I am not sure of the exact date or time of this event but it took place in the early morning hours somtime in the late 40's to early 50's, as told by my Grandmother.

On this particular morning my Grandmother was busy preparing for the work day ahead. They lived on a farm in a rural area in the low country of South Carolina.  It was right at dawn just before daylight. 
My Grandmother noticed that the mule and the other animals in the stable outside seemed unusually agitated.  As she stepped outside to investigate she observed a huge ball of light coming at tree top level toward the farm. 
As she stood watching the light descended but did not change speed.  At this point it was headed straight toward the house.  
Frightened that the object was about to crash into the house, she ran inside to get my mother and aunt out.  
She proceeded outside and just before the light got to the house, it went back up to tree top level and left as quickly as it had appeared.  
My mother at the time was only five to six years old, but was an eye witness to this and says it is the truth.  
Later that day several other people in the area say they saw the same light.
Date is approximate.  We have assigned an arbitrary date so that the report sorts to a date in 1949.  PD