White UFO seen by pilot in 1952

Summary

In September 1952, an Air Force instructor and cadet observed a white circular object while flying a T-33 at 39,000 feet over Hempstead, Texas. The object, appearing more white than silver, moved erratically at speeds between 600 and 700 mph toward the southwest. The experienced observers estimated it to be at 55,000 to 65,000 feet and saw it for two to three minutes. It left no conventional vapor trail but showed a faint misty area behind. The official report concluded it was likely a balloon, possibly launched from Houston, even though the witnesses didn't identify it as such.

The evaluation ruled out aircraft or astronomical phenomena, and the object's behavior didn't match the norm. Although the pilots couldn't contact other members of the formation, both agreed on the description. The witnesses' credibility and the lack of conventional explanations led to the classification as probably a balloon, though other possibilities weren't dismissed.