Air Intelligence Information Report — Gadsden, Alabama, 11 January 1953

On 11 January 1953, at approximately 1705C, an unidentified flying object was observed by roughly twenty citizens in Gadsden, Alabama. Among the witnesses was the Civilian Air Defense Director and the manager of the Gadsden Airport, who was conducting daily weather observations at the time of the sighting. The object was described as a bright, glowing, multicolored mass, though its specific size and shape could not be determined. It was sighted at an estimated altitude of 8,000 to 9,000 feet, moving from one horizon to the other over a duration of five to ten minutes. The witness, who utilized a pair of binoculars to view the object, noted that it appeared to be drifting with the wind. There were no audible sounds, nor were there any visible exhaust or vapor trails. Weather conditions at the time were reported as clear, with visibility between twelve and fifteen miles and moderate winds from the NNW. The report confirms there was no air traffic in the area during the incident and that the witness was unaware of any meteorological phenomena that would explain the sighting. No physical evidence, such as photographs, was obtained. The official conclusion reached by the 3800th A U Wing at Maxwell AFB was that the object was 'PROBABLY BALLOON'.