CUFORG - Vol 2 No 33 - 1990 04

Magazine Overview

Title: Cambridge UFO Research Group Newsletter
Issue: No. 33
Volume: II
Date: April, 1990

This issue of the Cambridge UFO Research Group Newsletter, published in April 1990, covers a range of UFO-related topics, with a significant focus on a purported UFO crash in 1948 and the subsequent analysis of alleged alien body photographs. The newsletter also touches upon the release of a book about the 'Gulf Breeze UFO sightings' and reports on increasing public interest in UFOs.

Editorial and News

The newsletter opens with an update from Bonnie Wheeler, President of the Cambridge UFO Research Group, noting that meetings did not occur during the winter months but would resume. She highlights the availability of Mr. Ed's book, 'The Gulf Breeze Sightings,' which was published despite efforts by critics like Willy Smith, Phil Klass, and Dan Overall to suppress it. The book includes contributions from Dr. Bruce Maccabee and Budd Hopkins.

Wheeler also mentions dedicating a significant portion of the newsletter to 'Alien Body Photos,' emphasizing her unbiased approach. She received data from 'The Coalition of Concerned Ufologists' and a phone call from Clive Nadden, a UFO researcher in Ottawa, who is investigating National Research Council files for UFO reports. Additionally, Wheeler attended a Holistic Fair in Kitchener where she viewed 'Crystal Skulls,' one named 'Max.' She notes a surge in UFO interest, evidenced by recent phone calls requesting more data and speaking engagements.

The Detailed Story of the UFO Crash of July 7th 1948 and of the Events That Led Up to the Taking of the Alien Body Photos

This section, attributed to MARCEN (The Coalition of Concerned Ufologists) and referencing letters from a source to Willard McIntyre of The Mutual Anomaly Research And Evaluation Network, details a significant UFO incident from July 7th, 1948. The source, a photographer at White Sands New Mexico, was involved in documenting the aftermath of a UFO crash.

The Incident and Object Description

According to the account, early warning radar tracked an object moving at speeds exceeding 2,000 mph. Fighter pilots attempted to intercept it. The object made a 90-degree turn without slowing and then appeared to slow down, wobbling, to approximately 90 mph before disappearing from radar. Triangulation indicated it landed or crashed in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, about 30 miles south of Laredo, Texas.

Recovery Operations

Mexican military authorities were notified, and U.S. Army and Air Force units were dispatched. Naval Intelligence officer Commander Smith was present at the scene. A photographic team, including the source, was airlifted to the site, initially told it was a top-secret airplane crash. They arrived around 0215 hours.

Observations and Photographs

The team observed the remains of a disc-shaped craft, still smoldering 12 hours after the crash, in a deserted valley. The craft appeared to be about 90 feet in diameter and 28 feet thick at the center. It was made of earthly-looking debris but lacked typical components like wiring or glass. The metal was extremely hard, requiring specialized tools for disassembly. Fragments of a foil-like material, impossible to bend, were also noted. The MPs confiscated all collected fragments.

The Alien Body

One badly burned body was found within the structure. The source photographed it, enduring intense heat. After photos were taken, Air Force personnel removed the body. During a briefing, Commander Smith refused to answer questions about the origin of the body, but an Army captain stated, 'the little fellow we were photographing did not come from this Earth.'

Analysis of Photographs and Related Information

MARCEN's Investigation

MARCEN, an organization founded in November 1978, received a letter in December 1979 with an 8x10 glossy print showing debris and a charred body, challenging them to identify the contents. The source claimed it was from a 'flying saucer' crash in 1948 involving a dead pilot. MARCEN investigated the source's background, finding it credible. Microscopic and microdensitometer tests on the print and negative were conducted, with Eastman Kodak suggesting the negative was processed at least 30 years prior, indicating no photographic hoax.

The Coalition of Concerned Ufologists

In early 1990, MARCEN shared copies of the print with the Coalition of Concerned Ufologists. The negative was analyzed by Kodak. In May 1980, a second negative showing the body in vegetation was sent. The source gave permission in August 1980 for a joint release, warning of possible consequences.

Public Release and Reaction

The photos were released to the Associated Press and numerous media outlets, causing significant public attention and media clamor. This led to jealousy and condemnation from some segments of the ufological community, who labeled the photos as hoaxes. Despite attempts to explain them away, the photos remained unidentified, and no plausible explanation emerged.

The Source's Identity and Motivation

It was later revealed that the name used by the source was an alias, and the actual person was a mail drop. The source is described as a career military man fearful of prosecution, trying to remain anonymous. He has presented a story and evidence that has not been disproven. The newsletter states that the final verdict will be made known, but the authors express a strong belief, though uncertainty, about the case's authenticity.

Expert Analysis and Questions

The newsletter includes discussions about the photographic analysis, with experts examining internal anatomy, vascular organs, and the possibility of a humanoid form. Questions from the audience address the origin of the photos, the photographer's identity, and the location of the alleged incident (Wright Patterson Field, Dayton Ohio). The analysis suggests the being had a brain, four fingers with webbing, and a wrist that could swivel 180-350 degrees. The photos were allegedly marked 'top secret' and obtained from an intelligence community source.

Houston Post Article Review

A reproduced newspaper article from the Houston Post (June 8th, 1980) reviews Len Stringfield's announcement at the 1980 MUFON meeting about having eight alien body photos. Stringfield, a UFO researcher, had not publicly exhibited the photos but stated they corroborated information from at least 13 'first-hand sources' of covert UFO recoveries. The article also mentions William L. Moore's belief that many sightings stem from the Roswell, N.M., crash and that bodies and wreckage were recovered and secured at Langley Air Force Base. Walter H. Andrus of MUFON commented on the government's refusal to release UFO information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly leans into the narrative of a significant UFO event (the 1948 crash) and the subsequent efforts to investigate and verify evidence, particularly photographic evidence of an alien body. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious belief, acknowledging the lack of definitive proof but highlighting the persistent efforts of researchers and the intriguing nature of the evidence presented. There's an underlying theme of potential government cover-up and the challenges faced by independent researchers in obtaining and verifying information. The newsletter aims to present the available data and allow readers to form their own conclusions, while implicitly suggesting the significance of the case.

This issue of the magazine, identified by its volume number 17 and issue number 10, with a cover date of September 20th, 1980, focuses on the controversial claims made by investigator Len Stringfield regarding the existence of alien bodies preserved in liquid nitrogen at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The main headline, "Is Dayton base hiding flying saucer bodies?", sets the tone for an in-depth exploration of this topic, including a lecture by Stringfield and the subsequent debates and allegations of hoaxes.

Len Stringfield's Claims and Lecture

The core of the issue revolves around Len Stringfield, described as a Cincinnati advertising executive and author, who presented his findings to The Cleveland Ufology Project on September 20th, 1980. His lecture, titled "What I Can't Talk About: Fact: Bodies of Ufo Occupants Are In Liquid Nitrogen Yet This Is Above Top Secret," detailed his acquisition of photographs showing preserved alien bodies. Stringfield stated that these bodies, some dismembered and showing varying degrees of burning, were allegedly retrieved from UFO crashes and are kept in liquid nitrogen storage, classified as above top secret by the military.

He mentioned having seen two dismembered bodies that were hardly photogenic, finding them more convincing than clearer images because their messy state seemed less staged. Stringfield also described seeing photographs of a "Type 2" humanoid alien, distinct from previous descriptions, with a more proportionate head, no hair or ears, large sunken eyes, and a slit mouth. He also possessed photographs showing claw-like hands and infra-red images revealing internal anatomy like lungs and the heart. Stringfield indicated that his source claimed more vivid color photographs would be forthcoming.

Stringfield claimed to be working through seven sectors with professional people to ascertain the validity of the photos. He stressed that the information came from sources with expertise and that two high-up individuals confirmed the subject matter in the photographs was real, though they could not comment on the photos themselves. He expressed his feeling that the subject matter was bonafide but remained to be proven.

Controversy and Allegations of Hoaxes

The article highlights significant controversy surrounding Stringfield's claims. Coalition members Dennis Pilichis and Charles Wilhelm heard rumors that Stringfield was calling their own photos a hoax. They attended Stringfield's lecture to confront him. Stringfield denied claiming their photos were a hoax, stating he knew too little about their case to judge. However, Pilichis and Wilhelm were shocked to discover that the slides Stringfield presented were the same "ridiculous 'alien creature photos'" previously published in the "totally unreliable" Ancient Astronauts Magazine, which they believed were models.

Further investigation revealed that these photos, first appearing in Ancient Astronauts Magazine in November 1977 under the title "Exclusive Proof Positive: Space Alien Discovered Beneath The Empire State Building," were allegedly "models" created by Larry K. Barnes. Barnes, who now calls himself a "doctor" and professor, reportedly constructed ceramic models of creatures, including one from a Chicago sewer system and a reproduction of the "alien creature" from under the Empire State Building. These were presented as fact in sensationalist publications.

Ann Druffel, writing for the MUFON Journal, had previously criticized "Official Ufo Magazine" for untrustworthy information. The coalition members questioned why Stringfield, a respected figure, would consider such material serious. They suspected that Stringfield's "east coast contacts" might include an unreliable individual known for spreading false material to cause conflict.

MUFON Radio Broadcast and Stringfield's Denial

A MUFON Amateur Radio Network broadcast on September 13th, 1980, featuring David Dobbs, a friend of Len Stringfield, is also discussed. Dobbs reported that Len Stringfield's information suggested the pictures were not authentic and originated with a "so-called doctor McIntyre" in the Washington D.C. area, who had a poor reputation for veracity. Dobbs had studied a photograph published in an Ohio newspaper, describing the head as "absolutely round, it had no structure whatever, it looked like a ball that had been thrown into a fire." He was not impressed.

Stringfield later denied making these statements to David Dobbs, referring to them as "alleged" comments, despite the existence of a direct copy of the broadcast. The coalition members expressed concern over Stringfield's "east coast contacts," believing they were being fed false material to create conflict.

Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) Analysis

The issue also includes a "Coalition Response to the Ground Saucer Watch Analysis." This analysis, examining alleged alien body negatives, reportedly confirmed their authenticity as actual photos and dated the negatives to approximately 30 years prior (1947-1953). The analysis also confirmed rigor mortis calculations, aligning with the source's testimony about the time between the crash and the photos being taken. GSW found no evidence of hoaxing techniques like miniaturization or double exposure.

However, GSW speculated that the body depicted might be a Rhesus Monkey or an Orangutan, based on Mr. Spaulding's involvement in investigating other incidents involving monkey crashes dating back to 1945 or 1946. The coalition members questioned this speculation, suggesting Spaulding might be trying to discredit Stringfield's photos or fit his personal theory that UFOs originate from mundane Earth sources.

Other Incidents and Theories

The article touches upon other related topics, including the possibility of V2 rockets being involved in crash sites and the investigation of three crashes near Roswell, N.M., Laredo, and El Paso, Texas, involving "flying discs" or "circular aircraft." The shift in terminology from rocket firings and monkeys to flying discs and military experiments is noted with puzzlement.

Photographs of monkeys in pressure breathing systems, used in V2 rocket tests, are included, with one note suggesting a similarity to a "wreckage photo." The article concludes by dismissing the V2 rocket with a monkey theory as the explanation for the photographs in question.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the authenticity of photographic evidence in ufology, the potential for hoaxes and manipulation, government secrecy surrounding UFO incidents, and the credibility of sources and investigators. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalist claims and a desire to uncover the truth, while also expressing frustration with what they perceive as deliberate attempts to confuse and discredit the field of ufology through misinformation and conflicting narratives. The coalition members are actively challenging what they see as distorted information and are committed to revealing what they believe to be the true background of these cases.

This issue of the Morning Journal Canton Ohio, dated August 30, 1980, features a prominent article titled "'Proof' or not; decide for yourself" which focuses on a Cincinnati man, Charles Wilhelm, who claims to have proof of alien visitation through photographs taken in Mexico in July 1948. The article delves into the analysis of these photographs, which purportedly show the remains of an alien spaceman.

The Laredo Texas Incident and Photographic Evidence The core of the issue revolves around two photographs released by Charles Wilhelm, which he states were taken by a Navy photographer documenting an alien spaceman crash near Laredo, Texas, in July 1948. Wilhelm, who has spent 20 years studying UFOs, asserts these photos are authentic and part of a larger government cover-up. He claims to have gathered 15,000 pages of documents through the Freedom of Information Act to support the ongoing UFO research by the U.S. government, despite official denials.

The photographs were submitted to Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) for computer enhancement. GSW's findings, detailed in a critique of the Laredo Texas Incident, suggest the images depict a severely burned and mutilated humanoid-like creature or animal, along with wreckage. However, GSW's photographic review staff concluded that the photographs represent a misinterpretation of a normal laboratory monkey (either a rhesus or orangutan) that had been badly burned and partially dismembered. They noted a commonality in measurements with a laboratory monkey, despite a head-to-buttocks measurement of 863mm (34.6 inches) being longer than a Rhesus Monkey's maximum length. GSW found no evidence of a hoax.

Expert Analysis and Alternative Theories Dr. Gregory Kennedy, described as the most knowledgeable person on V2s in America, was consulted. According to his statements, documented through the U.S. Army Project Hermes report, only four V2 launches with monkeys were conducted to study the effects of launching primates. The first, on June 11, 1948, involved a Rhesus Monkey that died before launch. Subsequent launches resulted in V2s exploding in flight, with no monkeys recovered alive. Kennedy noted that Rhesus Monkeys are much smaller than the pictured creature's dimensions. He also pointed out that the instrument capsule replacing the V2 warhead was cone-shaped, 30 inches in diameter, making it difficult to fit a large creature like an Orangutan (which could match the pictured creature's measurements) along with necessary equipment.

Furthermore, the theoretical maximum range of a V2 rocket (200-225 miles) and the actual maximum range achieved in the United States (111.1 miles, or even 68 miles according to Kennedy) fall far short of the nearly 1,000 miles from White Sands to the reported crash site in Mexico. While acknowledging that wayward V2s did land in Mexico in 1948, Kennedy stated one hit Juarez, Mexico, a mere 68 miles south of White Sands, not the distance implied by the crash site.

UFO Community Involvement and Research Dennis Pilichis of the UFO Information Network in Rome, Ohio, is highlighted as a key figure in bringing these photos to the public. Pilichis' organization is part of the Coalition of Concerned Ufologists of America, which has affidavits related to the 1948 crash case. The steering committee includes Pilichis, Charles J. Wilhelm (Ohio UFO Investigators League), and Williard McIntyre (Mutual Anomaly Research Center and Evaluation Network). Pilichis stated that tests on the original negatives indicate they were processed over 30 years ago, and further computer enhancement tests are underway.

Pilichis also mentioned that his group has researched and documented similar incidents through the Freedom of Information Act, amassing over 10,000 pages of documents. A document detailing a 1949 overflight and crash of a mysterious object in New Mexico, seen by at least 30 people, will also be displayed at a Tri-County UFO Study Group meeting. The UFO Ohio Research Co-Operative, a state-wide network, aims to document and distribute UFO data.

Technical Details of the Photographs Technical information regarding the photographs reveals they were taken with a 4x5 Speed Graphic camera using a 127mm Kodak lens. One negative (Negative #1, showing the creature within the crashed object) was cut to censor recognizable persons and edge identification markings. The other negative (Negative #2, showing the creature on a river bank) was left intact. Both were taken with a #3 flashbulb and Kodak XX film, with shutter speeds of 1-30th of a second.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO crash incidents, the analysis of photographic evidence, the potential for government cover-ups and misinformation, and the role of amateur researchers and organizations like GSW and the Coalition of Concerned Ufologists of America. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting the controversy and allowing the reader to "decide for yourself," by providing both the claims of alien visitation and the counter-arguments based on scientific analysis and known rocket technology.

This issue of the "UFO Ohio Newsletter Journal" (Issue 30) focuses on a governmental document that prompted an investigation into UFO sightings and the establishment of a new research organization. The cover story, attributed to Dennis Pilichis, highlights the directive for an "all out investigation" into the location of actual impact points of unidentified aerial phenomena.

UFO Ohio Research Co-operative

Dennis Pilichis, Director of the UFO Information Network, has joined forces with Charles J. Wilhelm of the Ohio UFO Investigators League and James Rastetter of the Tri-County UFO Study Group to form the UFO Ohio Research Co-operative. This project is dedicated to organizing, documenting, and distributing reliable UFO and Fortean data to its members via the "UFO Ohio Newsletter Journal," which is distributed within the U.S. and 16 other countries.

Pilichis emphasized the importance of receiving information from individuals who may have details or leads concerning crashed saucers and the recovery of such craft. He stated that the group is interested and will follow up on all credible information. He also expressed a strong sentiment that it is time for someone to "take a stand and reveal the very important UFO information and evidence to the American public," criticizing the tendency for some experts to claim significant findings without providing proof.

The UFO Ohio Research Co-operative's files are open to serious researchers and members of the news media who possess honest intentions. Pilichis believes that cooperation and the sharing of valuable information and documented data from all sources are crucial for uncovering the truth about what he considers possibly the greatest and most important story of all time.

Pilichis assured that his group documents information to the best of its ability and that he personally will keep the news media and researchers informed of any developments. Their follow-up efforts will include uncovering hoaxes and debunking stories that do not check out.

Contact Information

Individuals with information on crashed saucers are encouraged to send their communications to: The UFO Information Network, P.O. Box 5012, Rome OH, 44085, Attention: Dennis Pilichis. For more information on UFO meetings in North Benton, individuals can call Chairman Jim Rastetter at 1-216-938-9167.

Key Incident: January 30, 1949 Sightings

A referenced document, dated January 31, 1949, from the Department of the Army, Staff Message Center, originating from Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, discusses previous reports of "unknown, aerial phenomena." It specifically mentions a sighting on January 30, 1949, at 2255Z by approximately 30 people, with an estimate of at least 100 total sightings. The phenomena were reported from various locations including El Paso, Albuquerque, Alamogordo, Roswell, and Socorro. The document notes that the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), Air Force Scientific and Medical Publications (AFSMP), and local commanders were perturbed by the implications of these phenomena. Unless instructed otherwise, the office was to conduct an "all out investigation with view to location of impact point if any," and requested a reply.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around government involvement in UFO investigations, the importance of organized research and data sharing, and the need for transparency in the field of ufology. The editorial stance, as expressed by Dennis Pilichis, is one of proactive investigation, critical analysis of evidence, and a commitment to revealing the truth to the public. There is a strong emphasis on collaboration among researchers and a skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims within the UFO community.