Project 10073 Record Card and Air Intelligence Information Report — Meridian, Mississippi, 27 August 1952

On the night of 27 August 1952, at approximately 2015 hours, two United States Air Force pilots flying F-51 aircraft near Meridian, Mississippi, observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon. The witnesses, 1st Lt. Robert J. Kriss and 1st Lt. Louis F. Bechtold, were conducting a student cross-country flight at an altitude of 7,000 feet with an indicated airspeed of 200 MPH. Both pilots reported seeing a pale green light that resembled an aircraft's navigation light. The object was estimated to be at an altitude of approximately 10,000 feet. According to the reports, the object was initially observed to the right of the aircraft, moving west. It then turned north and accelerated rapidly, disappearing from view within approximately 10 seconds. The pilots noted that the object produced no sound or exhaust. The weather conditions at the time were described as slightly hazy with unlimited ceiling and winds from 60 degrees at 15 MPH. Both pilots were experienced, with significant combat and flight time, and the investigating officer, Lt. Col. James H. Hunter, noted that they appeared to be men of sound judgment and stable emotions, with no reason to doubt their account. The report explicitly states that the sighting could not be explained by any known meteorological or other condition or activity. No photographs or physical evidence were obtained, and no attempt was made to intercept the object. The report also mentions a possible connection to a similar sighting reported in Birmingham, Alabama, approximately two minutes later. The document includes the official Project 10073 record card, the formal Air Intelligence Information Report, and the individual signed statements from both pilots.