1976 - Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind Ted Bloecher

Magazine Overview

This document is a paper titled "CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND" by Ted Bloecher, presented at the BUFORA UFO Conference in Birmingham, England, from November 5-7, 1976. It was published by the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA LTD.) in October 1977. The paper is described as a significant contribution to UFO research, focusing on the study of UFO occupants and humanoid sightings.

Introduction

The introduction states that BUFORA is issuing this study as an individual publication because they believe it is a significant contribution to UFO research. Although originally presented by American researcher Ted Bloecher at the BUFORA National UFO Research Conference in Birmingham in November 1976, and slated for publication in the conference proceedings, BUFORA felt it was important to publish the lecture immediately for UFO students. The introduction acknowledges the scarcity of in-depth studies on UFO occupants and expresses gratitude to Ted Bloecher for his lecture and material. Thanks are also extended to the conference organizers, Jenny Randles, Philip Rogers, and Roger Stanway, and to members of UFOSIS and NUFON for administrative help.

Abstract

The abstract defines Close Encounters of the Third Kind (CE III) as reports of humanoid entities seen in association with UFOs, citing case examples from the previous year. It outlines the background for CE III reports, suggests a clarification of terminology, and organizes basic entity types by size. Recurrent features of appearance and behavior, including activities, communication, abductions, and physical effects, are discussed. The paper reviews the association of CE III's with witnesses in vehicles and the geographical distribution of reports, as well as wave peaks. A classification for the association of entities with UFOs is suggested, along with a simple method for rating CE III reports based on completeness. The Humanoid Study Group and the Humanoid Catalogue are briefly described.

About the Speaker: Ted Bloecher

Ted Bloecher is detailed as a founding member of Civilian Saucer Intelligence of New York (CSI NY) in January 1954. He was a staff member for the National Investigations Committee of Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) from 1968 to 1969. Bloecher is the author of "Report on the UFO Wave of 1947" (privately published, 1967), edited "US Air Force Projects Grudge and Blue Book Reports, 1951-1953" for NICAP (1968), and co-wrote sections of "UFOs: A New Look" (NICAP, 1969). He also co-edited "The Truth About Flying Saucers" (1957) and "Flying Saucers and the Straight-Line Mystery" (1957) with Isabel Davis and A.D. Mebane. Bloecher was a writer and editor for "The CSI Newsletter" (1956-1959). Since 1972, he has been a member of MUFON, serving as co-chairman of MUFON's Humanoid Study Group (formed in 1974) and as the MUFON State Section Director for New York City. His educational background includes Columbia University (Drama Lit, Music minor) and the Cooper Union Art School, and he is an accomplished actor-singer. He resides in New York City.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind - Case Examples

The paper then delves into specific cases of CE III reports:

• November 1975, North America: A general mention of unusual events involving strange humanoid beings occurring within a few weeks, described as bizarre and uncertain in meaning. These are presented as the source material for the conference, sponsored by BUFORA. Dr. J. Allen Hynek of Northwestern University and Director of the Center for UFO Studies is cited for his description of CE III. These reports are noted as a source of disbelief and controversy, potentially representing new empirical evidence or poorly understood manifestations of the human psyche.
• Early November 1975, Birmingham, Alabama: A woman and her daughter, driving home, saw two enormous figures (about eight feet tall) by the side of the road. They wore ankle-high silvery shoes and close-fitting dull silver clothing. The daughter described them as wearing helmets with self-luminous surfaces. The figures startled the women, who drove away quickly.
• October 14, 1975, Peers, Alberta, Canada: A young woman driving home from work saw what she initially thought was a cattle truck, but it turned out to be an object with two 'men' standing on top, wearing helmets and holding long rods. She returned with two additional witnesses, but the object and figures were gone.
• November 10, 1975, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin: An elderly couple reported a strange 'man' at their door with a narrow-brimmed hat and a brown face. The entity communicated telepathically and then glided out of reach. The couple also saw at least four other similar beings on the lawn, described as deformed 'like gnomes' with claw-like hands and bowed legs.
• October 27, 1975, Poland Springs, Maine: Two youths lost control of their car and saw a large cylindrical object rise from a field. Under hypnotic regression, one youth recalled being removed from the car, taken aboard a craft, and subjected to a physical examination by four beings. He was told they would see him again.
• November 5, 1975, Heber, Arizona: Seven forestry workers observed a UFO. Travis Walton approached the object and was struck by a beam of light, then fell. He later recounted, under hypnosis, being taken aboard a craft and examined by beings. He reappeared five days later, having been picked up by his family.

Controversy and Research Approaches

The paper notes that the Travis Walton case (Heber, Arizona) is highly controversial. It highlights Dr. J. Allen Hynek's statement about having "too many sightings, not too few," leading to an "embarrassment of riches." Dr. David Saunders of the University of Chicago has compiled nearly 90,000 case entries in his computerized UFO catalogue, UFOCat. This abundance of data necessitates researchers selecting specific aspects of the phenomenon to study. Ted Phillips, for example, focuses on Close Encounters of the Second Kind (cases with ground traces and physical effects), while Fred Merritt confines his research to CE II reports with only leg-marks.

Focus on Close-Range Encounters

Close-range encounters are emphasized as having the greatest data-yield potential, rather than vague descriptions of random lights. CE III reports, involving humanoid entities seen with unidentified objects, are as old as the UFO report itself. Bloecher found three CE III cases from the 1947 US UFO wave that were reported in local newspapers but not widely recalled. He also notes that 50 years prior, during the 1896-1897 'airship' wave, over 50 observations described 'aeronauts' associated with the airships. Bloecher's own files contain over 1400 CE III case references dating back to the 1896-1897 wave.

Historical Context and Research Evolution

Historically, serious researchers and organizations were hesitant to deal with humanoid reports, applying subjective criteria for acceptance. During the 1960s, there was a dramatic increase in CE III experiences, compelling researchers to re-examine these reports, sometimes with frustration and embarrassment.

Analysis of CE III Reports

Notwithstanding public incredulity, CE III reports are a significant subset for study because mis-identification of conventional sources is minimized. These are close-range encounters with structured objects that often leave traces or produce physical effects. They can be accounted for as hoaxes, temporary delusions/hallucinations, or as real experiences reported honestly. CE III reports contain more inherent information (data-yield potential) than vague UFO cases. If the phenomena are real and under intelligent control, then the intelligences controlling these objects must be reported, which is precisely what occurs in CE III cases.

Two additional points are made: many well-documented CE III reports feature credible witnesses describing humanoid figures, and preliminary analyses indicate patterns of recurrent detail (e.g., helmets, rod-like implements, abductions, memory loss). Careful examination of CE III reports and witnesses requires thoroughness, objectivity, and skepticism, an approach that has been largely haphazard until now.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this paper are the nature and significance of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the detailed description and analysis of specific humanoid sightings, and the historical context of such reports. The editorial stance, as presented by BUFORA, is that this study is a significant contribution to UFO research and that it is important to disseminate this information widely. The paper advocates for a rigorous, objective, and skeptical approach to examining CE III reports to help clarify the UFO enigma.

This issue of UFO Universe, Volume 3, Issue 12, published in 1977 by CUFOS, focuses on a detailed analysis of humanoid reports and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (CE III).

Clarification of Terminology

The article begins by addressing the confusion in terminology surrounding humanoid reports. It highlights that individual researchers often have differing ideas about what constitutes an acceptable report and the appropriate terms to use. To address this, the authors propose definitions derived from experience and usage, aiming for compatibility with other researchers' terminology. Various terms like "occupants," "little men," "aliens," "humanoids," "extraterrestrials," "operators," "beings," and "UFOnauts" are discussed. The authors point out the ambiguities, such as not all "occupants" being inside the object, "little men" not always being little or male, and "humanoids" not always being human-like. The term "entity" is suggested as a useful generic term, defined as "A being; especially a thing which has reality and distinctness of being, either in fact or for thought." The term "humanoid" is also deemed practical for the majority of reports.

The definitions of "contact" and "contactee report" are also clarified. The authors suggest a more precise usage, reserving "contact" for cases involving actual interaction, whether physical or communicative. A "contactee" is defined as someone making a "contact" report. However, the term "contactee report" is noted as being associated with a specific genre of UFO lore, exemplified by George Adamski, involving repeated "contacts" with extraterrestrials and public discussion of these experiences. The terms "abduction" and "abduction report" are presented as having a clearer definition. A paradox is noted where abduction cases share features with older contactee claims, such as being taken aboard an unidentified object. However, unlike contactees who found their experiences spiritually uplifting, recent abductees often find them traumatic and wish to forget them, with many cases remaining unpublicized.

Recurrent Characteristics of CE III

The issue then moves to the recurrent characteristics of CE III reports. It notes the lack of comprehensive computerized studies of all available CE III reports, though several extensive studies using limited data or broader phenomenological ranges exist. Researchers like Jacques Vallee and Vincente-Juan Ballester Olmos are mentioned for their work. The only known study of recurrent features of humanoid reports is identified as "Les 'Extra-Terrestres'" by Jader U Pereira, published in French and not yet available in English.

The observed characteristics of UFO entities are summarized into three categories: (1) appearance, (2) behavior, and (3) physical effects on the environment and witness. Despite variations in appearance and behavior, recurrent patterns are identified.

Appearance

The most obvious characteristic of appearance is size, varying from "under a foot" to "10 feet or more." Three main categories are apparent: "dwarfs" (average three to four-and-a-half feet tall), "normals" (standard height or slightly under), and "giants" (seven feet or more). Vallee's 1964 classification suggested behavioral characteristics were a function of height. Dwarfs, for example, tend to appear in pairs, wear shiny or silver outfits, and have abnormally large, round eyes. "Normals" often appear in groups of three or more, resemble humans more closely, and may have wide-set eyes, rudimentary noses and ears, and slit-like mouths, often wearing colored coveralls. "Giants," though less numerous, are reported more often in recent years and are sometimes described as ugly, with some cases reporting only one eye.

Jader Pereira has refined Vallee's classification into 12 basic types with variable sub-types. A curious feature noted is the absence of distinctive facial features in many reports, despite close proximity. Hands are often reported as normal, but a growing number of cases report three or four digits, and some cases (like Pascagoula) mention a two-digit, claw-like appendage.

Unique entities, turning up once and not reported again, are mentioned, citing examples from Branch Hill, Ohio (May 1955) and Kelly, Kentucky (August 1955). Entities described as "robot-like" are also noted, with the Cisco Grove, California, "robot" (September 1964) being a classic example.

Behavior

Behavior is a difficult category to define, based on apparent or implied actions. A wide variety of behavior has been reported, much of it inconsistent and perplexing. Many close-encounters with humanoids have a "staged" quality, suggesting contrived behavior. Encounters are categorized into two general types: intentional and unintentional. In unintentional encounters, witnesses "happen" upon a situation, and entities make a hasty "escape" in their UFO, as if caught. This "discover and escape" behavior is seen as disingenuous, implying the entities wanted to be seen. The Socorro, New Mexico, encounter by Officer Lonnie Zamora (April 1964) is cited as a classic example.

Distinctive activities include "sample gathering," where beings pick up stones and plants, as seen in a CE III near New York City in January 1975. Another activity is a "repair operation" on their vehicle, as observed in New Berlin, New York, in November 1964, where two UFOs underwent four hours of repairs.

Attitudes of the Entities

The attitudes of entities toward witnesses are described as "utterly inconsistent." In many cases, beings remain oblivious to the witness. At the other extreme, entities purposefully approach the witness for direct interaction, sometimes involving unintelligible communication, before re-entering their UFO. Cases are divided into passive interaction (e.g., "discovery and escape") and active interaction (e.g., "direct confrontation"). Abduction cases are considered a dramatic example of active interaction.

Other Distinctive Features of Behavior

Disappearing entities and the ability to fly or float are noted. An early example of a "disappearing" entity is from Marcilly-sur-Vienne, France (September 30, 1954), where a being "dissolved" and the UFO vanished in fog. Floating is described as an efficient method of egress and entrance. The Kelly, Kentucky, "Hopkinsville Report" (August 1955) is cited as a classic example where floating was involved. "Flying men" reports from Washington state in 1948 and "flying humanoids" from Venezuela in 1967 are also mentioned.

Association with Vehicles

Interest in vehicles has been evident in reports since the earliest period. Many CE II and CE III cases involve electrical failure of the witness's car (motor and lights) which is restored upon the UFO's departure. David Webb's 1973 report on "Year of the Humanoids" indicated that over a third of the "wave" reports involved witnesses associated with vehicles, with electromagnetic effects reported in ten of these cases.

Physical Effects

Physical effects associated with CE II and CE III reports include electrical failure of vehicles and home appliances. Witnesses may experience dizziness, light-headedness, or a "prickly" sensation. Some witnesses have been immobilized, sometimes by beams of light. Animals also react to the proximity of UFOs. Abduction cases can have severe psychological effects requiring professional treatment, as seen in the Betty and Barney Hill abduction (1961). Ground traces, residues, and scorched vegetation have also been noted at landing sites.

Communication

Comprehensible communication between UFO entities and witnesses is a significant feature of CE III reports. Accurate records of "messages" and their delivery can provide clues about the phenomenon. Communication can be verbal, telepathic, or by gesture. Verbal communication is often in the native tongue, sometimes jumbled. Some messages have had bizarre, nonsensical content, such as a report from Venezuela in 1967 where a percipient was told "the earth was cracking" and "they" were here to save humanity. A classic non-sequitur from France in 1954 involved an entity disputing a witness's location and the time. The authors caution that messages should be viewed with skepticism, as entities may be lying, and understanding the witness is as important as analyzing the message content.

CE III Reports and Wave Patterns

CE III reports correlate with other close encounter cases and follow wave patterns in yearly and geographical distribution. Early waves in 1947, 1950, and 1952 showed increases in CE III reports simultaneous with general UFO sighting peaks. A massive increase in CE III incidents occurred in 1954, coinciding with UFO waves in Europe and South America. A graph titled "FIGURE 4 - YEARLY DISTRIBUTION OF HUMANOID REPORTS" illustrates this data from 1897 to 1974, showing yearly report numbers based on the Vallee and Bloecher samples.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the systematic study and classification of UFO humanoid encounters. The magazine emphasizes the need for standardized terminology and rigorous analysis of reports. It highlights the diverse characteristics of entities, their behaviors, and the impact on witnesses, while also acknowledging the historical patterns and waves of sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation, seeking to bring order and understanding to the complex phenomenon of CE III reports, while maintaining a degree of skepticism regarding the content of entity communications.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, identified by its publication in July 1976 and featuring content related to UFOs and humanoids, focuses on the classification of entities associated with UFO sightings and the methodologies for analyzing and rating such reports. It also includes a significant statistical breakdown of UFO reports over a long period.

Association of Entities with Objects

The article "Association of Entities with Objects" proposes a classification system (Type A-G) to help researchers analyze the relationship between entities and UFOs. This system aims to distinguish between different types of experiences and potential sources of reports, which may range from ghostly manifestations to folklore beings or hominids like Bigfoot. The classification is as follows:

• Type A: Entity observed inside the object (e.g., through windows), with explicit association.
• Type B: Entity observed entering or leaving the object, with explicit association.
• Type C: Entity observed in the immediate vicinity of an object, but not seen entering or leaving, with implicit association.
• Type D: Entity observed independent of an object, but with UFO activity occurring in the area, with circumstantial association.
• Type E: Entity observed independent of an object, with no record of UFO activity in the area, resulting in negative association.
• Type F: Neither entity nor UFO seen, but the percipient experiences communication (psychic, automatic writing), hears voices, or receives messages, with implicit association.
• Type G: Percipient has an "on-board" experience, voluntary or as an "abductee," involving "other intelligences."

Rating and Credibility

This section discusses the importance of evaluating the credibility of Close Encounter of the Third Kind (CE III) reports. It stresses that credibility depends not only on the witness but also on the investigator's objectivity and thoroughness. The article notes that many reports are incomplete, hindering meaningful analysis. A 0 to 9 rating scale is presented as a method for evaluating cases, where 0 signifies hoaxes or mistakes, and 9 represents the strongest possible report with indisputable evidence. The scale is used to modify initial assessments based on factors like the completeness of information, witness testimony, and investigator knowledge. The author acknowledges that this method is subjective but argues it provides a reasonable way to establish the degree of importance of case material and that a consensus exists among researchers regarding its utility.

The Humanoid Study Group and Humanoid Catalogue

The Humanoid Study Group (HSG), co-chaired by J. Allen Hynek and David Webb, is described as a loosely organized group focused on collecting humanoid reports. The group relies on members from MUFON and the Center for UFO Studies for first-hand information. The HSG case files, which originated from the author's personal collection, have more than doubled in the last two years. The primary effort of the HSG has been data acquisition, with data reduction and organization being the next crucial steps. The group is working with Dr. David Saunders and Richard Bonenfant to organize the case material into a computer-retrievable format, which is essential for meaningful analysis. The Humanoid Catalogue (HumCat) is a chronological listing of all HSG files from 1896 to the present, with a preliminary inventory of nearly 1300 reports for the 70-year period. Approximately half of these reports are from North America, with Brazil and France having the next highest numbers.

Statistical Breakdown

A detailed statistical breakdown of UFO reports by year and region is provided for the period from 1896 to 1976. This table shows the number of reports from North America (Canada, Mexico, USA), South America (Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Other), Europe (Great Britain, France, Italy, Spain, Other), Afro-Asia, and the South Pacific. Notable peaks in report numbers are evident, with significant increases in 1954 and 1973. The table also indicates a pending receipt of additional material for 1975 and 1976.

Notes and References

The issue includes extensive notes and references, citing various books, articles, newspaper clippings, and personal correspondence related to UFO sightings, investigations, and research. These references point to a wide range of sources, including works by J. Allen Hynek, Jacques Vallee, David Webb, and organizations like CUFOS and MUFON, underscoring the depth of research and the collaborative nature of the field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the systematic study of UFO phenomena, particularly Close Encounters of the Third Kind (CE III). There is a strong emphasis on the need for rigorous investigation, objective data collection, and the development of classification systems to make sense of the vast amount of information. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious, scientific inquiry into what is considered a fascinating and complex subject, advocating for methodical approaches to research and analysis. The inclusion of detailed statistical data and the efforts to catalog reports suggest a commitment to building a comprehensive knowledge base for understanding UFO phenomena.

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Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

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