May 7, 1948 — Memphis, TN
Afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Fordyce J. Kaiser and their housekeeper Jean Bray, at 251 W. Waldorf Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, see 50–60 unusual objects, apparently moving very high and fast, traveling in straight lines with slight zigzagging. They are shiny like bright aluminum with silvery trails. Lt. Col. James C. Beam of Project Sign goes to investigate. On the way back, he consults with astronomer Paul Herget of the Cincinnati Observatory in Ohio, who thinks the objects are meteors and recommends Ohio State University astronomer J. Allen Hynek in Columbus as a project consultant. [Eberhart]
Sources:
Brad Sparks, Blue Book Unknowns Catalogue, Case 89, p. 34;
Michael D. Swords, “Project Sign and the Estimate of the Situation,” JUFOS 7 (2000): 41;
Michael Swords, et al., UFO and Government, pp. 55–56;
Loren E. Gross, UFOs, a History: 1949, January–June, The Author, 1988, p. 18;
Loren E. Gross, UFOs, a History: 1948, The Author, 1988, pp. 28–29;
National Archives, “Memphis, Tenn., May 1948 - Incident Number: 117”;
https://catalog.archives.gov/id/28930808
NICAP, “May 7, 1948; Memphis, Tenn. (BBU)”;