APRO Bulletin - 1954 05 15 - Vol 2 No 6

Magazine Overview

The APRO Bulletin, Volume Two, Issue Six, dated May 15, 1954, is a publication focused on UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features headlines about the Air Force being 'buzzed by disc,' a mysterious 'windshield pox' plaguing the U.S., and the existence of 'two new satellites circling Earth.' The issue includes an index pointing to articles on various topics including editorials, recent sightings, and specific case studies.

Key Articles and Reports

Windshield Pox

The issue details a perplexing phenomenon dubbed 'windshield pox,' where car windshields develop pits after being covered by a chocolate-colored substance. The problem originated in Oregon and has spread nationwide. Mr. George Higgins of Modesto, California, is featured, with his car's windshield exhibiting these pits. The substance splattered, and after it disappeared, it left pits that did not penetrate the plastic cushion. The article notes that cleaning the spots initially did not produce deep pits, and the etching action spread from the original defect. The brown spots eventually vanished, leaving the pits. The article also mentions a similar phenomenon reported in Astoria, Oregon, during an epidemic of 'the pox,' though specimens could not be secured.

New Satellites and Air Force Involvement

Donald Keyhoe reported that an Air Force plane was followed by a disc-shaped, glowing object that disappeared at high speed. Frank Edwards, during a broadcast, stated that the Earth is playing host to two artificial satellites. The bulletin suggests that increased UFO sightings and public interest are causing 'increased uneasiness' among the armed forces and scientists, potentially leading to the truth emerging by the summer of 1954. The editorial expresses a belief that the Air Force's 'sweeping indictment' of UFO sighters as having 'hallucinations' or illusions is alienating potential helpers. It also posits that the Air Force's silence on UFO activity and censorship of sightings stems from the knowledge of the physical nature of the UFO pilots, and a fear of public reaction if they were to reveal the truth. The editorial argues that if these creatures were hostile, public panic would be less if people knew what to expect.

Large Crater in Utah

Dr. Lincoln La Paz, an expert on meteorites, labels a crater near Logan, Utah, created by an explosion on May 1st, as 'fantastic.' The explosion was powerful enough to nearly upset cars and send a shockwave over an 8-mile area. Dr. La Paz concluded it was made by some explosive, but noted the absence of any characteristic odor or wiring. He ruled out a meteorite crater due to the lack of fragments and the crater's size (16 feet in diameter), suggesting it was too small to create such a shockwave unless an object from space was involved. The article speculates that something 'blasted off' from the site could account for the phenomenon.

The Grapevine

This section reports on rumors and conventions. One rumor suggests a man named Baruch is warning pilots of an 'onslaught of saucers,' possibly linked to a Don Baruch at the Office of the Chief Secretary of Defense. The 'Giant Rock Convention' for saucer enthusiasts is described as a success, with a large crowd and many 'notables' present. An object, believed to be a meteor, appeared briefly, causing an uproar. Another report from the convention mentions two fireballs seen, and one member described an object hovering above the mountain for an extended period, with three huge red balls on each side of its tail piece.

New Planet Sought by Astronomers

Information is relayed about a search for a planet beyond Pluto, with its position and magnitude already calculated. This is presented in contrast to astronomers who doubt the existence of more planets.

Saucer Bandwagon

This section compiles various reports and articles related to UFOs:

• Major James R. Randolph's Lecture: A lecture at Fairleigh Dickinson College suggested that saucers may have landed on Earth thousands of years ago, forming the basis for myths and legends.
• 'America's First Flying Saucer' Article: An article in L-N'S LIFE by Michael O. Darski describes an aircraft invented by Norman McGlashan, claiming it performs exceptionally well, suggesting a potential reason for the Air Force's secrecy regarding UFO information.
• BLUEBOOK Article Repercussions: An article about saucers in BLUEBOOK authored by Menzel generated controversy in the reader's column.
• Ralph Heyer's Photograph: A former marine, Ralph Heyer, photographed an unidentified flying object on July 29, 1952. The film was investigated by the Air Force, which offered no comment. Heyer presents evidence to support his claims.
• Dorothy Kilgallen's Column: Columnist Dorothy Kilgallen is noted for her increasing awareness of the UFO situation.
• 'I Saw a Flying Saucer' in FOCUS: This article is criticized for sensationalism and misquoting facts, giving undue credence to Adamski's tale.
• ASTROLOGY Magazine: The magazine sponsors an article on 'The Gospel of the Flying Saucers.'
• Windshield Pitting Theories: The article revisits the windshield pitting phenomenon, noting its confinement to specific regions and questioning the fuel theory due to its limited distribution. It also mentions that Mrs. Higgins' car now exhibits pits. Newsweek reported that the Air Force's Materiel Command is investigating the cause of pockmarked windshields.

Recent Sightings

This section details numerous UFO sightings from various locations:

• Correction: A previous report about a sighting was corrected regarding the impression of the outer shape of a disc.
• May 15, 1954 (San Francisco to Hollywood): A large, green meteor was observed, described as landing in the Mount Hamilton area. Observers noted it was over within seconds, but others watched for a considerable time. The lack of meteor fragments and the crater's characteristics led to speculation that it was not a meteorite.
• May 15, 1954 (Santa Fe, New Mexico): Jimmie Milligan encountered a metallic, boat-shaped object that floated past his car, then ascended steeply without sound.
• March 9, 1954 (Greenfield, Massachusetts): Joseph E. Crepeau observed a large, solid, white object that stopped, hovered, and then shot away at a right angle.
• March 18, 1954 (Greenfield, Massachusetts): Mrs. Tholes Condreski saw a small silver ball moving in a wide circle, leaving a tail-like protuberance.
• March 23, 1954 (Southwest of Chicago): Orange lights were observed, but no radar detection was reported.
• Fremont, Nebraska: A liquid hot object shattered on the sidewalk, containing carbon, which made scientists skeptical of it being a meteorite.
• March 25, 1954 (Baltimore, Maryland): Adolph Wagner observed 13 lighted objects in a V formation, which later joined a larger object.
• March 26, 1954 (River Forest, Illinois): Virginia Moe observed two 'frosty orange objects' speeding north-to-south.
• March 28, 1954 (Connecticut): Objects described as round, elliptical, or hollow were seen moving in an easterly direction.
• April 1, 1954 (Goodyear, Connecticut): A woman reported her father-in-law saw a flaming object fly overhead after being bathed in bright light.
• March 30, 1954 (Newtown, Connecticut): F. Byron Tomlinson witnessed a spherical, extremely bright object moving at a rapid rate of speed.
• March 19, 1954 (Pistakee Bay, Illinois): Ralph O. Munson saw an object dip low, pause, and speed away, with a pulsating ventilation felt.
• May 3, 1954 (Littleton, Colorado): Three men reported seeing a 'nightmarish' green-faced ape man playing catch with a dead chicken.
• May 4, 1954 (San Francisco area): Residents observed blazing white lights described as 'blue and red and fish-shaped with a long tail,' accompanied by terrific noise.
• May 15, 1954 (Oakland Airport area): Objects described as blue-green, possibly caused by burning magnesium, were reported.
• May 9, 1954 (Linden, Michigan): An oval-shaped object with a brilliant glow was observed receding into the northwest.
• Northern Sweden: Unidentified, glowing disc-shaped objects were observed, prompting the Swedish government to dispatch technicians.
• April 30, Newbury, Massachusetts: Russel Piece observed a glowing disc for 5 seconds.
• 1953 (North Greenfield, Massachusetts): Mrs. Travis observed two objects that looked like silver pie pans.
• January 11, 1954 (New Mexico): Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Folt observed an object while sleeping in their trailer.
• Springview, Nebraska: A reddish, star-like object, as large as the full moon, was observed traveling westward.
• November 5, 1952 (Dover-Foxcroft, Maine): Mary C. Kimball observed a reddish, star-like object blinking on and off.
• 1946 (California airfield): William G. Elliot noticed a silver-colored balloon or ball, larger than stars but smaller than the moon, which remained in position for hours.

Scientific Theory and How True is True?

This section reviews articles from other publications. Jonathan Norton Leonard's article 'Will There Ever Be a Space Ark?' is mentioned as rehashing old speculation. Willey Loy's prediction of the first trip to the Moon being the last is noted. An article from the April BLUEBOOK titled 'Why Astronomers Won't Talk About the Moon' is highlighted for its sensational claims about unexplained phenomena on the moon. Capt. Edward J. Ruppelt's article in TRUE magazine, 'What Our Air Force Found Out About Flying Saucers,' is discussed. The bulletin points out that Ruppelt was in charge of Project Blue Book and that his findings are not necessarily official Air Force opinions, suggesting security regulations and the involvement of the Central Intelligence agency. The article also includes comments from a member who analyzes discrepancies in Ruppelt's article, particularly regarding the speed and altitude of objects and the visibility of stars.

Is There Life on Mars?

This refers to an article by Dr. Fred L. Whipple in Collier's, which presents evidence against life on Mars but concludes with the possibility of unknown forms of life existing there. The Director of APRO had made a similar statement seven years prior.

Other Mentions

• Ice Cap Theory: The theory that ice caps are retreating, suggesting a warming world, is mentioned.
• International Geophysical Year: A 1957 study of Earth's magnetism, atmosphere, aurora, and cosmic rays is noted.
• Space Medicine: An article in SIR magazine on 'The Growing Field of Space Medicine' is mentioned, with a note of skepticism about the author's claims.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of UFO sightings, the official secrecy and perceived cover-ups by the Air Force, and the public's growing interest and demand for information. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, seeking to present factual accounts while questioning official narratives and speculative theories. There is a clear skepticism towards sensationalized accounts (like Adamski's) but a strong belief in the reality of UFO phenomena and the need for transparency. The bulletin also highlights the importance of its members in gathering and disseminating information, acting as a crucial communication channel in the UFO research community.

Title: APRO Bulletin
Issue Date: May 15, 1954
Volume: Page Eleven & Twelve

This issue of the APRO Bulletin focuses on "New Developments in Disc News," presenting a collection of recent sightings, expert opinions, and organizational activities related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Expert Opinions and Statements

Helmuth W. Engelman, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering and former research technician for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, expressed his belief that flying saucer reports should not be dismissed as nonsense. He noted that there had been 2,000 sightings since 1947 and stated that the U.S. Air Force investigates all reports, finding no evidence of propulsion by jets or rockets. Engelman speculated that the propulsion systems might tap into the Earth's magnetic field, suggesting humanity is technologically far behind if this is true, and that saucers could be interplanetary.

Donald Keyhoe, writing in the Los Angeles Mirror, made further startling statements. He suggested that the upcoming study of Mars by astronomers could serve as a prelude to significant announcements about UFOs, potentially including information about extraterrestrial life if proof is found. Keyhoe also indicated that the government might use this opportunity to release previously withheld UFO information, citing public panic as a reason for the secrecy. He emphasized that any contact with alien visitors would likely be with governments, not private individuals, and that claims of personal contact serve to ridicule the subject.

Sightings and Reports

The bulletin details numerous sightings from various locations:

• Australia: A man in Alice Springs obtained a clear photo of a UFO on January 15, 1954. The object was described as large, round, and appeared from behind Mount Gillen, moving at high speed. Edgar Jarrold, President of the Australian Flying Saucer Bureau, confirmed that such "cartwheel pattern saucers" are not uncommon and provided a list of historical sightings dating back to 1855.
• Melbourne, Australia (October 1, 1953): A grey, cobweb-like filament was observed on the ground, which disappeared within an hour.
• English Channel (October 9, 1953): A Captain and First Officer of a B. E. A. aircraft sighted large, elliptical, highly polished metallic craft flying at approximately 20,000 ft.
• Kent, England (November 3, 1953): A pilot and navigator of a jet fighter reported a circular object emitting a bright white light at great height.
• London, England (November 11, 1953): Air Ministry officials admitted to exchanging saucer data with the U.S. and England, and that many reports were withheld from the public.
• Christchurch, New Zealand (November 18, 1953): An unidentified man reported a red light, similar to a star, traveling at high speed over the city.
• Brisbane, Australia (November 19, 1953): The Brisbane TELEGRAPH reported that the British War Office acknowledged the factual existence of saucers and was investigating sightings.
• Pretoria, South Africa: Defense Headquarters investigated a mysterious radar contact with an "undoubtedly solid object" over the Cape Peninsula.
• Washington D.C. Area (May 13 & 17, 1954): Electronics technicians at Washington National Airport recorded a tremendous object traveling at 150-175 mph. On May 17, personnel observed two large, green objects making high-speed passes.
• Dayton, Ohio (May 12, 1954): Observers reported a disc about 1/4 the size of the moon pulsating with a faint crimson color. Jets were sent up, and the object swiftly departed as they approached.
• San Francisco/Bay Area (May 20, 1954): Residents were startled by a flash out at sea around 12:03 a.m., which lit up the ground for an estimated 6 to 60 seconds.
• Cincinnati, Ohio (March 9, 1954): John E. Stewart, a pilot, observed a dark, ellipsoidal body with a bright halo moving slowly over Cincinnati.
• Cincinnati, Ohio (May 15, 1954): A witness reported red lights outrunning jets. Another anonymous sighter described a wingless, fusilage-shaped object climbing rapidly into the sky.

"Deadline Dope" - Latest News

This new feature section provides "last minute notices, sightings and news." It includes:

• General Statements: A. F. Chief of Staff Nathan Twining stated that the U.S. has the "biggest brains" working on the problem and that if saucers come from Mars, humanity has nothing to worry about.
• Washington National Airport: Electronics technicians recorded a UFO traveling 150-175 mph ten miles above the earth on May 13.
• Dayton, Ohio: A disc described as 1/4 the size of the moon was observed, and it departed swiftly when jets were sent up.
• Washington D.C. Area (May 17): Personnel observed two large, green objects making three high-speed passes.
• San Francisco/Bay Area (May 20): A flash out at sea lit up the ground for 6 to 60 seconds.
• Cincinnati, Ohio (March 9): A pilot observed a dark, ellipsoidal body with a bright halo.
• Cincinnati, Ohio (May 15): Red lights were reported to outrun jets. An anonymous witness saw a wingless, fusilage-shaped object.
• Vienna, Austria (May 15): Circular, metallic objects emitting flames were observed for 30 minutes.
• Vancouver, B.C. (May 8): A group of silver objects was watched by residents.
• Analysis of Sightings: An analysis of 313 sightings from PRC Bulletins over two years showed 50% discs, 16% globes, 16% lights, 5% cigar-shaped, and 10% miscellaneous.
• FATE Magazine: The May 1954 issue features a special "Saucer Section."

Organizational Activities and Membership

The bulletin welcomes new members and thanks Josephine Myers and Jacqueline Sanders for their work. It also acknowledges the efforts of Rev. Albert Baller, Doris Saunders, and others for their reporting and coverage of UFO phenomena. The organization plans to continue publishing supplementary issues if the influx of sightings increases. It also mentions CRIFO, a group from Cincinnati headed by Leonard H. Stringfield, which is working on UFO phenomena.

Project Closures and Investigations

News of the closing of a project at Ohio Northern University dealing with saucer phenomena is reported. Dean Hickman, the project head, stated that the closure was due to insufficient findings and data. He mentioned that the project had begun investigating the relationship between sighting dates and magnetic storms, hoping to find a link to electromagnetic energy propulsion. Rumors of government pressure were dismissed as untrue. The bulletin speculates that organizations like Project X and CSI of Los Angeles discontinued operations after deducing the origin of saucers, realizing the futility of public statements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently promotes the seriousness of UFO phenomena, encouraging detailed reporting and investigation. It highlights the potential for government secrecy and the need for public awareness. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, urging members to contribute and support the organization's efforts to gather and disseminate information on unidentified aerial phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on scientific observation and a skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims of personal contact with extraterrestrials.