Report of Investigation: Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon, Alexandria, Louisiana, 7 July 1949

This document is a formal Report of Investigation (File 32-12) conducted by the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon sighted over Alexandria, Louisiana, on 7 July 1949. The investigation was initiated following reports that five individuals had observed a 'flying saucer' in the vicinity. The primary witness, a housewife and practical nurse, reported observing a round, orange object, approximately six inches in diameter, while sitting on her front porch at 1821 Warshauer Street at approximately 2100 hours. The witness described the object as appearing like a light bulb, moving from north to west, then reversing its path to the north before increasing altitude and fading from sight. The observation lasted approximately five minutes. The witness noted that the object had no visible means of propulsion, made no sound, and left no exhaust trail. The investigation included interviews with the primary witness and corroboration from other individuals present at the scene. The investigating officer, Special Agent Troy R. Sherman, contacted local aviation authorities, including the Civil Aeronautics Administrator and Delta Airlines, to determine if any aircraft were in the area at the time of the sighting. The inquiry revealed that only one Piper Cub airplane was performing landing maneuvers in the vicinity, but it was not equipped with landing lights. The CAA weather station confirmed that no weather balloons were released at that time. Despite the lack of a definitive identification, the official conclusion recorded on the Project 10073 record is 'AIRCRAFT.' The report includes detailed 'Essential Elements of Information' forms, which document the witness's observations, including the object's color, movement, and the lack of physical evidence or radar contact. The investigation was closed by the 9th OSI District, with the determination that no further action was required. The report was forwarded to the Air Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for their information and files.