APRO Bulletin - 1964 05 00 - May

Magazine Overview

Title: The A.P.R.O. Bulletin
Issue: May, 1964
Publisher: The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (A.P.R.O.)
Country: USA
Language: English
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin delves into several significant UFO (Unidentified Aerial Object) or UAO (Unidentified Anomalous Object) cases, with a primary focus on a landing incident in New Mexico. It also examines a controversial case involving a child's alleged UFO-related injuries and reports on sightings in Australia and other locations, highlighting the ongoing efforts of APRO to investigate and document these phenomena.

The Stull Case

The Stull Case, occurring around April 28, 1964, involved a 10-year-old girl, Sharon Stull, who reportedly received facial burns after witnessing an egg-shaped UFO from a school playground in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Newspapers in Santa Fe and Albuquerque covered the story. APRO representatives, Mrs. and Mr. Lorenzen, attempted to investigate but faced difficulties reaching the family and obtaining clear information. Sharon Stull exhibited some facial eruptions and irritated eyes, which were treated as sunburn. However, her parents, particularly Mrs. Stull, presented a narrative that included claims of accelerated growth and unusual physical development in Sharon. The Lorenzens' observations suggested Sharon's condition was not unusual for her age. Further investigation revealed that Mrs. Stull had contacted Patrolman Lonnie Zamora (involved in the Socorro landing case) and seemed interested in leveraging her daughter's experience for financial gain, potentially through media involvement. The case was complicated by the parents' behavior, leading APRO to suspect an attempt to capitalize on the incident, possibly contributing to its dismissal by experts like Dr. Hynek as a hoax or sunburn.

UAO's Upset TV Reception

This section details an incident in Wonthaggi, South Dudley, Australia, on September 19, 1963. Approximately 140 residents observed an object described as an 'orange beach ball' moving slowly across the sky. PMG Lineman Tom Lymer described it as flashing on and off like an aircraft light but much larger and slower. The object reportedly moved over the sea and disappeared. A significant aspect of this sighting was the widespread disruption of television reception in Wonthaggi and South Dudley during the 25 minutes the object was visible. TV screens went blank, showed double images, or displayed 'snowy' static. Children at a playground first spotted the object, alerting their parents. A party from the Victorian FS Research Society investigated and relayed information to APRO. John Waters reported seeing two objects on a subsequent night, and Des Pugh saw one object on Friday.

The Southwest Flap

This extensive report focuses on the UFO landing incident in Socorro, New Mexico, on April 24, 1964, involving Patrolman Lonnie Zamora. The report acknowledges the contributions of various individuals and organizations, including local news outlets and police contacts. At 6:50 p.m., Zamora, while pursuing a speeder, observed a blue flame descending to the southwest. He followed it in his patrol car, navigating a steep mesa. The object, described as having a brilliant blue flame, emitted a loud roaring sound and then a high-pitched whining sound as it ascended at a shallow angle. Zamora found four wedge-shaped depressions and four circular depressions at the landing site, along with burned vegetation. The investigation involved Sgt. Sam Chavez of the New Mexico State Police, Captain Holder of Stallion Site, and an FBI operative. The Lorenzens traveled to Socorro to investigate, interviewing Zamora and other witnesses. Zamora initially reported seeing 'little men' but later changed his story to 'white coveralls,' possibly due to pressure or embarrassment. The report emphasizes Zamora's credibility as a trained, matter-of-fact observer. The physical evidence, including the indentations and burned ground, was documented. The article also discusses the potential propulsion methods and the lack of radar confirmation, attributing it to the object's low altitude and the radar systems being offline.

The Investigation

APRO received the first word of the Socorro sighting from Arlynn Bruer of the Alamogordo Daily News. The Lorenzens immediately traveled to New Mexico. They met with Sgt. Chavez and Chief Pineda, visited the landing site, took measurements, and collected soil samples. They interviewed Zamora, who described the object and drew diagrams of the landing site and the object itself. Zamora stated he had been instructed by Intelligence not to discuss markings on the craft, with Captain Holder of the Army contingent at Stallion Site also advising secrecy. The report notes that this was the only indication of potential censorship during the investigation. The article also touches upon the possibility of the object being a hoax, but dismisses it based on Zamora's logbook, his reputation, and the corroborating evidence found at the scene.

Object Sinks Yacht

On February 5, 1964, the yacht 'Hattie D', a converted Navy craft, was sunk approximately 25 miles off the coast of Cape Mendocino, California, by an unknown object. Survivors reported being rammed by a 'metal object' that caused the sinking at a depth of 7,800 feet. A Coast Guard helicopter rescued nine crewmen, the captain, and his wife, along with a puppy. This incident is included as it correlates with other reported UFO sightings over the ocean.

Landing (Continued)

Further details of the Zamora sighting are provided, including the object's position relative to the gully and the mesa. Zamora described the object as having a blue flame and a whining sound as it ascended. The physical evidence, including the depressions and burned ground, is detailed. The article references drawings made by a 14-year-old lawyer's son in Socorro, which were considered the closest representation of the object. The report also discusses the possibility of the object using self-leveling landing gear and the heat generated, which burned vegetation. Dr. J. Alan Hynek's opinion that the phenomenon was beyond conventional rocketry but possibly within physical theory is mentioned, along with the concept of exhausting small amounts of gas at high speeds to achieve lift. The possibility of a 'field drive' is also considered.

The Investigation (Continued)

Sgt. Chavez confirmed that Zamora had no means to produce the observed evidence and vouched for his honesty. The article discusses the interaction between Mr. Lorenzen and Air Force personnel, Sgt. Moody and Maj. Connors, at Kirtland AFB. Moody made disparaging remarks about Coral Lorenzen, calling her a 'nut,' which Mr. Lorenzen revealed was his wife, leading to Moody's embarrassment. The report suggests that the Air Force might be conducting public relations for their UFO efforts and that civilian researchers may have underestimated their adversaries. Moody also provided statistics on hoaxes investigated by the Air Force in 1963. The article concludes that the Zamora incident was a well-documented case, with evidence suggesting it was not a hoax.

UAOS-TV (Continued)

This section continues the report from Wonthaggi, Australia. Mrs. Sutton received a call from a man at Mt. Eliza who described a similar orange-colored object with flashing lights moving southeast. This individual inquired if there were other reports. Mrs. Sutton confirmed that no other reports had been received at that time. She also contacted the Air Force, Weather Bureau, and Civil Aviation, establishing that no conventional aircraft or balloons were in the area. The report notes that UFOs appear to be preoccupied with locations of scientific and industrial importance, citing the Gippsland District's role in power production and the coal mining towns of Wonthaggi and Dudley South.

Delivery Man Stalked UFO

Jim Davidson, a bread carter from Wonthaggi, reported seeing a strange object on October 31, 1963, at 4:15 a.m. He described a glow that grew larger and moved with him, approximately 100 yards ahead and 80 feet up. The object was 8-12 feet long, glowing orange with red tail fins, and was not metallic but more like a cloud. It moved across the road, paced him, then accelerated up a hill and descended. Davidson followed it for two miles. Simultaneously, two other breadcarters in Wonthaggi saw a red glow over Daly-ston. The Wonthaggi Express reported additional sightings, including 60 people seeing a UFO between Dalyston and Wonthaggi in October, and a glowing apparition observed over South Dudley on November 14.

UFO (Continued)

This section continues the account of the sighting by Colbert and Hughes. They observed a glow over South Dudley that attracted their attention. Colbert described it as a moving orange-red glow with light rays issuing from the top. They followed it to Dalyston and Kilcunda. A 21-year-old mechanic in Kilcunda later reported seeing a similar object. The article suggests that UFOs in Australia and New Zealand during the fall of 1963 were possibly interested in areas of mining and industrial development.

Pancake Shape Over Michigan

On December 2, 1963, Mrs. Wayne Elliott reported sighting an unusual UFO near Grand Rapids, Michigan. She described it as pancake-shaped, glittering in the sun, at an altitude of about half a mile, and motionless. It appeared to be about the size of a woman's compact. When it moved, it tipped on edge and disappeared quickly. The total observation time was three minutes.

Another Mystery Crater

In early July, 'something' fell in the Glen Canyon area of Utah, resulting in a 40-foot hole on a mountain 15 miles west of Glen Canyon. Ranchers investigated the site, initially prompted by reports of a meteorite. The hole was first reported by Tony J. Mascaro. The article expresses interest in further information regarding the physical description of the hole and scientific findings.

Lemay on “Threat From Space"

General Curtis Le May, Air Force Chief of Staff, stated in a Congressional hearing that while the threat from space cannot be clearly defined, threats are expected to emerge, necessitating work in the area to counter them. The article references Mrs. Lorenzen's previous article, 'The Reason,' and suggests that Le May's statement implies justification for expenditures not detailed to Congress.

Texas Tower Men See Light

On September 12, 1963, nineteen men aboard Texas Tower II off Cape Cod reported an unusual experience, described as the nautical equivalent of a flying saucer sighting. They observed an object with a controlled white light and smoke, which appeared to sink before a Coast Guard boat could reach the area. A subsequent search by plane yielded nothing. The object was seen for approximately 20 minutes.

Housewife Describes Saucer Sighting

Mrs. Nancy J. Lemaster of Montclair, California, reported seeing a disc-shaped, metallic object 'as big as a railroad car' on July 16, 1963, while driving to work. She estimated its altitude at about 1,000 feet and its speed as high. The object had no wings, portholes, or engines and was soundless. An airport manager suggested it might have been a Western Air Lines Electra distorted by the sun, but could not explain the lack of portholes, windows, or noise.

Objects Seen, Socorro-1963

This section presents information about two 1963 UFO sightings in western New Mexico, unearthed during the 1964 flap. Mr. and Mrs. John H. Cardwell of Luis Lopez saw a brightly-lighted object moving eastward through their picture window. A month later, Mrs. Olen Cardwell of Polvadera reported seeing a brightly-lighted object near her home, appearing close to the earth and moving in a half-moon arc. Mrs. J. Cardwell theorized that the arc-like motion might explain the object's brightening and dimming.

Menzel's Book-A Science Fiction Tome?

APRO Member Marie White reported that the Science Fiction Book Club was offering new members three books for $1.00, with a bonus book by H. G. Wells. Menzel's new book, 'The World of Flying Saucers,' was included among the science fiction titles.

Huge Light Buzzed Car In New Mexico

Two days before the Zamora sighting, Mrs. Marie Morrow and her friend, Ruth Ovelette, along with Mrs. Morrow's 6-year-old son, were driving west of Lordsburg, New Mexico, when they observed a large, round light that lit up the surroundings 'as bright as day.' The object, described as made up of many lens-like lights, produced a whining, whirring sound and had a bluish color. It passed over their car at an altitude of about 10 feet and a width of several feet, then gained altitude and disappeared northward. The sighting lasted between two and three minutes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin include detailed accounts of UFO sightings and landings, with a strong emphasis on physical evidence and witness testimony. The publication consistently highlights cases that present tangible evidence, such as the Socorro landing site's depressions and burned ground. There is a clear editorial stance supporting the investigation of UFO phenomena by civilian researchers, often contrasting their thoroughness with what is perceived as a more guarded or dismissive approach from official bodies like the Air Force. The bulletin also addresses the issue of potential hoaxes and the challenges of distinguishing genuine sightings from misidentifications or fabrications, particularly in cases involving children or individuals seeking attention. The publication aims to provide members with comprehensive, factual reporting on UFO events, encouraging them to renew their subscriptions to stay informed about ongoing investigations and findings.