UFO Observation, 19 July 1968 — Lima, Ohio

This document collection details a UFO sighting reported by Geneva Marshall in Lima, Ohio, on the night of July 19, 1968. The witness, who was at the Gloria Drive-In Theater, reported seeing an object that she initially mistook for a falling star. She described the object as having numerous orangish-amber lights, appearing to spin, and moving in a consistent back-and-forth pattern across the sky. She later observed the object again, noting it resembled a large diesel train engine with window-like openings on its side. She reported hearing a high-intensity whirring sound. The Air Force's Aerial Phenomena Office, led by Lt. Colonel Hector Quintanilla, Jr., investigated the report. They contacted the Lima Airport and the Lima Police Department to verify if any other reports or unusual aerial activity had been recorded that night. Both organizations responded that they had no knowledge of any such events. The Air Force provided the witness with an AF Form 117 questionnaire to gather more detailed information. Despite the witness's detailed account, the official conclusion reached by the Air Force was that there was 'Insufficient Data for Evaluation.' The investigation notes suggest that the description provided by the witness was very similar to that of an aircraft equipped with an electrical advertising sign, though no such aircraft was confirmed to be operating in the area at the time.