APRO Bulletin - 1980 01 00 - Vol 28 No 7

Magazine Overview

Title: THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN
Issue: VOL. 28, NO. 7
Date: JANUARY 1980
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENA RESEARCH ORGANIZATION, INC.

This issue of The APRO Bulletin, dated January 1980, focuses on a variety of UFO-related topics, including international developments, scientific studies, and detailed case reports. The publication is produced by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO).

UFO Book Published in China

The lead story announces that the first book on UFOs to be published in China, titled "Let's Talk About Flying Saucers," is slated for release in October or November of the year. The book is authored by APRO Field Investigator Mr. Paul Dong, who was commissioned by the Science Editor of the Guang Ming Daily. Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzen wrote the foreword to the book. This publication is seen as a significant step for APRO, potentially initiating contact with the Chinese public and yielding valuable information on UFOs in China.

Missouri Study Results Released

Dr. Harley Rutledge, director of Project Identification, announced partial results from a six-year scientific field study of UFOs conducted at Southeast Missouri State University. During the study, Rutledge and his team logged 153 sightings of 174 UFOs. He noted that 34 sightings were considered incredible due to the UFOs exhibiting physical or behavioral properties beyond known technology. On 32 occasions, the UFOs appeared to react to the observers. The study logged sightings over a wide area of southeast Missouri, with a concentration near Cape Girardeau. One case involved a small disc chasing a girl and blinding her with a bright light.

Follow-Up: Deputy Val Johnson Incident

This section provides an update on the UFO incident involving Deputy Sheriff Dennis G. Brekke of Marshall County, Minnesota, on August 27, 1979. The final report, based on research by metallurgical engineer Roland D. Wardell, details the extensive damage to Deputy Johnson's patrol car, including a cracked windshield, bent antennas, and a disrupted electrical system. Wardell emphasized his expertise was in materials, not UFOs, but found no earthly explanation for the damage. The incident involved a bright light that swooped in on the deputy, accompanied by the sound of breaking glass.

For the Record: Peter Norris Clarification

This section addresses a potential misunderstanding arising from an interview with Father Gill in the International UFO Reporter. The interviewer implied that Peter Norris was associated with the "Adamski people." Peter Norris, a barrister who had represented APRO, wrote to Jim Lorenzen to clarify that he is not factually characterized as one of the "Adamski people" and that the confusion likely stemmed from another individual named Colin Norris.

Case Studies of Large UFOs

Several detailed accounts of significant UFO sightings are presented:

• The "Flying Boat" Incident (1930s): A witness, then 7-9 years old, recounts seeing a large, black, silent, motionless object hovering over a river in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, emitting bright spotlights. His father, an aviation enthusiast, described it as a "flying boat," but the witness noted its unusual characteristics compared to known aircraft.
• The "China Clipper" (1947): A sighting off the coast of South Africa by Mrs. A.M. King describes a huge, steel object shaped like a cigar, hovering over the sea and emitting a searchlight. This is speculated to be a "mother" ship.
• Vernon, France Sighting (1954): Monsieur Bernard Miserey witnessed a gigantic cigar-shaped object suspended over the river, from which smaller discs detached and maneuvered. The spectacle lasted about forty-five minutes.
• Vendee, France Sighting (1954): Following the Vernon sighting, hundreds witnessed a luminous, carrot or cigar-shaped mass that dropped from clouds and was accompanied by a tiny metallic disc.
• Portsmouth, New Hampshire Sighting (1952): Captain Charles Cobb reported seeing a large, silvery, irridescent cigar-shaped body, estimated at 750 feet long, traveling at approximately 500 miles per hour.
• Hillsborough County, New Hampshire (1977): Robert Guglio witnessed lights in the sky, leading to the investigation and photographic analysis of an object between seven and ten feet in diameter with even luminosity.

Press Reports Summary

This section compiles brief reports from various locations:

• United States: "Orange Balls" are reported to be prominent in recent sightings. Cases from Cooperstown, North Dakota (bright flame-colored object), Bowling Green, Kentucky (big ball of fire), and Suffolk, Virginia (oval or round object with flashing lights) are detailed.
• Minnesota: Nine people in Cannon Falls reported seeing a "shiny, round disc" described as chrome-colored.
• Pennsylvania: Allen Cline and Von Wharsel spotted a bright white light that disappeared, followed by a smaller red light and blue lights, which then took off silently.
• Minnesota: Thomas Gebhart reported damage to his beanfield, possibly caused by a UFO.
• Minnesota: Thomas Brasten reported seeing two objects, one large and one small, emitting a steady glow.
• Florida: Phil Guthrie, Bill Cheeseman, and Rick Myers reported seeing a thin, elongated flash of white light.
• Oregon: Five people reported sighting a UFO moving westward, described as a flashing red and green object that disrupted electronic reception.

Letters

Robert F. Creegan, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy at SUNY Albany, writes to express his renewed appreciation for The APRO Bulletin, calling it the best all-round source of information and theories in the UFO field. He recounts his past involvement with a "Blue Ribbon UFO Panel" and explains his reasons for abstaining from APRO activities due to misunderstandings regarding procedures and journalism. He reaffirms his belief in APRO's balanced approach and the importance of mass journalism in disseminating UFO information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of The APRO Bulletin demonstrates a commitment to presenting a wide range of UFO phenomena, from international reports and scientific investigations to detailed eyewitness accounts and follow-up investigations. The publication maintains a serious, research-oriented stance, seeking to increase scientific knowledge and public understanding of UFOs. The inclusion of case studies, particularly those involving large, unusual craft, and the detailed analysis of physical evidence underscore this approach. The "For the Record" section highlights the importance of accuracy and clarification in reporting UFO-related information. The "Press Reports Summary" indicates a broad spectrum of recent sightings across the United States. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, balanced reporting, and a dedication to the scientific study of UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the extensive consulting panels and the detailed case analyses.