APRO Bulletin - 1973 09 00 - September-October

Magazine Overview

This issue of THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN, dated September-October 1973, Volume 22, Number 2, is published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO) and focuses on significant UFO sightings and encounters from the period. The cover prominently features 'OCCUPANTS IN INDIANA' with accompanying articles on a 'UFO Chases Helicopter' incident and 'The Pascagoula Affair'.

UFO Chases Helicopter

The article details an encounter on October 18th near Mansfield, Ohio, where Army helicopter pilot Captain Lawrence Coyne and his three crew members were paced by a large (estimated 60 feet long), grey, metallic, cigar-shaped object. The object, described as airfoil or streamlined, had a red light on the front and a glowing leading edge. It moved at speeds exceeding 600 m.p.h. and then stopped above the helicopter, causing its altitude to inexplicably increase from 1500 feet to 3800 feet when the object departed. The helicopter's radio also went dead during the encounter. The crew reported the incident to the Army and the media, and Captain Coyne appeared on the Dick Cavett show.

The Pascagoula Affair

This section recounts the events of October 12th, beginning with a report to APRO headquarters about the abduction of two men in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Mrs. Lorenzen initiated an investigation, and Dr. James A. Harder, an APRO consultant and hypnotist, was dispatched. Dr. J. Allen Hynek of Northwestern University also inquired about the case. Dr. Harder interviewed witnesses Charles Hickson (45) and Calvin Parker (18), who described being taken aboard a UFO by three pale grey creatures, about 5 feet tall, with wrinkled skin, no visible necks, crab-like hands with two digits, and fused or pedestal-like legs. The creatures had egg-shaped heads, slits for eyes, a small nose, and a hole for a mouth. They moved slowly and appeared to float. Inside the craft, an 'eye'-like instrument observed them. The experience lasted 15-20 minutes. The article notes that press reports were largely inaccurate and clarifies that some quotes attributed to Dr. Hynek were actually from Dr. Harder, who stated the event was 'indeed a real one' and 'no hallucination'. A subsequent report on October 31st indicated Hickson passed a lie detector test confirming his account.

Occupants

This article, continuing from page one, details the experience of Mr. and Mrs. De Wayne Donathan on October 22nd, 1973, near Hartford City, Indiana. They spotted two small figures, about 4 feet tall, described as bright silver and wearing tight-fitting suits, hopping in the road. The creatures' movements were slow and clumsy, with feet and arms flopping. Mrs. Donathan described them as having 'boxes' on their feet, larger than shoes, and no discernible heads or necks. Gary Flatter, a witness, also reported seeing similar creatures and hearing a high-frequency sound. He found strange impressions in a cornfield, measuring 3 inches deep and 3½ inches across, suggesting a heel-like imprint.

Consultants

This section introduces new members to APRO's scientific consulting staff. Daniel H. Harris, an astronomer pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Arizona, is featured. Gerhard H. Wolter, a research physicist with extensive experience, is also introduced, noting his academic struggles due to political reasons in Nazi Germany and his subsequent career in the US. Dr. Riley Donald Woodson, a consultant in medicine and attending surgeon, is also presented.

Idaho "Mining UFOs"

This report details sightings by Mr. Buzz Montague in the wilderness area of Idaho. In the early 1960s and again in the mid-1960s with a friend, he observed disc-shaped objects inserting hoses into slag piles near the Spring Creek Mines. A larger, cigar-shaped object hovered overhead. The objects were described as silvery with transparent domes and windows. The investigation was undertaken by Allen Benz, APRO's Staff Librarian, after he moved to Twin Falls, Idaho.

Technical Comments: Sedona UFO Speed

Dr. Harder's analysis of a Sedona, Arizona, photograph and camera data suggests an effective shutter speed between 0.019 and 0.037 seconds, leading to a computed UFO speed of approximately 24,000 feet per second (16,000 m.p.h.). The article notes this calculation is based on a single witness estimate of distance and discusses the potential for thermal damage analysis to further estimate the UFO's speed and energy output.

David M. Jacobs Receives Doctorate

This brief announcement congratulates David M. Jacobs, APRO's Consultant in history, on receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His dissertation focused on the history of the UFO controversy in America since 1896, and his work is expected to be a significant contribution to the field.

The Cavett Show

This section comments on the Dick Cavett television show that featured UFOs, with interviews including Astronaut McDivitt, Charles Hickson, Charles Coyne, and Dr. J. Allen Hynek. The article notes that APRO provided photographs for the show, including Yungay, Peru (1967) and German (1971) shots, which appeared to be of the same type of UFO despite being taken by different photographers. It also addresses complaints about other organizations using APRO-researched photos and cases without proper credit, attributing this to the promotional needs of smaller, newer groups.

Gallup Results

The article presents findings from a recent Gallup Poll indicating that 11% of the U.S. adult population, or approximately 15 million people, have sighted unidentified flying objects. Furthermore, 51% of those surveyed believe UFOs are real. The poll also revealed that sightings are not confined to specific demographics and that rural dwellers are more likely to spot UFOs than urban dwellers.

Close Encounter In Oklahoma

This report details a sighting near Mannford, Oklahoma, on October 16th, 1973. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hatchett and their daughter observed a bright light that appeared to be moving with their truck. The object descended to about 150-200 feet, emitting an intense humming sound and a penetrating light. Mr. Hatchett estimated its size to be comparable to a Boeing 707 jetliner. The object appeared to change shape and had multiple belts of lights. The witnesses experienced an intense feeling of being observed and a sense of limitless power from the object.

Encounter

This section continues the Hatchett sighting, describing the object's lights and the witnesses' feelings. The object emitted intense white light from its forward section, with red lights at the top and bottom. Mrs. Hatchett described the lights as blinking like a computer. The object then moved off in a north-easterly direction towards Tulsa. The pilot of a Cessna pursuing a UFO near West Virginia reported a similar glowing object, described as a 'rough pyramid shape', which swooped alongside his plane and then shot straight upward out of sight. Other reports from the Ohio Valley mention a giant flat cylinder and multiple groups seeing glowing objects with various colored lights.

West Virginia "Saucer" Scene

This report from Raleigh County Airport describes nightly UFO sightings, with residents fearing ridicule. On October 16th, Howard Moneypenny observed a glowing object that changed color. A pilot pursued the object in a Cessna but eventually returned, feeling spooked. The object was considered unidentified by pilots and airport staff. The article also mentions a pilot who reported being paced by a glowing, giant, gaseous object on October 19th, which changed shape and pulsated before disappearing upward.

Celestial Events

This section provides astronomical data for December 1973 and January 1974, including the prominence of Venus, Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn as evening stars. It lists significant conjunctions, major meteor showers, and mentions Comet Kohoutek. It also advises that UFO reports due to planetary or stellar misinterpretations should diminish, and predicts a potential 'UFO flap' in January-February 1974 based on planetary phenomena correlations.

Late Issue

This note explains that the current issue is one month late due to the pressure on Headquarters from the recent 'flap' of UFO sightings. The staff is working to get investigators to the scene of reports and to publish the Bulletin on schedule.

Waiting for a Letter?

This section addresses members waiting for responses from Headquarters, explaining that the high volume of reports and inquiries during the 'flap' has created a backlog. It highlights the dedication of the staff, including Mrs. Lorenzen, Mrs. Cooper, and Mrs. Kudrle, who are managing these tasks alongside personal responsibilities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation and reporting of UFO sightings, particularly focusing on occupant encounters, aerial pursuits, and physical evidence. The APRO Bulletin maintains a stance of scientific investigation, aiming to gather accurate data and present it to the public, while also addressing public perception and the challenges of misinformation. The editorial tone is one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, emphasizing the need for careful analysis and the importance of witness testimony, even when it challenges conventional understanding. The publication also highlights the dedication of its staff and consultants in pursuing the organization's goal of finding a solution to the UFO mystery.

This issue of THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN, dated September-October 1973, is identified as Page 11 of a larger publication. It covers various topics related to UFO research and APRO's activities.

Staff Workload and Member Communication

A "Letter" section, continued from a previous page, addresses the workload of the APRO Headquarters staff. It explains that due to the specialized nature of their work, it is often faster for existing staff to complete tasks than to train new personnel. Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzen are mentioned as sharing the workload, with Mrs. Lorenzen working exceptionally long hours. The staff requests the "crunch" being experienced be met with members' tolerance for a little longer.

Eastern UFO Symposium

Information is provided about the availability of transcripts from the Eastern UFO Symposium, which was held in Baltimore, Maryland, in January 1971. A particular highlight mentioned is Professor Ted Spickler's dissertation on ball lightning and plasmas, which is noted for its effectiveness in addressing the possibility that these natural phenomena could account for UFO reports. The transcripts are available as a neatly printed and bound booklet for $3.00 postpaid from headquarters.

Back Issues

New members are informed about the availability of back issues of the A.P.R.O. Bulletin. These issues contain cases developed by APRO. Each copy is available postpaid for 50 cents. A list of currently available issues from 1958 to 1972 is provided, detailing specific months and years.

NBC Program Cancelled

This section details the cancellation of a planned NBC television special program on UFOs. The Lorenzens were initially contacted by writer Ralph Blum for an article in Cosmopolitan magazine. Later, Blum requested cooperation for a TV special. APRO provided information and cases. Mrs. Lorenzen logged reports and kept Blum updated. Blum was in New York with Dr. Hynek during the Pascagoula, Mississippi case and accompanied him there. However, due to the war in the Middle East and other breaking news, the camera crew assigned to the UFO story had to be reassigned. Consequently, the show was cancelled shortly after the Pascagoula incident investigation. The Bulletin expresses regret over the cancellation, citing the need for unbiased UFO presentations to the American public and the effort invested by Blum and APRO Headquarters.

New Italian UFO Book

A review of a new Italian UFO book titled "Visitatori Dallo Spazio" is presented. Published by ARMENIA EDITORE in Milan, Italy, in 1973, it features a foreword by Dr. Herman Oberth. The book is described as a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the UFO problem. The author, Dr. Roberto Pinotti, is a leading figure in the Italian UFO scene and a founder of C.U.N. (UFO National Unified Centre). Pinotti's academic background includes a degree in political science from the University of Florence, with a thesis on applied sociology concerning modern revivals and the world of UFO contactees. The book is the result of years of research and investigations. Dr. Pinotti is also the editor of "Notariziario UFO" and has contributed to "Flying Saucer Review" and "UFO Machrichten." He serves as APRO's Representative for Italy and is translating "UFO Occupants" (the Lorenzens' 1968 book) for publication by Armenia Editore. The book's price is $6.00 (U.S.).

UFO Alert

APRO plans to offer a telephone service in the future to expedite the investigation of UFO cases. This service will be available for members and field investigators. Tips on sightings can be called in collect to headquarters if the case involves multiple witnesses, a close encounter, a photo, occupants, or a landing. Callers are advised not to report sightings from press wires and to ensure the case is in their vicinity. APRO prefers that callers use their own expense if possible, as the budget is limited. Callers should be prepared with location, witness names, date, and time to relay information efficiently within three minutes.

Thank You

The staff expresses gratitude for the positive response to their plea for books in the previous issue. Several shelves in Mrs. Lorenzen's office have been filled with donated volumes. Special thanks are given to Bill Thornton and Elizabeth Roussell for their substantial contributions. The staff also notes that while they appreciate compliments, they hope members will continue to search for Lorenzen books in used bookstores, as these are highly requested by members in other countries. The book donation effort is deemed a tremendous success.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects APRO's ongoing efforts to document UFO phenomena, disseminate information through publications like the Bulletin and symposium transcripts, and engage with the public through media opportunities. The cancellation of the NBC program highlights the challenges in achieving mainstream, unbiased coverage of UFO topics. The review of the Italian book indicates an international perspective on UFO research. The implementation of the "UFO Alert" service demonstrates APRO's commitment to improving its investigative capabilities and member services. The recurring theme of staff dedication and the need for member support is evident throughout the issue.