The APRO Bulletin

Magazine Overview

Title: The APRO Bulletin
Issue: Vol. 25, No. 7
Date: January 1977
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO)
Country of Publication: USA
Language: English
Cover Headline: ANOTHER KENTUCKY ABDUCTION

Featured Articles

Another Kentucky Abduction

This article details a UFO abduction case involving Lee Parrish, a 19-year-old male from Prospect, Kentucky. The incident occurred on January 27, 1977, at approximately 1:05 a.m. and lasted for 35 minutes. Lee was driving home from a friend's house when he encountered a hovering, rectangular object described as the color of the setting sun but much brighter. The object appeared to be about 10 feet tall and 40 feet long. Lee felt compelled to look at it but found it too bright to observe continuously. He experienced missing time and later, under hypnosis facilitated by Don Elkins and Carla Rueckert, recalled being taken aboard the craft. Inside, he encountered three entities he instinctively felt were sentient but not human: a 'black one,' a 'red one,' and a 'white one.' The black entity touched him, causing a sensation that was both cold and burning. The red entity, described as scared and reluctant, touched his shoulder and temple. The white entity, perceived as the 'ruler,' remained stationary. Lee's Jeep experienced electrical issues after the incident, and his eyes were bloodshot and painful following the experience.

The 1890s "Flap"

This section, continued from the December 1976 issue, recounts historical UFO sightings. It mentions sightings in Oklahoma, Texas, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and West Virginia. A specific incident on April 16 involved a cigar-shaped ship crossing between citizens and the moon in Benton, Texas. On April 19, a luminous red, cigar-shaped object approached Sistersville, West Virginia, flashing searchlights. The article then details a highly unusual event from LeRoy, Kansas, in the 1890s (dated April 2, 1987, likely a transcription error for the date of the statement). Farmer Alexander Hamilton, along with 10 other prominent citizens, swore an affidavit about an airship descending near his cattle. The vessel was described as cigar-shaped, possibly 300 feet long, with a glass carriage. Six strange beings were observed jabbering inside. A turbine wheel buzzed, and the ship rose, hovering over a heifer to which a cable was attached around its neck. The heifer was found later with its hide, legs, and head removed, with no tracks found in the soft ground. The article notes this period as the first "UFO flap" in American history.

Boys Frightened By UFOs

This brief article recounts an incident reported in the McAlester, Oklahoma Democrat concerning three 14-year-old boys who saw hovering objects on two successive nights in July 1976. The objects were described as appearing like two saucers placed together, white in color, with rotating bluish-green lights at the midsection and a very bright red light. The boys did not want their names revealed.

Book Reviews

The Space-Gods Revealed: A Close Look at the Theories of Erich von Daniken

Reviewed by James D. White, this book by Ronald Story critiques Erich von Daniken's theories about ancient astronauts. Story is described as meticulously rounding up arguments against von Daniken's claims, pointing out his uncritical acceptance of evidence, unwarranted conclusions, and disregard for scientific rules. The review notes that while Story's book is well-printed and thorough, it may not change the minds of von Daniken's followers. It also mentions that Story does not tackle the possibility that von Daniken might have some valid points, despite his shortcomings. The book includes a foreword by Carl Sagan.

The UFO Question (Not Yet Answered)

Reviewed by James D. White, this book by P.J. Willcox, an aerospace scientist, is described as poorly printed and edited but valuable. Willcox analyzes the Condon Report, arguing it ignored its own evidence to reach its conclusions. He also provides background accounts that form a history of the UFO question, contributing significantly to the literature, with a 185-entry bibliography.

Encounters With UFO Occupants

Reviewed by James D. White, this book by Coral and Jim Lorenzen is highlighted as essential for any UFO bookshelf. It is praised for its detailed, nuts-and-bolts reporting and its methodical organization of UFO occupant cases, fitting them into developing patterns of behavior and motivation.

Other Content

Belmont Sighting

Investigator Burton Monroe, Jr., details a sighting on January 26, 1977, involving Louise Belmont and her two sons, Neil (10) and William (8). The family observed a large, bright yellow object, described as flattened on the underside and domed above, hovering near their home. The object was estimated to be about 75-100 feet in the air and 100 yards away. Mrs. Belmont also recalled their dogs barking during the event. The article notes that this sighting occurred two and a half hours before the Parrish abduction and was geographically close, adding significance. It also mentions Mrs. Belmont's prior close encounter in Virginia.

APRO Staff and Representatives

The issue lists the APRO staff, including Coral E. Lorenzen as Editor and R. Michael Rasmussen as Assistant Editor, along with various consultants and representatives from different countries.

Membership Information

Details on APRO membership and subscription rates are provided, with different rates for the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other countries.

Editorial Stance and Themes

The APRO Bulletin positions itself as a publication dedicated to the eventual solution of the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects. The articles in this issue focus on detailed case reports of alleged UFO encounters and abductions, historical UFO events, and the societal implications of the UFO phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on presenting factual accounts and encouraging scientific investigation, as evidenced by the book reviews and the discussion of collective behavior. The magazine appears to lean towards the hypothesis that UFOs are extraterrestrial in origin, though it also acknowledges the possibility of misinterpretations and psychological factors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on detailed reporting of UFO sightings, encounters, and alleged abductions, often employing hypnotic regression to elicit witness testimony. The publication seems to favor the extraterrestrial hypothesis for UFOs and their occupants, as seen in the review of the Lorenzen's book. There is a strong emphasis on rigorous investigation and the compilation of data. The magazine also explores the broader societal impact of the UFO phenomenon, including the psychological and sociological aspects of collective behavior and public belief. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, aiming to gather and analyze evidence to understand the nature and intentions of UFO occupants.