT AIR BALLOON)
The observer reported a light descending rapidly from high altitude, changing shape and color, and moving in an erratic fashion before disappearing. The official conclusion provided on the project record is 'Possible (HOT AIR BALLOON)'.