Unidentified Flying Objects Sighted near Knoxville, Tennessee

This document collection contains reports and correspondence regarding sightings of unidentified flying objects near Knoxville, Tennessee, and in northeast Mississippi in late October and early November 1949. The primary incident involves Mrs. Minnie Lytle of Knoxville, who reported observing two bright, tube-shaped objects flying high and fast over her home on 27 October 1949. Mrs. Lytle described the objects as noiseless, approximately one yard in length, and metallic in appearance. She noted that they left no vapor trails and were observed in a clear sky. A subsequent investigation by the CIC (Counter Intelligence Corps) noted that the United States Weather Bureau at McGee-Tyson Airport had released weather balloons on that date, and that the Oak Ridge 'X-10' facility also released meteorological instruments. The document includes a summary of wind data and balloon release times to provide context for the sightings. Additionally, the file contains a letter from a Mrs. Katie Magers in northeast Mississippi, who reported seeing oval-shaped objects on 27 October and 1 November 1949. Mrs. Magers described the objects as being connected by a flexible fastener and noted that they dropped material resembling spider webs, which she claimed caused a bitter taste in her mouth. She expressed fear regarding these events and requested that her report not be shared with the press to avoid inciting a 'flying saucer scare.' The military response to Mrs. Magers, signed by Lt. Colonel Carl B. Lindstrand, acknowledges her letter and states that her information has been included in their study of aerial phenomena. The documents are marked as unclassified and were downgraded at three-year intervals under DOD Directive 5200.10.