APRO Bulletin - 1956 01 00 - Jan March (AFU) (faint print)

Magazine Overview

This issue of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin, dated Jan-Mar 1956, focuses heavily on the controversy surrounding UFOs, particularly in relation to the US Air Force's official stance and public communication. It champions the work of Major Donald Keyhoe and criticizes what it perceives as government censorship and media manipulation regarding the topic.

Key Articles and Content

Major Keyhoe's Work and Pentagon Uneasiness

The bulletin opens by praising Major Donald Keyhoe's bestseller, "The Flying Saucer Conspiracy," for challenging both extremist views and the Air Force's official line on UFO phenomena. It notes that Keyhoe's work has dealt a blow to those who rely on sensationalism without evidence. A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a letter from Major Keyhoe revealing the Pentagon's reluctance to engage in public discussions about UFOs. Keyhoe recounts an instance where a Baltimore radio station sought an Air Force officer for a panel discussion, but the Pentagon refused, citing a desire to avoid publicity for Keyhoe.

Critique of Air Force Special Report #14

The bulletin launches a strong attack on the Air Force's Special Report #14, labeling it "outrageous misinformation." It highlights a discrepancy between the report's claim that only 3% of sightings remain unsolved and the report's own data showing 21.5% unexplained. The authors contend that the report deliberately omitted significant, verified cases (like the B-29 Gulf of Mexico Case and the White Sands Proving Ground confirmation) while including weaker cases to create an impression of diverse, unrelated phenomena. Major Keyhoe is quoted as believing the report's analysis was "erroneous, if not deliberately rigged," suggesting that the Air Force used methods to obscure the truth.

Keyhoe's Analysis of the AF Report

Further excerpts from Major Keyhoe's correspondence are presented. He criticizes the Air Force's statement that there is no evidence of flying saucers, contrasting it with their admission that scientific evidence might prove their existence. Keyhoe points out the report's deliberate evasion of pre-1947 UFO reports, such as the "foo-fighters" from World War II. He also suggests that Secretary Quarles' statement about the US potentially operating saucer-shaped craft was a deliberate attempt to offset the publication of books by himself and Ruppelt, implying the UFOs are not terrestrial.

Keyhoe emphasizes the "glaring flaw" of omitting reports from highly trained observers like military pilots and radar experts, arguing that the report ridicules these witnesses. He questions why such qualified personnel would remain in service if their observations were deemed incompetent.

Civilian Sightings and Government Secrecy

The bulletin details a sighting by a high-ranking civilian at Holloman Air Force Base, who observed a bright yellowish-green ball with a blue halo. This individual, with extensive government and aviation experience, stated the object was unlike anything developed by the US Government. The report also mentions an incident in 1954 involving Dr. Lincoln La Paz and another observer who saw an object with a description matching the February 1956 sighting, suggesting a consistent phenomenon.

Another section discusses a house subcommittee investigating government information policies, revealing a document classified "For Air Force Eyes Only." This is presented as evidence of government secrecy and a threat to the "free press."

Aerial Ice Cube Incidents

Two incidents involving large pieces of ice falling from the sky are reported. The first, in Los Angeles, involved a hole in a ceiling caused by ice that authorities attributed to an airplane. An Air Force pilot familiar with the Director's work questioned this explanation, stating planes don't typically ice up to that extent. The second incident involved workmen at Equitable Gas Company saving pieces of a giant, basketball-sized, honeycombed ball of ice, again with an airplane blamed, but the explanation is questioned due to the object's unique honeycomb structure.

Ruppelt's Report and APRO's Stance

The bulletin offers commentary on Edward J. Ruppelt's book, "Report on the Unidentified Flying Objects." While acknowledging Ruppelt's good intentions, APRO contends that he was convinced UFOs were interplanetary and may have "downgraded" or "declassified" reports for his book. They note the favorable publicity Ruppelt's book received compared to Keyhoe's, suggesting Ruppelt might have been "sponsored." APRO also discusses the tendency for some UFO organizations to disband when membership grows large and the mystery seems unsolvable, citing an example of a research organization head who requested all contact be broken.

Other Sightings and Topics

An incident involving a "green fireball" over Northern New Mexico on April 9, 1956, is reported, described as an awesome object blazing a green trail. The bulletin also mentions Civilian Saucer Intelligence of New York, promoting the saucer mystery as a scientific value. A section on "The Mars Situation" discusses the possibility of vegetable and animal life on Mars, referencing recent astronomical observations and Dr. E. C. Slipher's work. The issue also touches on the development of guided missiles and questions why they receive so much attention if flying saucers capable of much higher speeds already exist.

Editorial and Administrative Notes

APRO announces its new address in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and explains the delay in bulletins due to moving and personal circumstances, including the Director's illness and family issues. They express hope for understanding from members and plan to resume regular bulletin publication. A notice is included for new readers who may be receiving the bulletin without formal membership.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently adopts a critical stance towards official government explanations of UFO phenomena, particularly those from the US Air Force. It champions the investigative work of individuals like Major Donald Keyhoe and expresses concern over censorship and the manipulation of public information. The publication emphasizes the importance of credible witness testimony, including that of military personnel and trained observers, and actively seeks to debunk what it views as misleading official reports. There is a strong undercurrent of distrust towards government agencies and a belief that the public is being deliberately kept in the dark about the true nature of UFOs. The bulletin also engages with scientific discussions, such as the possibility of life on Mars, and critiques media coverage of both UFOs and technological advancements like guided missiles. The overall editorial stance is one of advocacy for open investigation and disclosure of UFO-related information, challenging established narratives and promoting alternative interpretations based on the evidence they gather and present.

This issue of "SIGHTINGS" covers reported unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings from January to March 1956. The publication, likely an APRO bulletin given the content and editorial style, focuses on detailed accounts of sightings from various locations, often expressing skepticism towards official explanations and highlighting perceived censorship or lack of transparency.

Recent Sightings

The magazine presents a collection of recent sightings, emphasizing that despite Air Force propaganda, sightings are on the upswing and only the most detailed and 'spectacular' will be mentioned.

Canada

• December (Year not specified, likely 1955), Wednesfield, Canada: 16-year-old Harold Cummins snapped a picture of a disc-shaped object outside his home. The developed picture showed a dark, disc-shaped object with a cupola top against a light afternoon sky. The object was seen moving back and forth before disappearing.
• August (Year not specified, likely 1955), Long Branch, Ontario, Canada: Residents reported watching two silvery disc-shaped objects streaking toward Toronto at high speed, leaving a streak of smoke.
• March 12, 1955, Toronto, Ontario, Canada: A flame-colored ball with a long tail circled Toronto and disappeared eastward. The object was reported to be below cloud level.

United Kingdom

• November 1955, Farnborough Air Base, London, England: Four Hunter Jetfighters crashed during an aerobatics exhibition. A thick black cloud suddenly enveloped the six planes. One hunter jet exploded, the Vampire crashed, a second Hunter made a wheels-up crash landing, and the third and fourth Hunters made forced landings. No explanation was given for the cause of the smoke or the crashes.

United States

• December 25th, 1955, Dallas, Texas: Mrs. Mary Agnes Ferraro observed an object with many different-colored lights that attracted her attention by its movement across the sky. It then ascended almost straight up and hovered at a high altitude, appearing like a very bright star, flashing its lights. The object was described as torpedo-shaped with yellow-lighted windows.
• December 27th, 1955, Dallas, Texas: The same object was sighted again, described as torpedo-shaped with a row of yellow-lighted windows.
• December 4, 1955, Smiley to Yorktown, Texas: Bob Greenway, a college graduate and school teacher, observed an object that appeared as an oscillating light changing from red to reddish-white with a white center. Its speed was not exceptional, and its movement precluded it being a star.
• November 30, 1955, Spirit Lake, Iowa: Civil Defense officials and spotters reported an unidentified object that had appeared in the sky for seven nights. The object was green at the top, red at the bottom, and white at the center, moving from northeast to southwest and disappearing beyond the horizon in about 20 minutes.
• January 22, 1956, Clearwater, Florida: Residents reported seeing a bright white object streak from horizon to horizon (west to east) in ten seconds. One observer, Bill Nease, a former Air Force pilot, estimated its altitude at about 5,000 feet.
• August 22, 1955, Saginaw, Michigan: A flashing, luminous object was sighted in the sky over Central and Western Michigan by Civil Defense Ground Observers.
• February 1955, Turlock, California: GOC observers watched unidentified lights that appeared to move up and down. Police observed an unusual light, blue in color, which they concluded was 'something other than a star'.
• August 7, 1955, Fraserburgh, Scotland: The Vice Chairman of the Fraserburgh Sea Cadets Committee and five boys observed a dark gray object resembling a ship without superstructure, traveling at an 'amazing speed'.
• November 10 (Year not specified, likely 1955), Location not specified: Wingless, white, round objects (10-14 of them) were seen zipping across the sky from west to east. Dr. I. M. Levitt identified them as a formation of military planes, but the magazine disputes this, noting their formation changes and speed.
• November 23, 1955, Spirit Lake, Iowa: GOC observers watched a brilliant, unidentified object hovering for about 20 minutes. It moved erratically, halted, went up and down, and hovered over Center Lake, turning from white to bluish-white, green, and red.
• September 17 (Year not specified, likely 1955), Bush Pine, New York: Frank and Eileen Bordes observed an iridescent pink mushroom-shaped object rise from the water and disappear. Later, a gradually brightening light appeared about 100 yards distant, with two long parallel lights becoming visible below it, suggesting an elongated object partially submerged.
• January 2, 1956, Ontario, California: A pilot and an aerial cameraman sighted and attempted to track three circular aircraft over Pasadena, which were traveling at an estimated speed of 1,200 miles per hour.
• February 18, 1956, Paris, France: Officials at Orly Air Field reported their radar picked up an unidentified object traveling at about 1500 miles per hour, twice the size of a commercial airliner, which hovered over the Paris area before disappearing at high speed.
• April (Year not specified, likely 1956), New York to Buffalo flight: Captain Raymond E. Ryan, a veteran airline pilot, pursued a bright light hovering over Schenectady. The object reportedly burst into speed, traveling at about 800-900 mph, and was described as an 'orange object' by Griffiss AFB personnel.
• February 17, 1956, El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico: An unidentified airborne object dropped into Mexico. The object was described as being as big as a house and lying low on the ground. The report notes the mystery of how the object reached its position without being seen from other areas.
• February 10, 1956, Santa Ana, California: Two patrolling Costa Mesa policemen reported seeing 2 large flame-colored disks hovering over the blimp hangar at the Marine Air Facility.
• March 27, 1956, Modesto, California: Ground observer Corps members observed a brilliant white kite-shaped object over Modesto shortly after a jet bomber had passed. It was observed for 3 minutes before fading out.

Editorial Commentary and Analysis

The magazine frequently interjects commentary, questioning official explanations and highlighting perceived inconsistencies. For example, regarding the Spirit Lake, Iowa sighting, it notes that authorities' inability to explain the phenomenon is suspicious, suggesting it might resemble a large satellite. The Clearwater, Florida sighting is presented as a classic example of authorities knowing something is there but not knowing what it is.

The article on the Turlock, California sighting criticizes the 'buck-passing' between authorities when trying to verify the report. The Paris, France sighting is contrasted with a supposed explanation of American balloons carrying literature, which the magazine dismisses due to the object's speed and the fact that jets were sent to intercept it.

The report on Captain Ryan's sighting includes detailed commentary from the magazine, questioning the USAF's explanation of balloons and emphasizing the pilot's sincerity and the object's extraordinary speed.

Tremonton, Utah Pictures Bared in Feature-Length Documentary

This section discusses the public showing of the Tremonton, Utah saucer movies. The film, while not a great sensation, was considered impressive enough to warrant attention from columnists. The magazine quotes columnists Dick Williams and Paul V. Coates, who suggest the film would convince many viewers of periodic visitations from outer space and lend credibility to the portrayal of Air Force personnel investigating the sightings. The article notes that the films were held and analyzed by Navy and Air Force scientists and were part of a feature picture based on an official Air Force study. The magazine expresses a desire to see the film, which is slated for general distribution.

A Report by the Director on the Past 18 Months

This section details the Director's personal experiences and challenges over the preceding 18 months, particularly her employment as a clerk at Holloman Air Development Center with the US Air Force. She explains that financial difficulties necessitated this employment. The Director asserts that she was never approached to discontinue her UFO research and that she remains determined to break the 'censorship of information regarding UFOs'. She recounts meeting a Lieutenant Colonel who was a Project Officer on Project Grudge and discussed the UFO mystery, though he was guarded about the Air Force's involvement. The Director also mentions being offered access to 'classified reports of UFO sightings' near Holloman AFB after giving notice of her departure, which she declined, suspecting it was a ploy to potentially create a security violation. She concludes that her time in the military organization was profitable, allowing her to learn about its workings, the fallibility of its men, and the lack of coordination within the Air Force regarding UFO matters. She states she cannot discuss entrusted information.

Deadline

This section provides brief comments and updates:

• Recent Saucerian Bulletin: The editor speculates on the truth of the Scully contentions of 1950.
• New Mexico Rumor: The magazine is investigating a rumor that a Catholic Priest administered last rites over little men claimed to have crashed in New Mexico, and was reprimanded by the Pope.
• Electronic Specialists: The magazine is seeking names of 'electronic specialists' employed by the Atomic Energy Commission at Sandia, N.M., who allegedly built telescopic/electronic devices.
• "They Knew Too Much About Saucers" Book Review: A complimentary copy of this book is discussed. The magazine feels it does not live up to its advance publicity, stating that while the Director and APRO are mentioned, the book does not reveal new information. It touches on the Bender squash incident and the analysis of a metal piece, noting that the Director was not stopped from investigating.
• Mr. Jarrola: The Director's former confidant and correspondent, Mr. Jarrola, Director of the Australian Flying Saucer Bureau, mysteriously dropped out of saucer investigation in 1954 after being taken into the confidence of the Royal Australian Air Force regarding UFO sightings and theories.
• Frank Edwards "My Last Ten Million Sponsors": This book is highly recommended for its story of Edwards' life in radio and its chapter on the saucer mystery and censorship.
• "The Science Book of Space Travel" by Harold Leland Goodwin: This book is noted for its scientific facts on space travel, with Chapter 18 on the UFO mystery being particularly intriguing, labeled 'I Think We're Property'.
• Press Notices and Discrepancies: The Director cautions against attaching too much significance to discrepancies in press notices, attributing them to factors like a writer's interest, lack of detail, and deadlines. An example is given of a radio broadcast reporting an 'unidentified flying object' landing, which turned out to be a grounded Air Force high-altitude research balloon, with the reporter admitting to saying 'unidentified' to 'liven up the program'.
• Pageant Magazine Photograph: William B. Nash brought attention to a photograph of a UFO in Pageant Magazine, which is identical to one in 'The Coming of the Saucers'. The girl who took the picture did not see the object until after it was printed. Similar objects appeared on film taken by a friend of Mr. Nash, identified by a lens expert as light refractions caused by pointing the camera at a bright light source.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent reporting of UFO sightings across various geographical locations, the detailed descriptions of observed phenomena, and the skepticism towards official explanations provided by military and governmental bodies. The editorial stance is critical of perceived censorship and lack of transparency, advocating for the public's right to information. The magazine positions itself as a diligent collector and disseminator of UFO-related facts, often contrasting its findings with official narratives and highlighting the sincerity of witnesses. There is a strong undercurrent of belief in the reality of UFOs and a distrust of authorities who may be attempting to downplay or conceal information.

This document consists of two pages, Page 21 and Page 22, from the publication "DEADLINE", dated "Jan-Mar 56" (Volume Jan-Mar 56). The content is primarily focused on UFO sightings, astronomical discussions, and related topics, presented in English.

Article Summaries

Page 21: UFO Similarities, Mars, and Pluto

The page begins with a letter from an anonymous researcher emphasizing the importance of seeking real facts about UFOs and their potential role in humanity's future. The letter writer suggests that the "Green Monster" sighting in West Virginia (circa 1952), the "little men" of Hopkinsville, Kentucky (1955), and the "hairy bipeds" of Venezuela (1954) might share a commonality, with the creatures seen near or exiting sphere or ball-shaped objects. The writer posits that the perceived height of the "Green Monster" might have been an illusion due to its position.

Following this, an article discusses a recent report in the St. Louis-Post-Dispatch concerning clouds on Mars. It highlights Dr. Dean B. McLaughlin's theory that these clouds are due to volcanic activity, contrasting with previous beliefs that Mars lacked an atmosphere and substantial mountain ranges. The article questions the scientific basis for this, suggesting that "reputable" astronomers are now acknowledging Mars' atmosphere.

The text then addresses Clyde Tombaugh, the discoverer of Pluto. It notes that Tombaugh's admission of sighting an unidentified flying object in 1948 is mentioned. The article defends Pluto's status as a planet, arguing it should be catalogued by its current behavior (maintaining an independent orbit) rather than its potential origin as a runaway planet from Neptune. Tombaugh's intelligence and capability are praised, noting his potential role at White Sands Proving Ground.

Finally, the page congratulates Gray Barker for his work on the "Saucerian Review," a 99-page review of 1955 saucer events. It concludes with a statement from Dr. Harlow Shapley of Harvard University, who asserts that the existence of sentient life in other worlds is inevitable and that mankind must accept this as a fact, calling it a significant development.

Page 22: Florida UFO Sightings and APRO Information

This page continues the "DEADLINE (CONT'D)" section, detailing UFO sightings in Florida. Thanks to a new member, J. Herbert Breuning, a more detailed account of events in Ocala and Williston, Florida, on November 3rd and October 31st is provided.

Williston Sighting (October 31st): Policeman C. F. Bell reported observing six lighted objects approaching from the south in formation at 10:15 PM. One object lagged behind but caught up with a burst of speed. After passing, one object banked gradually and lost altitude. Bell followed and observed the object moving slowly on a southerly course directly over him. The object's light was extremely bright, illuminating an area 50 to 75 feet in diameter, brighter than the sun. Bell watched for 7-8 minutes, noting the light's intensity and feeling heat and a stinging sensation as it passed. The object then moved east and disappeared.

Williston Sighting (November 1st): Sam Verones, a cafe owner, reported that as he approached his porch, the ground was suddenly illuminated by a light brighter than a spotlight. The light moved across railroad tracks, and the object's light illuminated details of steps leading to a house 250 feet away. Deputy Sheriff H. A. Perkins also reported seeing objects at a distance on both October 31st and November 1st, with descriptions matching Bell's. Bell also observed three more objects on November 1st, confirmed by two other men.

Gainesville Sighting (November 1st): The college weekly "The Florida Alligator" reported lights seen by students and citizens between 9:30 and 10:00 PM. These lights appeared as stars but grew larger and brighter as they approached, displaying a variety of lights that changed constantly. Notably, these sightings were not widely reported by national press wire services.

The page also includes a notice regarding members who are in arrears with their dues, emphasizing that the publication is not a commercial endeavor and operates without profit, with staff receiving no remuneration. It urges members to support the organization financially.

Finally, information is provided about the "APRO Bulletin," the official copyrighted publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO). It is issued bimonthly to members and is described as a non-profit group dedicated to solving the mystery of unidentified objects. Inquiries about membership are directed to the provided address. A reminder is given to members to affix their name, address, and date of clipping to all submissions, and that previously unanswered letters will be addressed soon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "DEADLINE" are UFO phenomena, astronomical anomalies, and the search for truth in these areas. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging researchers to seek factual evidence while also critically evaluating observations. There is a clear interest in connecting different UFO cases and in challenging established scientific paradigms when they seem to conflict with observed phenomena, such as the atmosphere of Mars. The publication also seems to advocate for the scientific investigation of UFOs, as evidenced by its affiliation with the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO).