Air Intelligence Information Report: Unidentified Aerial Objects, Georgia

This Air Intelligence Information Report, dated January 26, 1951, details a sighting of unidentified aerial objects in Rome, Georgia, which occurred on November 14, 1950. The report was compiled by Captain Percy E. Sutton of the Intelligence Division, Hq MATS, based on information originally published in the Atlanta Constitution. According to the report, five witnesses, including the Russell Field Airport Manager and a U.S. Weather Observer, observed two disc-shaped objects at approximately 2:30 PM. The witnesses reported that the sighting occurred simultaneously with an Air Force AT-6 training plane performing a maneuver over the Russell Field runway. The objects were visible for several minutes. During this time, one object reportedly dropped toward the airfield before climbing away, while the two objects eventually departed in different directions—one to the north and one to the northeast. The witnesses stated that it was impossible to estimate the size or altitude of the objects. The report notes that Eastern Air Lines planes were alerted to watch for the saucers. The document was approved by Lt. Colonel William L. Travis of the Intelligence Division. It carries a declassification instruction indicating it was to be downgraded at three-year intervals and declassified after twelve years under DOD Directive 5200.10.