Report of Unidentified Flying Objects, Bourbon, Missouri

This document is a compilation of reports, correspondence, and field investigations concerning a series of unidentified aerial phenomena sightings in Bourbon, Missouri, beginning on February 8, 1967. The primary witness, a 61-year-old housewife, reported frequent, almost nightly sightings of reddish, glowing lights near her home. These objects were described as ranging from the size of a grapefruit to the size of a car, sometimes appearing as a single light, other times as a triangle of three lights, or as an elongated object with legs. Witnesses reported that the objects hovered near the ground, emitted a fan-shaped white light, and occasionally touched the ground, leaving behind physical evidence such as burned rhubarb leaves. The sightings were accompanied by reports of electromagnetic interference, including 'beep' signals on television sets and erratic furnace behavior. The Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the reports, with Trooper D. R. Shelton visiting the site and observing lights that he evaluated as aircraft. The Air Force, specifically the 375th Aeromedical Airlift Wing, conducted an investigation in response to a congressional inquiry from Representative Richard H. Ichord. The Air Force concluded that the sightings could not be definitively identified due to the lack of specific dates and times for each occurrence, and noted that the area is in a path of heavy military and commercial air traffic. Despite the lack of a positive identification, investigators noted the sincerity and rational demeanor of the witnesses, including a local minister who vouched for the primary witness's character. The case was ultimately classified as having insufficient data for a positive conclusion.