APRO Bulletin - 1959 03 00 - March

Magazine Overview

Title: THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN
Issue Date: March, 1959
Publisher: THE AERIAL PHENOMENA RESEARCH ORGANIZATION
Country of Publication: USA
Language: English

This issue of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin, Vol. VII, No. 2, dated March 1959, focuses on various reports and investigations into unidentified aerial phenomena (UAOs), also referred to as flying saucers.

Key Articles and Reports

Soldier Sees Flash; Unconscious 24 Hours

This lead article details the experience of Pfc Bernard G. Irwin of Ft. Bliss, Texas. While en route to Ft. Bliss, Irwin saw a mysterious flash in the sky, which he initially thought was a plane crash. He stopped to investigate and was found unconscious 24 hours later in southern Utah. Doctors found no visible marks or wounds to explain his state. Irwin himself had no explanation, but a more detailed account obtained later revealed he saw a light coming toward the ground. The incident is analyzed, noting the absence of any plane crash evidence and suggesting Irwin witnessed something else, possibly a meteor, though no remains were found. A missing sports jacket from Irwin's clothing is also noted as a peculiar detail.

Hobbs Man Sees Glowing UFO, Hears Signals

Jim Dobbs Jr., an engineering firm employee from Hobbs, New Mexico, reported observing a glowing, egg-shaped object on February 25th while driving south of Hobbs. Simultaneously, he heard signals on his car radio, described as a steady succession of two dots and a dash. The interference ceased when the object disappeared. Dobbs could not estimate the object's size due to its unknown distance but noted its high velocity.

UAOs Track Airliner Across Eastern U. S.

Peter Gillian, pilot of an American Airlines DC-6, reported that his plane was tracked by three shining saucer-shaped objects from Newark, New Jersey, to Detroit on February 24th. Passengers on his plane and pilots of two other airliners also witnessed the objects. The Air Force identified this as a 'weird effect of the constellation Orion reflecting off clouds,' an explanation the article disputes, noting that Orion's stars do not maneuver.

UAO Splits Oak Tree in Ireland

This report details an incident on December 31, 1958, where Joseph Bennett of Northern Ireland witnessed a large, black object about seven feet across that hit a 30-foot oak tree, splitting it. An aeronautics lecturer examined the tree and ruled out lightning as a cause, stating it was the first case in the UK with tangible evidence of such a phenomenon.

UAO Damages Priest's Roof in Greece

In February, residents of Digeliotica, Greece, were alarmed by a curious noise and a highly illuminated object flying over the village. The object described circles in the air before disappearing. Simultaneously, the home of the local priest, Papa-Costas, had its roof tiles displaced and some broken by a loud noise, described as an earthquake. Radios had stopped functioning, and the electric current failed.

From Here and There...

• This section compiles several shorter reports:
• Connecticut: Four people observed a 'missile-shaped' UAO with a glow changing from icy blue to reddish-yellow.
• Ohio: A dirigible-shaped object with a red light was seen flying at moderate speed.
• Cleveland, Ohio: Two individuals reported seeing a sausage-shaped object with lights that landed behind a warehouse.
• Marysville, California: Witnesses saw a brilliant light travelling slowly northeast, emitting a smoke trail.
• Kyusha, Japan: A student observed an orange-colored ball-shaped object surrounded by a white rim of light.

Shadow of the Unknown: Part II: UAOs Chase Cars

Dr. Olavo D. Fontes continues his investigation into UAO activity, focusing on incidents near Ponta Poran, Brazil. The article details two specific cases:

• Incident 1 (December 21, 1957): Two spherical, luminous objects chased a jeep carrying Mrs. Ivone Torres de Mendonca and her family. The objects flew in formation, oscillated, and performed a 'dead leaf descent.' They emitted blinding light and appeared to be studying the vehicle. One object landed briefly, and the other maneuvered around the jeep. The chase ended when the jeep entered the town. A strange 'luminous haze' was observed at the landing site.
• Incident 2 (February 19, 1958): A similar incident occurred where a UAO approached rapidly, performing a 'dead leaf descent' and emitting a bright red glow that turned into a silvery light. The UAO appeared to be acting as a sentinel, possibly to prevent the vehicle from proceeding. The occupants fled, and the UAO followed them back to town before eventually ascending.

Dr. Fontes comments that the UAOs' behavior suggests they are 'newcomers' and exhibit intense curiosity, possibly studying human reactions and vehicles. The second incident suggests a shift from mere observation to direct interference.

Strange Disappearances and Pursuing Saucers

By C. W. Fitch, this article discusses the phenomenon of mysterious disappearances and their potential link to UAOs. It references a previous article about a family disappearing after seeing saucers. Three recent cases of families vanishing are highlighted:

• The Martin Family: Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Martin and their three daughters disappeared on December 7, 1958, after going to get a Christmas tree in Oregon. They were last known to have purchased gas on a credit card.
• The Zrust Family: Earl Zrust, his wife Caroline, and their five children vanished on December 29, 1958, from their home in Silver Lake, Minnesota. Their home was found unlocked, and their Christmas tree was still up.
• The Jackson Family: Carroll V. Jackson Jr., his wife Mildred, and their two daughters disappeared on January 11, 1959, in Virginia. Their car was found abandoned, and extensive searches have yielded no clues. Later reports indicate two bodies, tentatively identified as Jackson and one daughter, were found with hands bound.

Fitch notes that while authorities focus on criminal investigations, the UAO researcher must consider the possibility of UAO involvement. The article also touches on the psychological impact of these events and the potential for UAOs to interfere with vehicles, citing the case of Pfc Bernard G. Irwin.

The Monon Railroad Case

This section briefly references a previous report from November 1958 about a five-member train crew witnessing a spectacular exhibition of low-level flying by four UAOs that followed a freight train for over an hour.

The Jacksonville, Fla. Case

On May 9, 1956, two girls, Joan Frost and Gertie Wynn, reported seeing two moving lights that turned out to be saucer-shaped objects. One object descended close to them, displaying pulsating white lights and an eerie deep red mist. The bus driver, Wallace L. Marlowe, also witnessed the objects.

The Preston (Ontario) Case

Two girls, Colleen Weiler and Diane Kloepher, reported being chased by a strange flying object on August 15, 1957. The object, described as a brilliant light, circled above them and appeared to glow all over.

The Ortonville, Minnesota Case

An account from the Ortonville Independent describes Marlan Hewitt, a bulk milk truck driver, who reported being followed by a flying saucer for four hours on November 15, 1956. The object was described as saucer-shaped and gray, with lights around the top, and turned red when Hewitt turned off his truck's lights.

The Greencastle, Indiana Case

Four teen-age boys reported being followed and 'buzzed' by a saucer on June 25, 1957. The object discharged a small object into their car, which exploded at their feet. The boys theorized that the craft's magnetic attraction might have caused their hub caps to go missing.

The Ajo, Arizona Case

This case, not previously reported in the press, involves Nick Riggs and his mother in 1950. While driving near Ajo, Arizona, they were paced by a huge circular object the color of dull aluminum. The object descended lower, and Riggs felt the beings inside wanted him to stop. The experience ended when Riggs turned into an abandoned airport drive.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include:

• Direct Encounters: Numerous reports detail close encounters with UAOs, including sightings, pursuits, and interactions with vehicles.
• Physical Evidence: Several cases mention tangible evidence such as split trees, damaged roofs, and missing personal items (Irwin's jacket).
• Technological Superiority: The advanced capabilities of UAOs, including high speed, maneuverability, and potential electromagnetic interference, are consistently highlighted.
• Mysterious Disappearances: A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the unexplained vanishing of individuals and families, with a strong implication of UAO involvement.
• Skepticism vs. Belief: The articles often contrast official explanations (like weather phenomena or misidentification) with witness accounts, implicitly supporting the reality of UAOs.

The editorial stance, as conveyed by the content and the inclusion of detailed witness testimonies, is one of serious investigation into UAO phenomena. The organization appears to be dedicated to collecting and disseminating information, encouraging members to submit reports and clippings. The inclusion of a FAQ section and the detailed analysis of incidents suggest a methodical approach to understanding these events. The editor, Coral E. Lorenzen, and contributors like Dr. Olavo D. Fontes and C. W. Fitch, are presented as diligent researchers.

The magazine emphasizes the need for open-mindedness and critical evaluation of evidence, often questioning official explanations and highlighting the psychological impact on witnesses. The recurring question of 'why' UAOs are here and their intentions (study, colonization, or other) is a central undercurrent.