APRO Bulletin - 1976 11 00 - Vol 25 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: The APRO Bulletin
Issue: Vol. 25, No. 5
Date: November 1976
Publisher: The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO)
Country: USA
Language: English

Main Cover Story: Repeat Sightings in S.D., U.S.

The lead article by William M. Moore, Field Investigator, details a series of UFO sightings experienced by the Foss family on their farm near Milbank, South Dakota. The primary sighting occurred on the evening of November 27, 1976, when Mike Foss observed a "tremendously bright, brilliant orange light" that resolved into a large, somewhat egg-shaped object with flashing multi-colored lights. The object hovered between the hog house and the barn, approximately 100 feet from the house, and was estimated to be about 30 feet wide and lower than the barn's peak. The object exhibited a changing color pattern, described as melting from one color to another, and had two protruding legs or antennae, with white lights on the tips noted by Mike. During the sighting, the family's television experienced interference, rolling vertically, which Mr. Foss attributed to a sudden wind, though the object's presence coincided with this.

Subsequent sightings occurred on December 11, 1976, and two other occasions, with the object appearing as a bright orange light at extreme distances. During one of these later sightings, Mike's police radio scanner locked onto frequency seven, emitting bursts of static. The object's behavior included emitting "red balls" that would "explode" noiselessly. The Fosses did not consider the object to be hostile, believing that if it had hostile intent, it could have harmed them earlier. Mike Foss also reported recurring dreams of being on a strange planet. The investigation also noted the presence of a unique all-steel silo housed within the Foss' barn, which Mr. Foss speculated might have attracted the object's curiosity.

The Carter Sighting

This section discusses President Carter's alleged statement to the National Enquirer in May 1976, where he stated, "If I become President, I'll make every piece of information this country has about UFO sightings available to the public and the scientists. I am convinced that UFOs exist because I have seen one." The article urges caution and skepticism, noting that previous presidential candidates (Lyndon Johnson and Gerald Ford) made similar pronouncements before taking office, with no UFO disclosures forthcoming. It also mentions Carter's appointment of ex-Air Force Secretary Brown, suggesting it might hinder future revelations.

Fate To Host UFO Congress

APRO has been informed that FATE magazine, published by Curtis G. Fuller, will host an international UFO Congress in Chicago from June 24-26, 1977. This event coincides with the 30th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's sighting of nine disc-shaped objects over Mount Rainier, Washington. FATE magazine is highlighted as a significant historical resource for UFO material, and Fuller believes sponsoring this congress is important to recognize the anniversary.

Letters

Loren E. Gross contributes a letter regarding the "Disappearance of Oliver Lerch," referencing an account from Harold T. Wilkins' 1948 booklet "Mysterious Disappearances." Wilkins' account places the disappearance on Christmas Eve, 1900, and quotes Lerch as crying, "Help! Do help! It's got me!" Gross notes that the South Bend Tribune editor, Rudolf H. Herst, replied in 1932 that the Lerch incident was likely imaginary.

Another letter from Loren E. Gross expresses agreement with the APRO Bulletin's stance on the Travis Walton case and its detractor, Phil Klass. Gross recommends Ray Stanford's book "Socorro Saucer in a Pentagon Pantry" as a counterpoint to Klass's earlier publication, "UFOs Identified," suggesting that Stanford "more than demolishes Mr. Klass' arguments."

Book Review: Charles Fort, the Fortean Society, & Unidentified Flying Objects

David M. Jacobs reviews a book by Loren Gross, which explores UFO sightings from 1896 to the modern era, including the "UFO Wave of 1896" and "The Mystery of the Ghost Rockets." The review notes that Gross's latest booklet focuses on UFO sightings between 1897 and 1946 and examines the attitudes of Charles Fort, the Fortean Society, and Tiffany Thayer toward the phenomenon. While acknowledging the disparate narrative and "breezy jargon," Jacobs praises Gross for uncovering significant material on pre-1947 UFO sightings and contributing to the understanding of Fort and Thayer's perspectives.

Two Reports From Japan

This section presents two reports from Japan. The first, by Vance Dewey, details a humanoid sighting in Kofu on February 23, 1975. Two seven-year-old boys, Masato Kono and Katsuhiro Yamahata, witnessed a luminous orange object land near an apartment house. A humanoid, described as 1.3 meters tall with dark brown skin, pointed ears, no visible facial features (eyes, nose, mouth), and wavy wrinkles, wearing silver clothing and carrying a rifle-like instrument, descended from the craft. The humanoid's voice was described as resembling a tape recorder. A second, similar humanoid was seen inside the craft operating controls.

The second report, by Jun-Ichi Takanashi, describes an incident on October 1, 1975, near Hakushu. Two youths, Michio Hikawa and Takeshi Furuya, reported their car being pulled backward multiple times while parked in Southern Alps National Park. They had previously seen figures resembling children and girls with glowing yellow eyes. The car experienced mechanical issues afterward, including a broken piston, despite low mileage.

The 1890s "Flap"

Jerry Mathers writes about the "1890s flap," arguing that the first significant wave of flying saucer reports occurred in the late 19th century, not in 1947. Thousands of reports of strange "airships" were documented across the United States and Europe during 1896 and 1897. Descriptions included winged cigar-shaped ships emitting bright lights, and some reports involved occupants and even the kidnapping of a cow. The article notes that these sightings were common in the Midwest and mentions specific instances in Oakland, California, and Montreal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently advocates for rigorous investigation and open dissemination of UFO-related information. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism combined with a strong belief in the importance of the UFO phenomenon. The publication actively encourages research, provides a platform for detailed case reports, and critiques official narratives or dismissive attitudes (e.g., towards Phil Klass). There is a clear emphasis on historical research and the collection of data, highlighting the efforts of independent researchers and organizations like APRO in filling the void left by mainstream scientific and academic institutions. The magazine also promotes the idea that UFO research is a significant scientific and academic problem facing mankind.