Project 10073 Record Card and Air Intelligence Information Report — Fitzgerald, Georgia, 16 April 1956

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report regarding a UFO sighting reported on 16 April 1956 in Fitzgerald, Georgia. The primary witness, a 33-year-old County Forest Ranger and GOC observer, reported observing a single, round, silver-yellowish object that appeared larger than a B-47 aircraft. The object was observed hovering and moving in a westwardly direction for approximately two hours and 45 minutes. The witness was prompted to observe the object by CWO Jim Morris of the National Guard Armory. The object was described as having a glare that made shape determination difficult, though it was visible to the naked eye as a bright star. Following the report, an investigation was conducted by Captain Thaddeus W. Kallini of the 4602d AISS. The investigation included a consultation with Dr. Calder of the Bradley Observatory in Decatur, Georgia. Dr. Calder and the investigating officer concluded that the object was the planet Venus, which was visible during daylight hours at that time of year. The investigators noted that the witness's indecision regarding the object's shape could be attributed to the fact that Venus appeared as a half-moon. The report was reviewed and approved by Colonel John M. White, Jr., who concurred with the finding that the sighting was astronomical in nature and definitely caused by the planet Venus.