UFO seen near Wake Island in 1959

Summary

In September 1959, U.S. Air Force officer 1st Lt William F. Schroeder observed an unusual aerial phenomenon while flying near Wake Island. The object appeared as a bright white light with a surrounding cloud, changing colors to red and possibly violet. It ascended and then descended vertically, leaving a large vapor trail. No sound was heard, but witnesses took photographs. The Air Force considered the possibility of a meteor or a ballistic missile re-entry, given a recent launch in California.

The official investigation suggested the phenomenon might be linked to an Atlas missile launch from Vandenberg AFB, which occurred around the same time. However, the data was inconclusive, and the possibility of an unidentified object was not ruled out. Photographs taken by Schroeder and another passenger were sent to authorities for analysis, but no definitive explanation was reached.