the apro bulletin

Magazine Overview

Title: The APRO Bulletin
Issue: VOL. 24, NO. 5
Date: November 1975
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc.
Country: USA
Language: English

The Travis Walton Case

This issue of The APRO Bulletin focuses extensively on the Travis Walton case, a widely reported UFO incident that occurred in November 1975. The magazine aims to provide an accurate account of the events, correct misrepresentations in the media, and detail APRO's investigation.

Initial Sighting and Disappearance

On the evening of November 5, 1975, a crew of six woodcutters, including Travis Walton, were working in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Heber, Arizona. Michael Rogers, driving the crew's truck, reported spotting a yellowish glow. Travis Walton, sitting in the front seat, initially mistook it for the sunset but soon realized it was a hovering object.

The object, described as a glowing disc approximately 15-20 feet above a pile of slash, emitted a "beeping" noise and a "generator starting" sound. As Walton approached it, a bright, greenish-blue light struck him, causing a flash and jolting him into the air. The truck's occupants, terrified, sped away. The entire incident reportedly took less than a minute.

Travis Walton's Return and Account

Approximately 15 minutes after the initial sighting, the crew returned to search for Walton. They found no sign of him or the object. Walton was later found disoriented in a telephone booth in Heber, about 12 miles from the sighting location. He had been missing for approximately five days.

Walton recounted an experience where he was taken aboard a craft. He described entities with large eyes and small noses and mouths, resembling human fetuses, and an apparatus on his chest. He also described an "airlock," a room with push buttons that moved the stars, and encountered three "humans" (two men and one woman) who resembled each other closely. He was then given an oxygen mask and lost consciousness.

Investigation and Scientific Testing

APRO Field Investigator Raymond Jordan documented the initial facts. Deputy Sheriff Chuck Allison of Navajo County was notified, and a search was conducted, but no physical evidence was found. The witnesses underwent polygraph tests administered by Cy Gilson, an expert from the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Five of the six men passed the test, with one being deemed "inconclusive."

APRO also arranged for medical examinations of Travis Walton by two physicians and a laboratory analysis of blood and urine samples, which revealed no evidence of drug use. Dr. James Harder, APRO's Director of Research, conducted hypnosis sessions to alleviate Walton's tension.

Media and Public Scrutiny

The case attracted significant media attention, leading to what APRO describes as misrepresentations and harassment of the witnesses. Individuals like Bill Spaulding of "Ground Saucer Watch" made public statements, some questioning the validity of Walton's story and accusing Duane Walton of being "negative."

Dr. Lester Steward, who claimed to be a "Valley expert on UFOs," made controversial statements, calling the story a "hoax" and suggesting Walton was hallucinating on drugs. His qualifications and claims were questioned by APRO.

APRO's Stance and Ongoing Investigation

APRO stated its commitment to investigating the case thoroughly, correcting the record, and conducting further tests, including regressive hypnosis, to understand the "lost time" from Walton's subconscious. They emphasized the distress of the witnesses and the unreliability of polygraph tests in such states.

The bulletin also includes a section on "Making Intensity Estimates And Measurements" by Richard F. Haines, Ph.D., which delves into the technical aspects of measuring light intensity and luminance, relevant for UFO observation analysis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently takes a stance of rigorous investigation and fact-finding, aiming to present a scientific approach to the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance in this issue is to defend the integrity of the Travis Walton case against what they perceive as sensationalism and misinformation from the media and certain UFO groups. They prioritize witness testimony and scientific testing while acknowledging the psychological impact on those involved. The magazine also serves as a platform for disseminating technical information related to UFO research, as seen in the article on intensity estimation.