Dietrich, IdahoFebruary 1953

On February 3, 1953, at about 9:53 p.m., a civilian reported an object over Dietrich, Idaho. The witness was interviewed by phone and additional witnesses were named in the report.

The object was described as silver in color, with no audible sound and no indication of its type of propulsion. It was oblong in shape, round on the leading edge with a fish-tail shape on the trailing edge. Witnesses reported that two or three jets and one bomber were in the area at the time. The jets appeared to be making passes at the bomber.

Witnesses said the object went into a zig-zag motion when the planes were overhead, and seemed to be trying to avoid contact with the aircraft. It was first sighted at a low altitude, about 7,000 feet, and disappeared to the west at a high altitude. It was first seen with the naked eye, then watched for about thirty minutes through binoculars, from about 10:15 p.m. to 11:17 p.m.

Weather showed scattered clouds at 5,500 feet and 30 miles visibility. The record notes inconsistencies in the reported speed. The card lists the conclusion as balloon.