Project 10073 Record — Oneida, Tennessee, 7 November 1954

This Air Intelligence Information Report details a UFO sighting that occurred on November 7, 1954, near Oneida, Tennessee. The witness, Mr. Kelvin C. Sexton, observed a single, silver, crescent-shaped object while driving on U.S. Highway 27. The object was described as being the size of a half-dollar held at arm's length and was visible for approximately twelve minutes. The witness first noticed the object after his wife pointed it out through the windshield of their automobile. The object appeared from the southwest and maintained a consistent flight path before disappearing. The investigation was conducted by Flight 2-B of the 4602d Air Intelligence Service Squadron. Investigating officers, including 2nd Lt. James E. Kulpak and S/Sgt Richard M. Holden, concluded that the sighting was likely caused by a weather balloon released from the Knoxville Weather Station. The report notes that weather balloons are released daily from this station and that the timing of a release one hour prior to the sighting aligns with the observation. Furthermore, the report suggests that the sun being below the horizon could have created a bright, reflective appearance for the balloon. The report also mentions that Dr. Mary Esters, an astronomer at the University of Tennessee, provided context regarding meteor showers in the area during November, though this was not cited as the primary explanation for the sighting. The report concludes that the sighting was likely a weather balloon and that no further investigation was warranted.