APRO Bulletin - 1955 11 00 - Nov

Magazine Overview

This is the November 1955 issue of the APRO Bulletin, a publication focused on UFO phenomena. The cover headline, "IF AT FIRST YOU DONT SUCCEED," sets a critical tone towards the United States Air Force's approach to investigating flying saucers. The issue is primarily concerned with critiquing official explanations and highlighting unexplained sightings and incidents.

Air Force Policies and Statements

The bulletin begins by congratulating Major Donald E. Keyhoe for challenging the "Saucer Silence Squadron" of the US Air Force. It accuses the Air Force of issuing diversionary statements that suggest saucers are merely balloons, hallucinations, or misidentified airborne objects, or perhaps secret Air Force projects. The article argues that a jet-propelled Air Force saucer cannot match the speeds (up to 25,000 mph), maneuvers, and lack of apparent propulsion of the real saucers observed by the public.

It criticizes the Air Force's tendency to incorporate "flying saucers" into headlines for their own research activities, citing an example from the 'EVERY DAY MAGAZINE' section of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch titled "Balloons, Not Flying-Saucers," which actually discussed giant plastic balloons used for upper-air research. The author notes that these balloons are recognizable even at high altitudes.

Another press release from Denver in August is mentioned, which also used "saucers" as a headline and reiterated the same tired explanations about balloons.

"RDC News" Cartoon and Public Reactions

The issue references a saucer cartoon printed in the "RDC News," the official bulletin of the Air Research and Development Command. The cartoon depicted an Airman First Class reporting an odd little man with a ray gun emerging from a flying saucer to his commander, with the punchline: "I don't believe in flying saucers either, Sarge, but I'm sure he's not a member of the gun club."

Personal Anecdotes and Legal Issues

The bulletin touches upon personal legal entanglements related to UFO claims. In Los Angeles, an author of a "Flying Saucer" book was being sued for divorce, with the correspondent named as a "saucer captain" he claimed to have met. The article humorously questions how papers would be served on such a correspondent.

In New York, a group identified as a "Flying Saucer Cult" offered free parking for saucers on a large upstate farm.

Clarification on Civilian Saucer Intelligence

The publication clarifies a potential misinterpretation from a previous issue, stating that they are not referring to the "Civilian Saucer Intelligence of New York" when discussing groups dealing with various aspects of saucers (physical, spiritual, etc.). They affirm that their contacts within this organization are level-headed and sincere researchers.

Dr. La Paz and the Green Fireballs

Dr. Lincoln La Paz of the New Mexico Institute of Meteoritics is mentioned for his attempt to explain the "green fireballs." His new theory suggests they are Russian guided missiles with dummy warheads made of ice, sent over the US for ranging experiments. The bulletin raises objections to this explanation, particularly the lack of sound, and questions how such large objects (potentially thousands of tons of ice) could be projected without a trace being found, referencing the Hobbs, New Mexico incident where no water or ice was found after a fireball sighting.

"Sonic Booms" Continue to Puzzle

This section details several incidents of unexplained booming sounds, referred to as "sonic booms," which have occurred across the nation, particularly in the west and southwest. These events are described as powerful explosions and concussions. Examples include:

• Thornton, Colorado (September 10): Hundreds of residents were rocked by a heavy explosion, initially thought to be a jet crash, but no aircraft were found in the area.
• San Francisco (September 29): A large area was shaken by a boom causing damage, including cracked plaster and exterior cracks in a home. Initial explanations of a sonic boom were later retracted as the event remained unexplained.
• Los Angeles Basin (November 1): A mystery earth shock caused buildings to sway and terrified residents. Officials denied it was caused by a jet aircraft, and the Armed Forces Information Bureau stated the shock was not accompanied by sound.

The bulletin expresses skepticism about these being actual sonic booms from high-speed US aircraft, noting that sonic booms were reportedly outlawed in populated areas by the Air Force in May 1955, yet more seem to be occurring.

Green Goblins and Encounters

This section shifts focus to reports of "little ugly men" or "green goblins." The bulletin aims to provide facts not commonly found in other saucer publications.

• Hopkinsville, Kentucky Incident: The article corrects misrepresented facts from the press and Air Force regarding the Hopkinsville encounter. It states the creatures were not green and there was no bad odor. Key points include: 1. Police witnessed an odd light in the woods near the Sutton home. 2. No tracks or evidence of anyone on the Sutton house or surrounding area were found. 3. The individual who first reported a "spaceship" parked in a nearby field was visiting the Suttons.

• Further Details on Hopkinsville: The bulletin notes that the press likely incorporated descriptions from a Venezuelan green dwarf incident, suggesting higher circles knew about it but withheld it from the American public. The similarity between the Venezuelan and Kentucky creatures is highlighted. The Suttons have reportedly left their home near Hopkinsville, hinting at a more urgent motivation than just seeking privacy.

• Other Goblin Incidents:
• Hamilton County, Ohio (August): Two teen-age couples reported a four-foot green man with a bad odor approached their car. Police found a dead skunk, suggesting the odor was from the skunk.
• Cincinnati, Ohio (August 27): Police captured a youth dressed in overalls and a green mask after residents reported seeing a "green man." The suit was confiscated.

Military Reports and Descriptions

The "Rocketoor," a publication at Holloman Air Force Base, carried a release titled "Little Green and Glowing Describest Visitors From Space." The bulletin quotes Captain White, a "puppet saucer spokesmen" at Wright Air Development Center, who has heard numerous descriptions of "little, green, luminous, smolly types" but remains convinced no space men have landed on Earth. He humorously mentions the possibility of a "little green man pickled in alcohol" at Wright Patterson AFB.

The bulletin questions Captain White's statements, noting that reports of small, green, luminous men were not public until recently, suggesting he might have inadvertently included descriptions from the Venezuelan dwarfs. It also speculates that formaldehyde, not alcohol, would be a suitable preservative.

The Dr. B. Affair

This section revisits the experience of a South American engineer (Dr. B.) who explored a grounded disc and examined dead occupants. The bulletin promises to provide more details about the interior of the cabin and confirms Dr. B. has joined APRO as an enthusiastic UFO researcher. The physical description of the creatures is clarified: dark complexions, sparse light hair, and light-colored eyes. The previous report of no eyes was due to misunderstanding or mistranslation. The delay in providing glossy prints of the saucer snapped by Dr. B. is attributed to the demanding nature of compiling the bulletin.

Recent Sightings and Sundry Saucer Items

This section compiles various brief reports:

• Dorothy Kilgallen's Column (September 20): Mentioned a "new series of flying saucer headlines" being made by a group of scientists investigating southwest reports.
• August 12, 1955: Vice Admiral F. S. Low requested assistance from steamship companies in reporting unidentified flying objects sighted at sea, directing reports to his headquarters in San Francisco.
• The Cincinnati Enquirer: Reported an incident involving Edward Nootz, who felt a peculiar liquid substance fall on him and a peach tree. He saw a green, red, and pinkish cloud at about 1,000 feet, from which rain proceeded. The next day, the peach tree was shriveled and dead.
• Superior, Nebraska (Week of September 6): Mysterious lights flashing across the horizon, described as three flashes at spaced intervals, caused puzzlement. Reports of a ball of fire streaking toward earth were also noted.
• Durango, Colorado: A round object bobbed above the town, but balloon research teams were hesitant to identify it as theirs. A balloon launched near Minneapolis was also disclaimed.
• Chicago, Illinois (September 11): An object appeared and eventually disappeared over Lake Michigan, with no one claiming responsibility. The bulletin questions why balloons are always the ready explanation but why entities are hesitant to identify them.
• West Alexandria, Virginia (September 23): A baseball-sized metal object was found in the ashes of a barn fire. The owner and fire chief gave conflicting stories about who possessed the object.
• Lewiston, Maine (October 20): A boy was attacked by an odd-looking, baboon-like animal about two feet tall, which struck him and required eight stitches. The animal fled into the woods and was not found.
• Encounter near Thames Estuary (England): The "Flying Saucer Review" reported an encounter by a "weekend pilot" who observed two circular objects streaking between two Meteors. One object was silvery, the other gold. Later, another object with a bun-shaped top and flange approached him at high speed.

The Case of the Crashed B-47s

Since October 3, the Air Force has lost two B-47 bombers, apparently struck by unidentified objects.

• Lovington, New Mexico (October 3): A B-47 crashed, and the observer survived. Initial theories of collision with a small liaison aircraft were dismissed. A witness reported seeing a ball of fire near the plane before the crash. The survivor stated the plane was struck in mid-air with such force that he thought they had hit the ground.
• Texas (Late October): Another B-47 crashed and burned. A witness saw a ball of fire with sparks shooting out of it near the plane before it fell. Investigations are ongoing, but no conclusions have been publicly released.

The bulletin notes that this rash of plane crashes in the West is becoming serious and that the odds against safe air travel are growing.

Keyhoe's Book to be Published Soon

A letter from Major Donald Keyhoe announces his new book, "The Flying Saucer Conspiracy," which will soon be available. Keyhoe believes the Air Force is worried about increasing UFO sightings and is trying to promote the idea of secret Air Force devices as explanations. He describes the situation as a "deliberate cover-up, a conspiracy to keep the public in ignorance of the important events and developments of the past two years." He argues that even a "benign" conspiracy is dangerous and that Americans should not be treated as children.

On the South American Scene

• Guarenas, Venezuela (August 26): A brilliant spherical globe of cast silver flew over the town, described as a silvery, flattened ball making a loud humming noise. It was observed for about 40 seconds and moved at high speed.
• AVENSA Airlines Experience: Captain Manuel Huertas reported an experience two years prior when a lead-colored ball with no markings flew alongside his airliner for about forty minutes. The object responded to the plane's landing lights by showing an orange and flickering blue light.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently questions official explanations for UFO phenomena, particularly those offered by the US Air Force. It champions the extraterrestrial hypothesis and criticizes what it perceives as a deliberate cover-up and misinformation campaign by military and governmental bodies. The publication actively seeks and disseminates reports of unexplained sightings and incidents, encouraging its members to engage in critical analysis and draw their own conclusions. There is a strong emphasis on presenting detailed accounts and challenging the status quo of UFO investigation. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards official narratives and advocacy for open inquiry into UFOs.

Title: APRO Bulletin
Issue: Page Eleven
Date: November 1955
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO)
Country: USA
Language: English

Key Articles and Content

Mr. Keyhoe's Book

The bulletin begins by referencing Mr. Keyhoe's letters, which have provided significant information. Due to Mr. Keyhoe's wish to keep this information confidential and the belief that a book format would be more beneficial for public dissemination, the organization has maintained silence to avoid premature leaks. The APRO expresses confidence that members will find Keyhoe's forthcoming book to be well worth the wait, with every word being significant.

AIR FORCE BALLOON MISTAKEN FOR "SAUCER" AT ALAMOGORDO

This article details an incident in Alamogordo, New Mexico, where an Air Force research balloon was mistaken for a UFO. Despite the proximity to White Sands Proving Ground and Holloman Air Development Center, citizens and the local radio station reported the balloon as a UFO without initial investigation. The APRO emphasizes that this highlights a common issue: many people are not good observers. Mr. Lorenzen, the Director, personally investigated the scene. The article serves as a reminder to members not to immediately accept newspaper reports or radio broadcasts as fact, as the people involved in these mediums are fallible.

Organization Information and Update

The APRO Bulletin is identified as the official copyrighted publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, located at 519 New York, Alamogordo, New Mexico. It is issued bimonthly to members. The organization is a non-profit group dedicated to solving the mystery of unidentified flying objects. Inquiries about membership can be directed to their address.

Director's Message

The Director expresses gratitude to the membership for their patience regarding her personal responses to letters and the irregularity of the Bulletin. She explains that poor health brought her to Alamogordo, and the burden of medical costs necessitated employment to supplement family income. This has made the past year difficult, compounded by her duties to the organization. Although only four bulletins have been issued so far this year, she assures members that the missing issues will be produced. Future plans include improving the Bulletin, possibly through printing as a reproduction method. While not a firm promise, she hopes this mention will encourage members to continue their loyal support.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the importance of critical thinking and accurate observation in UFO research, cautioning against premature conclusions based on media reports. The APRO positions itself as a dedicated, non-profit organization striving to solve the mystery of UFOs. The editorial stance also acknowledges the personal challenges faced by the Director, highlighting the dedication required to run such an organization under difficult circumstances. There is a clear emphasis on the value of detailed information, as exemplified by the anticipation of Mr. Keyhoe's book.