APRO Bulletin - 1969 05 00 - May-June

Magazine Overview

The A.P.R.O. BULLETIN, published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), is the official copyrighted publication for members and subscribers, dedicated to investigating unidentified flying objects. This issue, dated May-June 1969, covers a range of UFO reports and related organizational news.

UFO Filmed Over Tucson

On June 14, 1969, at 2:30 a.m. in Tucson, Arizona, Don Reasor and his brother-in-law Wayne Johnson witnessed a glowing red light hovering and pulsating. They observed a smaller light leave the main object, circle, and return. Reasor managed to capture about 18 seconds of Super 8 Kodachrome II film, which shows a brilliant red blur. APRO's optics expert, Dr. Frieden, will study the film.

Hynek Leaves Blue Book

Dr. J. Allen Hynek's twenty-one-year tenure as scientific advisor to Project Blue Book ended on June 30th when the Air Force failed to renew his contract. He was informed by Mr. John Sweeney of McGraw Hill Corporation. While this may suggest the closure of Project Blue Book, Dr. Hynek is unaware of any such plans. The article speculates that Hynek's association with the Air Force may continue at a higher level.

Police, Farmers Watch UFO in Calif.

On May 24, 1969, in Vina, Tehama County, California, citizens and police officers observed an unconventional aerial object for four hours. The object, described as "about as big as a small bus," illuminated a palm orchard and emitted an "orange beam of light" at regular intervals. It pursued a freight train before returning to its original position. Undersheriff William Gonzales and other officers confirmed the observation.

Reminder for Members

APRO membership dues will increase to $5.00 annually starting July 1, 1969, with the Bulletin subscription at $7.00. Members are urged to send address changes immediately and to print their names and addresses on all communications.

Staff Members Travel

Richard Greenwell, Assistant Director, traveled to California and met with Dr. James Harder and Dr. Robert S. Ellwood. He also lectured at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Mrs. Coral Lorenzen, Secretary, toured Wisconsin and Illinois, meeting with APRO members and consultants, including Dr. Allen R. Utke and Dr. J. Allen Hynek.

APRO Formalities, Forms and Field Investigators Network

APRO has introduced a new membership form to gather detailed information from members. This information will be used to select individuals for a new Field Investigators Network. Members are also reminded to send two small photos for new plastic-laminated membership cards, available for 50c.

New Consulting Staff Members

Four new consultants have joined APRO: Mr. Rayford Sanders (Aeronautics), Dr. Richard C. Henry (Astrophysics), Dr. Benjamin Sawyer (Medicine), and Dr. Roy Frieden (Optics). Dr. Robert Johnson (Metallurgy) has moved to Materials Research Corp.

New Lorenzen Book

A new book titled "UFOs The Whole Story" by Coral and Jim Lorenzen has been published by New American Library and is available for 75c. The APRO hard cover book "The Great Flying Saucer Hoax" is available for $4.45.

APRO Consultants Give Lectures

APRO consultants, including Dr. James Harder, Dr. Leo Sprinkle, Dr. Frank B. Salisbury, and Dr. J. Allen Hynek, participated in a series of UFO lectures at the Calgary Central Planetarium.

UFO Research Award

APRO is promoting a UFO Research Award and seeking members to help circulate information about it in their universities. Donations to the Olavo T. Fontes Memorial Fund, which sponsors the award, are also requested.

An Innovation in Space Suits?

The July 1969 issue of Analog Science Fiction features an editorial by John W. Campbell proposing skin-tight space suits for astronauts, which might be relevant given reports of UFO occupants wearing similar suits.

Strange Object Sighted In Alaska

An article from the Juneau DAILY EMPIRE details sightings near Hawk Inlet, Alaska, on December 15-16, 1968. Ken Marlowe and Ralph Kern reported a "pure white light"-ball shaped object with two glowing globes above it. The object moved and affected the boat's batteries and radio.

Congressional UFO Bibliography

A 400-page bibliography on UFO books and related subjects, edited by Lynn E. Catoe, has been published by the Library of Congress under contract to the U.S. Air Force.

UFOs Reported Over Carribean

Captain Marcos Arriza reported observing about 50 lights of different colors moving horizontally over Cartagena, Colombia, on May 4, 1969. The formation appeared as a cylinder and moved without sound.

Car Buzzing Incidents Continue

Several incidents are reported where unidentified flying objects pursued motor vehicles in Brazil and Missouri. These include a disc-shaped object in Missouri that affected a car's engine and radio, and a green and yellow light in Michigan that followed a car.

Brazil Still in "Flap" Condition

Brazil continues to experience a high rate of UFO sightings and landings. Reports include a vivid yellow object that changed colors and caused paralysis, and a bizarre account of an Army soldier allegedly abducted by little men in a disc-shaped craft.

UFO Photographed in Vietnam

Staff artist Norman Duke forwarded a photo taken by a U.S. Marine medic in South Vietnam of a fast-moving silvery object.

Object Observed By Pilots Over Norway

Three SAS crews reported observing a ball-shaped luminous object in Middle Norway on November 1, 1968, which divided into two parts and emitted beams of light.

More On Welsh Case

Mr. Anthony Pace investigated a 1967 UFO observation near Wrexham, Wales, confirming details of a 50-foot diameter object with a 10-15 foot thickness at an altitude of about 200 feet. The object affected the witness's experience.

Landing Report From Canada

APRO members in Canada are investigating an alleged UFO landing at a farm near Chapeau, Quebec, involving three objects and three large, circular scorched areas.

Baker Reviews Condon Report

Dr. Robert M. L. Baker published his views on the Condon Report, noting that it hides explained cases with unexplained ones and questioning the report's conclusion that extraterrestrial visits are unlikely for 10,000 years.

First Stellar Planets Located

Dr. Peter Van de Kamp announced the discovery of at least two planets orbiting Barnard's star, demonstrating that planetary systems are not unique to our Solar System.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings from various locations, the ongoing investigation efforts by APRO, and the organization's efforts to professionalize its operations through new forms, networks, and consulting staff. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific inquiry and a commitment to understanding the UFO phenomenon, while also acknowledging the limitations and controversies surrounding official investigations like Project Blue Book and the Condon Report.