APRO Bulletin - 1968 03 00 - March-April

Magazine Overview

This issue of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin, dated March-April 1968, is the official publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), a non-profit scientific and educational organization dedicated to solving the mystery of unidentified flying objects. The bulletin is published bi-monthly and distributed to members and subscribers.

Key Articles and Reports

Boy Burned By UAO In Ohio

This cover story details an incident on March 19th involving 12-year-old Gregory Wells near Beallsville, Ohio. While walking home, Gregory saw a large, red, football-shaped object with red lights hovering above trees. A red beam of light emerged from the object, striking Gregory's right arm, knocking him down, and setting his jacket on fire. His mother and grandmother intervened, and he was taken to the hospital. Dr. Phillips treated his second-degree burns. Investigations by Dennis Jones and the Monroe County Civil Defense found no unusual radioactivity. The boy's father, a retired Air Force Tech Sergeant, notified the Air Force, who stated they would investigate. The incident is considered unlikely to be a hoax.

Remains Of Crashed UFO In Colombia

On February 12th, near Orocue, Colombia, three ear-splitting blasts were heard, and a strange metallic disc-shaped object was observed. Locals discovered a large piece of metal, three meters in diameter and weighing 57 kilograms, which was transported to Bogota for examination. Scientists from various countries are involved. The metal is described as very hard, smooth, with orangish and greenish hues, and displays tiny grooves. It emitted a magnified sound when struck. An Air Attache suggested it was extraterrestrial.

The Strange Case Of The Frozen Pond

This report details an incident on February 18th near Vashon Island, Washington, USA. Three youths observed a glowing, oval or crescent-shaped object resting on a hill. The object, described as lens-shaped, about the size of a compact station wagon, and made of shiny metal, later moved. Samples of ice from the pond where the object hovered were taken for APRO analysis. The pond was frozen solid despite above-freezing temperatures, with unusual ice formations and bubbles. A triangular depressed area was found near where the object was initially seen.

The Phoenix UFO Forum

This section covers a UFO Panel Discussion held in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 16th, sponsored by the Phoenix Executives Club. Panelists included Dr. Donald Menzel, Dr. Leslie Kaeburn, Dr. David Saunders, and Dr. Harder. The event involved a press conference and a discussion session. A lobby display of UFO photos and artists' conceptions was featured. APRO staff members, including Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzen, Dr. Sprinkle, Dr. Salisbury, and Dr. Seff, were present.

Salisbury To Contribute To Soviet Book

Dr. Frank B. Salisbury, a member of APRO's Scientific Staff, will contribute to a book titled "Populated Outer Space," to be edited by Boris Konstantinov, Vice President of the USSR Academy of Sciences. The book will feature an article by Felix Zigel theorizing about the Tungus Sky 'meteorite' being an artificial body.

Sprinkle's Hypnotic Techniques Utilized At U. of C.

APRO advisor Dr. Leo Sprinkle demonstrated hypnotic techniques at the University of Colorado to help officer Schirmer of Ashland, Nebraska, recall details of a UFO experience. While the session was successful, the subsequent press conference by Schirmer reportedly contained untrue information, which was then propagated by other UFO study groups.

The Straight Facts

This section addresses criticisms of APRO and its book "Flying Saucer Occupants" by Gordon Lore, Assistant Director of NICAP. APRO defends its accuracy and criticizes the numerous errors found in Frank Edwards' book, "Flying Saucers, Serious Business," particularly regarding the Lonnie Zamora sighting and the Achilles Greco photo.

Research Aids - UAO Detector

Rick Gerdes, an APRO Board member, designed a simple Gaussmeter type of UAO detector using a telephone pickup coil. The instrument is portable and sensitive to magnetic changes. This is the first in a series of components for an automatic UAO detection ground station.

The Polygraph

Clancy O. Tull, an attorney, provides clarification on the polygraph test, emphasizing that it measures organic responses to stimuli and is not a true "lie detector." He recommends specific procedures for conducting examinations, including subject isolation and careful questioning.

Use Of Detectors In Spotting UFO

This article reports on the increasing use of detectors, such as the "Saucer Seeker," in spotting UFOs. Several sightings in the Chicago area and in Illinois are attributed to these detectors, which indicate proximity and sometimes trigger alarms. The erratic behavior of electrical apparatus during a sighting in Hillside, Illinois, is also noted.

Texas Lawman Pursues UAO

Chief of Police Alvis Maddox of Childress, Texas, reported pursuing a bright light that traveled at high speeds and eventually turned southeast and disappeared. This incident occurred on March 2nd.

Spate Of Sightings In Ontario, Canada

Several sightings were reported in early February near Chalk River, Ontario. These include a brilliant light observed by Ontario Provincial Police near Killaloe, and a large bright object with red lights seen near Deep River by the Elliott family and Miss McCarthy, which caused TV interference.

U.S.A. Reports

This section summarizes several closed reports from late 1967, including a classic disc sighting in Herrin, Illinois, and a car headlight-like object that grew larger and flew parallel to a car in Wellington, Texas. A gray, flat object was also observed in Redding, California.

Australia Sightings

Reports from Koorda, Australia, detail a round orange object observed by Peter Stephens, causing dirt and stubble to swirl, and an oval black object seen by Harry King that took off at high speed.

Book Review-REPORT OF THE UFO WAVE OF 1947

This review praises Ted Bloecher's book for its comprehensive study of UFO cases following the Arnold sighting. APRO is assisting in distributing the book.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently emphasizes scientific investigation, accuracy in reporting, and the pursuit of evidence-based solutions to the UFO mystery. The editorial stance is critical of sensationalism and inaccurate reporting, as demonstrated by the critique of Frank Edwards' book and the clarification of the polygraph's limitations. The organization actively promotes its own research, publications, and the work of its staff and representatives worldwide. There is a clear distinction made between APRO's policies and those of other organizations like NICAP, with an emphasis on APRO's independent and research-driven approach.