APRO Bulletin - 1961 07 00 - July

Magazine Overview

Title: The A. P. R. O. Bulletin
Issue Date: July, 1961
Publisher: The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO)
Country: USA
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The A. P. R. O. Bulletin, published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, focuses on UFO sightings and related investigations. It includes a prominent report on an Ohio pilot's experience, an announcement regarding the death of Dr. Carl G. Jung, and extensive coverage of sightings in New Guinea.

Fontes Visits APRO

Dr. Olavo T. Fontes, APRO's Brazilian representative, visited Tucson, Arizona, and was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzen and Mr. Richard Hansing. The visit, described as a pleasure and business mission, involved meetings, luncheons, and dinners. Dr. Fontes was accompanied by his wife, Theresa. The visit concluded with the Fontes traveling to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, and finally back to Rio.

Jung Dead

Coral Lorenzen reports with shock and loss the death of Dr. Carl G. Jung, an eminent psychologist and APRO member. The news was first heard on the "TODAY" show. The bulletin dedicates this issue to Dr. Jung's memory, acknowledging his significant contributions to psychology and UFO research, and noting that his true worth may take time to be fully recognized.

Ohio Pilot Sees Lights

Ernie Stadvec, owner of Stadvec Aviation, Inc. in Akron, Ohio, reported seeing unidentified objects on July 4th and 5th, 1961. On July 4th, he and two other men observed a brilliant green and white light that approached them, then broke into a 180-degree turn and disappeared into a haze. On July 5th, Stadvec spotted a similar light near Cleveland Hopkins Airport, which climbed rapidly and sped off. Simultaneously, radar at the airport detected an object behaving like a falling star, which flared up and then faded. Stadvec described the object as coming at him with terrific speed, then veering off at a 180-degree angle and disappearing. He stated it flattened out at about 10,000 feet and came within three-quarters or a half-mile of them. Major Robert Friend of the Air Force's Foreign Technologies Division suggested the object might have been an atmospheric refraction of the star Capella, a theory Stadvec refutes, emphasizing the object's unusual speed and maneuverability.

"Smoke Ring" In Ohio

On June 12, 1961, Mrs. Howard Carnes and Mrs. Richard Campbell of Waynesville, Ohio, observed an object described as a blue-black ring of smoke that appeared to float above the town for about five minutes before disappearing northeast. They described it as a ring of smoke with a ball of fire swinging around the outside and estimated its altitude at 1,500 to 2,000 feet.

Editorial

The editorial section announces the upcoming publication of Coral E. Lorenzen's book, "The Great Flying Saucer Hoax," scheduled for November or December. The book, with 256 pages, is described as the most comprehensive document on UFOs to date. A pre-publication offer of $3.95 is available. The editorial also addresses the response to APRO's Special Reports, noting that Special Report No. 1 (Martins-Keffel pictures) could be printed with more encouragement, while Special Report No. 2 (Physical Evidence case) is lengthy and expensive but will be included in the book. Members who ordered Special Report No. 2 are offered a refund or credit towards the book. The editorial also addresses criticism from David Wightman in "Saucer News," questioning his objectivity and suggesting his remarks are interspersed with naivete and imagination.

New Guinea Sightings

Rev. N. Cruttwell presents a detailed account of UFO sightings in Papua New Guinea, primarily from 1953 to 1959. He emphasizes that he has been an investigator and reporter, personally interviewing witnesses. The reports are categorized chronologically:

Pre-1958 Sightings:

1. The First Papuan Sightings (1953): Mr. T. P. Drury, Director of Civil Aviation in Papua New Guinea, witnessed a silver dart-like object shoot out of a cloud near Port Moresby. The object was elongated, metallic, and flashed in the sun, moving at immense speed. It was photographed, and the film was sent for analysis, but the object was pronounced "unknown."
2. Objects Over The Papuan Gulf (1955-1956): Two similar objects were seen. Dr. E. Nespor observed a large disc, glowing greenish, moving slowly over the Gulf of Papua. Mr. Clifford Jackson also saw a large round red light in the sky.
3. A Strange Light over the Ningo Islands (1957): A Patrol Officer and four Europeans observed a strange, unexplainable light hovering near their ship for 20 minutes. It appeared as a large yellow star, changing color to red, then green, then crimson, before moving violently and disappearing.

1958-The Overture:

1. A Red Light Over the Airport (February 1958): A mysterious red light was reported over Jackson's Airport, Port Moresby, descending to about 200 feet, traversing the airstrip, and shooting straight up.
2. A "Blue Moon" nears Samaria (June 1958): Missionaries reported a round object, the size of the moon and pale blue, emitting light brighter than sunlight, hovering over Mission property before moving north.
3. Lights over Goodenough Bay (June 1958): Children at a mission station saw a white light, like a star, traveling horizontally across the sky. This was followed by more lights appearing later in the year.
4. A Green Fire-Ball (Date unspecified, likely 1958): A dazzling green flare appeared suddenly at an elevation of about 60 degrees, moving from north to south at a fair speed, lighting up the landscape before vanishing without sound. It was estimated to be at an altitude of 3,000 to 5,000 feet.
5. The 'Satellite that Changed Directions' (November-December 1958): An object was seen for several nights, traveling from northwest to southeast. It was described as a silvery white star, fluctuating in brightness. Radio news reported a similar object seen over Boroko, described as a bluish-white star, moving from east to west. The report notes the unusual directional changes, questioning if they could be satellites.

Other Sightings

Oval Object At Marion, New York: John Dingfelder and Mrs. Frank Priestly observed a strange oval, silver-colored object hovering over wooded land, sporting three apertures and blinking red lights.

Seattle Area "Ball of Fire": Residents witnessed a spectacular "ball of fire" resembling a huge ball of yellow fire that burned out before reaching the horizon.

Object Dives On Highway Patrolman (Brazil): A glowing object maneuvered for 3 hours over the Anchieta Highway, approached police cars at high speed, and then landed near a tree.

Colorado Campers Sight Oval Object: Dave Joranson and others observed an oval, silvery object near Aspen, Colorado, which moved across the sky and disappeared.

No Hearings This Fall: Representative Joseph E. Karth stated that plans for Congressional hearings on unidentified flying objects had not materialized and were unlikely to occur during that session.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin expresses concern about the proliferation of "pseudo-researchers, quasi-religious cults and plain rumor-mongers" in the UFO field, which it believes detracts from serious research. APRO positions itself as a group focused on objective reporting and scientific evaluation, embodying a rational approach to the UFO problem. The editorial stance is one of caution against unsubstantiated claims and a strong emphasis on factual evidence and rigorous investigation. The magazine advocates for a serious, scientific approach to UFO research, distinguishing itself from groups perceived as sensationalist or based on imagination rather than reality. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of UFOs and the need for continued, methodical investigation by qualified individuals.