Project 10073 Record Card and Air Intelligence Information Report — 17 August 1952

On 17 August 1952, at 0247 EST, Captain Jack Buchanan of the 118th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing was piloting a T-6 aircraft on a VFR flight from Memphis Municipal Airport to Shaw AFB. While flying at an altitude of 6,000 feet on a heading of 95 degrees, Captain Buchanan observed an intensely bright, white, round object. The object appeared to be stationary and was located near the Wheeler Reservoir Lake in North Alabama. The pilot estimated the object was approximately eight miles away at an altitude of 10,000 feet. He reported that the object appeared to be of solid material, with no visible exhaust, trail, or shimmering effect. The weather conditions were described as excellent, with a cloudless sky and visibility of approximately thirty miles. Captain Buchanan observed the object for approximately five seconds before it disappeared. He attempted to intercept the object but was unsuccessful. The report includes an assessment of Captain Buchanan's character, noting his nine years of military service, his experience as an air monitor during Operation Sandstone, and his reputation as a level-headed and dependable officer. The document is classified as Restricted/Security Information and was processed under Project 10073.