Incident #117 — Memphis, Tennessee — 7 May 1948

This document details the investigation of 'Incident #117,' a sighting of 50 to 60 unidentified objects over Memphis, Tennessee, on May 7, 1948. The sighting occurred between 1500 and 1700 hours. Witnesses, including a housekeeper, a salesman, and a housewife, described the objects as very small, shiny, and resembling bright aluminum. They were observed moving in an easterly direction at an extremely high altitude, with a speed described as faster than any aircraft the witnesses had ever seen. While most of the objects traveled in a straight line, some were observed to zig-zag slightly, and some appeared to have a silvery tail, which investigators speculated might have been exhaust. The weather conditions at the time were reported as CAVU (Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited) with specific wind and temperature data provided. The report explicitly states that the objects could not have been weather balloons, as only one balloon was released in Memphis that day. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the CIC Field Area Office, the Air Materiel Command, and the Research and Development Board. Dr. Lincoln LaPaz, a recognized authority on meteoritics, was consulted regarding the possibility of a meteor shower. Dr. LaPaz expressed serious doubt that the objects were meteors. The investigator, Victor L. Clark, concluded that while it was unlikely the objects were meteors, the possibility could not be entirely excluded. He further noted that the lack of distance and time-in-sight estimates made definitive identification difficult, as objects close to the observer could exhibit high angular velocity without actually possessing great speed. The document includes various internal memos, correspondence with Dr. LaPaz, and a supplemental report regarding a visit with Dr. Paul Herget of the Observatory of Cincinnati to discuss the sighting. The file also contains a 'Project Grudge' report index, indicating the incident's inclusion in broader military intelligence assessments of unidentified aerial phenomena during this period.