European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies - vol 2-2

Magazine Overview

Title: European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies
Issue: Volume 2(2)
Date: September 2001
Publisher: Totton Researchers of ufology Theory and History (TRUTH)
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 1467-4785

This issue marks a milestone for the European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies (EJUFOAS) by including its first non-European papers, signifying a broadening scope beyond its primary European focus. The journal, based in Southampton, United Kingdom, is committed to publishing high-quality material and fostering development in the field of ufology.

Articles and Content

Editorial

Craig Roberts, the Editor-in-chief, welcomes readers to the 5th edition of EJUFOAS, highlighting its three-year run and commitment to quality. He expresses particular excitement about the inclusion of two non-European papers: one from Australia examining the psychological profile of UFO experiencers and another from the United States focusing on the Cold War and 'Flying Saucers'. The latter is presented as a two-part paper, with the second half to be published in Volume 3(1).

The editorial also mentions two European papers: one from MUFON (Central Europe: Germany) reporting no decrease in sightings, countering UK media coverage about a UFO Reporting Group closing due to lack of sightings, and another from Romania detailing a case study. Roberts also notes the publication of his first book, 'Angles on Psychological Research,' which features previously published EJUFOAS papers.

Information is provided on accessing abstracts translated into Spanish at www.ufoinfo.com and a subscription renewal offer with a 10% discount expiring on December 1st, 2001. The editorial concludes with a call for papers, encouraging authors to submit high-quality work.

Fantasy Proneness and Other Psychological Correlates of UFO Experience

This paper, authored by Kathryn Gow, Janine Lurie, Stuart Coppin, Ari Popper, Anthony Powell, and Keith Basterfield from Queensland University of Technology, Australia, examines the psychological variables underpinning UFO experiences. The study involved 198 subjects (155 controls, 19 UFO sightees, 12 UFO contactees, and 12 UFO abductees). Findings indicate that reporting UFO experiences is linked to heightened levels of fantasy proneness and paranormal belief, with paranormal belief mediating this relationship.

Personality-wise, UFO experiencers scored higher on the 'feeling' and 'intuiting' dimensions of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Contrary to expectations, beliefs in 'precognition' did not correlate with the 'feeling' dimension. The study suggests that UFO experiencers are not necessarily indicative of psychopathology but may possess certain personality traits.

The paper discusses the history of UFO reports, from initial sightings to abduction accounts, and the media's extensive coverage. It notes the scientific community's general dismissal of intelligent alien life, despite evidence suggesting at least two percent of the US population claims UFO experiences. The authors highlight that while abduction reports may not be objective reality, they are subjective reality for the experiencer.

The concept of fantasy proneness, introduced by Wilson and Barber (1981), is detailed, describing individuals with extensive imaginative experiences. The paper reviews previous research linking fantasy proneness and UFO experience, noting that some claims are based on tenuous evidence, such as shared links to hypnotisability. Studies using validated measures like the Inventory of Childhood Memories and Imaginings (ICMI) have found no significant direct relationship between fantasy proneness and UFO experience.

However, the study posits that paranormal beliefs may mediate the relationship between fantasy proneness and UFO experience. It hypothesizes that high scores on fantasy proneness and paranormal belief measures will be correlated, and that UFO experiencers will score higher on paranormal belief measures than control subjects.

The methodology involved a between-subjects design, assigning participants to categories of UFO sightee, contactee, abductee, or non-experiencer. Data was collected using a biodata questionnaire, the ICMI, the Paranormal Belief Scale (PBS), and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (Form G). The study sampled 198 individuals from Australia, with detailed demographic information provided on age, gender, education, occupation, and religious background.

New UFO Cases, Statistics Update and a Few Thoughts

This article by Hannes la Rue (Germany: MUFON) reports on UFO cases and provides a statistics update. It suggests that there has not been a decrease in sightings reported to MUFON, contrary to some reports in the UK. The article likely delves into specific case details and statistical trends observed by the organization.

Flying Saucers: Behind the Cold War Veil of Military Intelligence

Authored by Michael Hall with Wendy Connors (USA), this paper explores the connection between 'Flying Saucers' and military intelligence during the Cold War. It suggests that the phenomenon was viewed through the lens of national security and potential technological or intelligence implications.

A Close Encounter of the Third Kind in Romania

Dan Farças (Romania) presents a case study of a close encounter of the third kind in Romania. This article likely details a specific sighting or encounter, providing eyewitness accounts and analysis of the event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological aspects of UFO experiences, the nature of belief in paranormal phenomena, and the investigation of specific UFO cases. The journal maintains an objective stance, aiming to circulate ideas and contemporary issues within ufology, and to foster debate and research. The inclusion of non-European papers signals an effort to broaden the scope and encourage a more global perspective within the ufological community. The editorial board's commitment to blind review and the publication of diverse papers underscores a dedication to rigorous scholarship in the field.

This document is an excerpt from the Journal of Scientific Exploration, Volume 15, Issue 4, published in 2001. It presents research findings on the relationship between fantasy proneness, paranormal beliefs, and UFO experience, incorporating personality assessments.

Results

Establishing Conditions for the Mediation Relationship

The initial analyses aimed to establish the necessary conditions for a hypothesized mediation effect of fantasy proneness and paranormal beliefs on UFO experience. A one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in fantasy proneness (measured by the ICMI) across three UFO experience categories (sightees, contactees, abductees) and a control group. Post-hoc analyses indicated that all UFO experience groups scored significantly higher on ICMI than controls. Sightees had a mean ICMI score of 26.89, contactees 30.50, abductees 30, and controls 21.90.

Subsequently, the relationship between fantasy proneness (ICMI) and paranormal beliefs (PBS) was examined through correlations. Significant positive correlations were found between ICMI and total paranormal belief (r = .44, p < .001), psi belief (r = .40, p < .001), witchcraft (r = .34, p < .001), superstition (r = .15, p < .05), spiritualism (r = .47, p < .001), extraordinary lifeforms (r = .28, p < .001), and precognition (r = .41, p < .001). Traditional religious belief showed no significant correlation (r = -.01).

PBS and UFO Experience

The study then investigated the relationship between UFO experience and paranormal beliefs. Table 1 presents the means and standard deviations of Paranormal Belief Scale (PBS) scores for the four groups. Eight one-way ANOVAs were conducted to identify significant differences in paranormal beliefs. A significant difference was found in total paranormal belief (E (3, 197) = 5.12, p < .01). Post-hoc Student-Newman-Keuls analysis showed that sightees and abductees had significantly higher overall paranormal beliefs than controls. Abductees also had higher beliefs than sightees and contactees. Traditional religious belief was not significant. Psi belief was significantly higher in sightees and abductees than in controls (E (3, 197) = 5.09, p < .01). Witchcraft belief was significantly higher in abductees than controls, sightees, and contactees (E (6.85, p < .001). Superstition was not significant. Spiritualism was higher in sightees than controls, and in abductees compared to controls and sightees (E (3, 197) = 11.45, p < .001). Belief in extraordinary lifeforms was higher in abductees than controls and contactees (E (3, 197) = 5.12, p < .01). Precognition belief was higher in abductees compared to controls (E (3, 197) = 4.84, p < .01).

PBS and ICMI - A Mediated Relationship?

To test the hypothesis that fantasy proneness's effect on UFO experience is mediated by paranormal belief, three conditions were assessed: 1) fantasy proneness and UFO experience are related (shown previously), 2) fantasy proneness and total paranormal belief are related (shown by correlations), and 3) paranormal beliefs differ significantly across UFO categories (shown by ANOVAs). The final step was to demonstrate that once paranormal beliefs are controlled for, the relationship between fantasy proneness and UFO experience becomes non-significant. An ANCOVA (Table 2) was conducted for this purpose. The results showed that after controlling for paranormal belief, fantasy proneness was no longer significant, supporting the hypothesis that paranormal belief mediates the relationship between fantasy proneness and UFO experience.

Feeling Dimension of the Myers-Briggs and Precognition

Following on from previous research, a correlation between the feeling dimension of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the precognition subscale of the PBS was calculated. A significant correlation of r (198) = .20 (p < .05) was found. However, this correlation became non-significant (r (155) = .09) when UFO experiencers were removed. For the UFO experience categories combined, feeling and precognition correlated at r (43) = .44 (p < .01).

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

All eight dimensions of the Myers-Briggs were analyzed across the UFO experience groups. Table 3 presents the means and standard deviations. Eight one-way ANOVAs were conducted. Introversion-Extroversion and Perception-Judgement dimensions did not significantly differentiate the groups. Significant omnibus F-tests were found for feeling (E (3, 197) = 5.21, p < .05) and thinking (E (3, 197) = 5.11, p < .05). Post-hoc analyses revealed that abductees were significantly higher on the feeling dimension and thus lower on the thinking dimension than controls. Significant omnibus F-tests were also found for intuiting (E (3, 197) = 2.93, p < .05) and sensing (E (3, 197) = 2.81, p < .05), though without significant post-hoc results. When all UFO experiencers were grouped, they were significantly higher than controls on intuiting (E (1, 197) = 7.15, p < .05) and lower on sensing (E (1, 197) = 6.83, p < .05).

Myers-Briggs, PBS and ICMI

High correlations between Myers-Briggs dimensions and ICMI/PBS scores were examined for potential interaction effects. Table 4 presents a correlation matrix between the Myers-Briggs dimensions and fantasy proneness (ICMI) and paranormal beliefs (PBS). The Intuiting-Sensing and Thinking-Feeling dimensions significantly correlated with the ICMI score and the total paranormal belief score, as well as with subscales of psi belief, witchcraft, spiritualism, extraordinary lifeforms, and precognition.

Interaction between Intuition and ICMI

Exploratory factorial ANOVAs were conducted to check for interaction effects between dimensions and ICMI. The Intuiting-Sensing and Thinking-Feeling dimensions were chosen due to their significant correlations with ICMI. After removing 10 control subjects to avoid empty cells, a weak but significant interaction effect was found between ICMI and UFO experience on intuition (E (3, 188) = 2.40, p < .1 (.069)) and sensing (E (3, 188) = 2.35, p < .1 (.074)). Figure 1 illustrates this interaction, showing that the effect of UFO experience was greater when accompanied by medium ICMI scores compared to high ICMI scores. Post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls analysis indicated that UFO experiencers scoring medium or high on ICMI were significantly higher on intuition than controls with medium ICMI scores. No significant interaction was found for the Thinking-Feeling continuum.

Interaction between Intuition and Total Paranormal Belief Scores

A one-way MANOVA assessed the interaction effect of Intuition-Sensing and total paranormal beliefs. Using Wilk's criterion, a significant interaction effect was found (E (6, 386) = 6.57, p < .001) with an effect size of η² = .09. Figure 3 illustrates this interaction, showing that the difference between means on intuiting and belief differs across UFO categories. Figure 4 further illustrates this interaction by comparing controls to experiencers, indicating that the strength of the interaction between paranormal beliefs and intuiting differs across UFO experience categories.

Hypotheses

The first set of hypotheses related to fantasy proneness, paranormal belief, and UFO experience. It was found that all UFO experience groups scored significantly higher on the ICMI than controls, contrary to Spanos et al. (1993). The correlation between fantasy proneness (ICMI) and paranormal beliefs (PBS) was .44, supporting the hypothesis that they are related, consistent with Council and Huff (1990). However, unlike Irwin (1990), the traditional religious belief subscale of the PBS did not correlate with ICMI scores in this sample. The hypothesis that UFO experiencers would have higher paranormal belief scores than controls was supported. All PBS subscales, except traditional religious belief and superstition, significantly differentiated between the groups.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the investigation of psychological factors, specifically fantasy proneness and paranormal beliefs, as predictors and mediators of UFO experiences. The research employs rigorous statistical analysis, including ANOVA, ANCOVA, and correlation, to explore these relationships. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific inquiry into anomalous experiences, seeking to understand the underlying psychological mechanisms rather than dismissing the phenomena outright. The journal publishes empirical research that adheres to scientific methodology.

This issue of 'Flying Saucers: Behind the Cold War Veil Of Military Intelligence' by Michael Hall with Wendy Connors, published by Montgomery County Historical Society Inc., delves into the historical and psychological aspects of UFO phenomena. It includes a report on new UFO cases and statistics from MUFON-CES, alongside an in-depth examination of early U.S. military intelligence investigations during the Cold War.

New UFO Cases, Statistics Update and a Few Thoughts

Hannes la Rue of MUFON - Central European Society reports on UFO activity and statistics. Contrary to some announcements, MUFON-CES cannot confirm a decrease in UFO reports, receiving approximately two unidentified reports per month. Since 1974, they have studied 431 UFO reports, with saucer-shaped objects being the most frequently reported (26%), followed by ball-shaped objects/lights (24%), triangular/quadrangular objects (15%), and unusually shaped objects (12%). Of the identified cases, 62.5% involved misinterpretations of disco laser light shows. 303 cases (70%) remain unidentified. The report highlights two recent typical cases: a married couple pursued by two milky white shining objects and a woman who observed three large, slow-moving triangular objects. La Rue notes a general lack of public interest in UFOs, with books selling poorly and media coverage being skeptical. He also points out the simultaneous closing of the British Flying Saucer Bureau and the activity of the Disclosure Project in the US as noteworthy events.

Polls indicate a significant belief in UFOs across Germany and the US, with one in five Germans under 30 believing in extraterrestrial visitors, and one in three Americans believing Earth has been visited.

Flying Saucers: Behind the Cold War Veil Of Military Intelligence

This section, authored by Michael Hall with Wendy Connors, provides a historical account of early UFO investigations by U.S. military intelligence. The abstract highlights a 1947 incident over the North Sea involving a night fighter pursuing an unidentified radar target, predating the more famous Kenneth Arnold sighting. The military's concern grew significantly after numerous sightings in June and July 1947, leading to investigations. The Air Materiel Command at Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio, began compiling reports, recommending a formal project. The article details the establishment of Project Sign on February 11, 1948, as a continuation of work initiated by Alfred Loedding under Colonel Howard M. McCoy of the T-2 Intelligence unit. The project was given a '2A priority' and classified as 'RESTRICTED'.

Project Sign operated through a system of channels, involving Air Force Intelligence officers and Naval Intelligence. The Air Defense Command (ADC) played a role, initiating interviews with Kenneth Arnold. The Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC) and its successor, the Air Force Office of Special Investigation (AFOSI), were involved in investigations. The project was later renamed Technical Intelligence Department (TID).

The document emphasizes the secrecy surrounding these early investigations, with the Air Force considering the subject 'a highly classified matter.' The paperwork was filed across various government agencies, requiring coordination with groups like the CIA, FBI, and Rand Corporation. Experts, including Dr. Irving Langmuir from General Electric's Langmuir Laboratory, were consulted. Dr. Langmuir, though skeptical of flying saucer reports in general, recalled secret meetings where the seriousness of Project Sign was discussed, with General Schwartz stating, "it really looks as though there is something there."

Langmuir recounted an instance where he was asked to review about thirty to forty of the best UFO cases. He noted that many sightings were misidentifications of Venus, which can be visible in daylight and can cause public panic and traffic congestion. He also mentioned cases that caused people to believe it was a comet, an alien, or something from Mars.

Personality and UFO Experience

This section explores the psychological characteristics of UFO experiencers. Research indicates that fantasy proneness and paranormal beliefs are significant discriminators of UFO experience. Studies suggest that these factors mediate the relationship between personality and UFO experience. Specifically, when paranormal beliefs are controlled for, the relationship between fantasy proneness and UFO experience becomes non-significant, supporting a mediation model.

The research also examined the relationship between personality dimensions from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and UFO experience. A correlation was found between the feeling dimension and the precognition subscale of the Paranormal Belief Scale (PBS), which was replicated. UFO experiencers tended to have higher scores on the feeling dimension (and thus lower on the thinking dimension) compared to controls. Abductees, in particular, showed significantly higher scores on the feeling dimension.

The Intuiting-Sensing continuum also differed, with UFO experiencers scoring higher on intuition. A key finding was the interaction between this personality dimension, fantasy proneness, and paranormal beliefs in differentiating UFO experiencers from controls. This suggests that a combination of personality traits and cognitive factors contributes to the UFO experiencer profile.

However, caution is advised due to a potential response bias in data from UFO experiencers, particularly abductees, who may tend to score highly on measured variables. Future research should consider measures of response bias.

Conclusion and Methodological Issues

Two methodological issues were identified:
1. Definition of UFO Contact/Abduction: The definitions used could be misinterpreted as near-death experiences or communication with the dead, potentially leading to misclassification of subjects.
2. Sample Size: The UFO experience sample was small, potentially limiting the representativeness of the findings and the confidence in inferences drawn.

Despite these limitations, the study supported the idea that the relationship between fantasy proneness and UFO experience is mediated by paranormal beliefs. The discovery of interactions between personality, fantasy proneness, and paranormal beliefs offers a basis for future research into UFO experiencer profiles.

References

The issue includes an extensive list of references, citing numerous academic papers, books, and articles related to UFO studies, abduction experiences, paranormal beliefs, fantasy proneness, and personality indicators like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Key authors and works cited include S. Appelle, R.E. Bartholomew, K. Basterfield, R.D. Butler, J.R. Council, B.J. Fellows, H.J. Irwin, D.M. Jacobs, P.J. Klass, J.E. Mack, C.C. McLeod, J.B. Murray, K. Murphy, I. Myers, L.S. Newman, J.O. Parnell, R. Price, S.L. Rauschenberger, J.W. Rhue, K. Ring, C.E. Silva, J. Siuta, R. Sheaffer, N.P. Spanos, J. Tobacyk, R. Westerfelhaus, S.C. Wilson, and T.A. Zimmer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the psychological underpinnings of UFO experiences, the historical context of military investigations into UFOs, and the statistical analysis of reported sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, acknowledging both the psychological factors involved and the historical efforts by military and scientific bodies to understand the subject. There is an emphasis on research-based analysis, with a significant portion dedicated to academic references and studies on personality and belief systems related to UFO experiences. The historical section highlights the secrecy and challenges faced by early military intelligence in investigating UFOs during the Cold War, suggesting a persistent and complex phenomenon that warranted significant attention.

This issue of "Flying Saucers" (Vol. 1, No. 1, December 1953) delves into the early days of U.S. Air Force UFO investigations, focusing on Project SIGN and the intricate web of personnel and organizational involvement. The magazine highlights the serious attention given to aerial phenomena by intelligence agencies during the post-World War II era and the nascent Cold War.

Project SIGN and Early Investigations

The article begins by recounting an anecdote from the "Sign people" regarding a piece of tar paper observed to be moving at high speed, which the speaker dismisses as a natural phenomenon. The speaker, having reviewed 30-40 cases from Project SIGN, found them all subjective and lacking concrete evidence. Project SIGN was initiated by Air Force Headquarters in early 1948, with TID tasked to copy and forward its files to the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI). Many of these files were microfilmed but of poor quality, suggesting they were for inter-service use. This microfilming effort was likely handled by TID's in-house department, established after the war to manage German technical documents.

Early investigative work on UFOs may have also been conducted by military units designated ATIC Detachment 1, 2, and 3, which were established during WWII to recover Japanese Fugo balloons. These balloons, some armed with incendiary or potentially biological weapons, were launched as a desperate measure by Japan. The secrecy surrounding these recovery units, including the African American paratroop group known as the "Triple Nickels," meant this information was not publicly known in the U.S.

The People Behind SIGN

Project SIGN was the primary entity responsible for saucer reports. Lieutenant Colonel J.C. Beam supervised Major Melvin W. Faulk, who initially monitored the Sign team, with civilian monitor Alfred Loedding. Major Faulk was later replaced by Captain Robert R. Sneider. Both Faulk and Sneider were part of TID's Analysis Division, headed by Colonel William R. Clingerman, who reported to Colonel McCoy, the TID commander. Despite being a small operation, Project Sign was considered important, with Colonel Clingerman and Colonel McCoy taking personal interest.

TID, with a staff of 1,094, was significant due to a special assignment at the end of the war to disseminate German technical documents and hardware. By 1946, intelligence efforts began focusing on the Soviet Union as a potential threat. By November 1947, German aviation advancements were analyzed, and T-2 was reorganized into TID. Major General George C. McDonald, Chief of Air Force Intelligence (AFOIN), wanted TID to enhance its ability to produce technical intelligence reports on foreign air weapons. In 1948, TID took on responsibilities for the Air Targets Division, studying foreign literature to develop economic profiles of potential adversaries like the USSR.

The Cold War context is emphasized, referencing Winston Churchill's "Iron Curtain" speech in 1946. The Truman administration actively used public anxiety to garner support for aid to Greece and Turkey and for the Marshall Plan. President Truman identified the Soviet Union as blocking peace in Europe, and the Russian blockade of Berlin was imminent.

Colonel McCoy continued to give Project Sign significant attention. Captain Robert Sneider became the military administrator after Major Faulk's departure, with Loedding continuing as engineering director. Loedding is described as the "project engineer for unidentified flying objects" as early as the fall of 1947, possibly marking the first informal use of the term UFO.

Other notable TID staff involved with the Sign team included Lawrence H. Truettner, Nicholas (Nick) Post, John H. Zell, George W. Towles, Major Raymond A. Llewellyn, Lieutenant Howard W. Smith, and John S. "Red" Honaker.

Lieutenant Colonel Miles R. Goll, a key figure on Colonel McCoy's staff, supervised aspects of the UFO work. Victor H. Bilek recalled Goll showing him a segregated room at TID where disc sightings were studied. Goll had firsthand knowledge of the operation and was associated with UFO projects in Dayton as early as 1947, becoming a liaison with the Battelle Memorial Institute.

By early 1948, Albert Bonnelle Deyarmond also became a central team member, potentially replacing Loedding in mid-1948 as the main influence on Project Sign. Lawrence Truettner worked closely with Loedding on disc sightings, though both were described as eclectic and perhaps not fitting the military environment at Wright Field.

The Great Alfred Loedding

Alfred Loedding is remembered for his saying, "Tough sledding—no snow." His ideas were often on the theoretical fringes of aviation engineering. Loedding was ahead of his time, a visionary interested in flying wing designs since 1933. He was part of the team evaluating German flying wing experimental aircraft after WWII and created the special projects group Aeronautical Sciences. He recognized the advantages of low aspect ratio airfoils, which later influenced designs like the F-117 and B-2. Loedding, however, wanted immediate military investment in radical avionics, which was not a priority in the post-war environment.

He was critical of the Air Force's slow adoption of concepts like Jack Northrop's flying wing bomber (XB-35/YB-49). Loedding was taken seriously for consulting on special problems, such as early disc sightings. His background included self-teaching in aviation developments like rockets. He served as an Air Force contact for rocket pioneer Robert H. Goddard. Loedding and his brother Fred launched early handmade rockets, leading to an order to stop due to safety concerns. He experimented with combustible rocket fuels.

Loedding became the civilian chief of the first Jet Propulsion Laboratory at Wright Field in 1940, pioneering work in rocket engines. After that, he worked on the hydrobomb project, a type of underwater rocket-propelled torpedo. He resigned from this project due to perceived wasteful military management. He later worked on the B-29 and B-50 projects, addressing engine fire issues.

After the war, Loedding briefly worked for T-2 Intelligence before moving to the T-3 Engineering Division, focusing on R&D projects and serving as a corporate liaison. He coordinated on the development of the B-36 bomber, assisting with shaping magnesium alloy sheet metal in Fort Worth, Texas. He visited aircraft companies to solve manufacturing and tooling problems.

By February 17, 1946, Loedding returned to T-2 Intelligence, joining the Analysis Division and organizing the Aircraft Section. He became Chief of the Supersonic Unit and later Civilian Chief of the Aircraft Section. From August 1946 to May 1949, he was the "Technical Assistant to the Chief of the Technical Analysis Division," forming the Aeronautical Sciences office of MCIA. MCIA was T-2/TID's parent acronym, standing for Air Materiel Command for MC and Intelligence for I (MCI).

MCIAT, a branch of MCIA, included Special Analysis (MCIAXB), Foreign Liaison (MCIAXL), and Special Projects (MCIAXO), headed by Major Raymond Llewellyn. Project Sign was designated MCIAXO-3. Loedding may have lobbied for this special UFO project. The Sign team formed piecemeal from different areas within TID.

Loedding also supervised offices of Guided Missiles and Foreign Industrial Facilities. He retained his office in Area B at Wright Field until December 1947. Following a spirited Christmas party, intelligence personnel were moved to Area A, impacting coordination between T-2 Intelligence and T-3 Engineering. Loedding, however, kept his office in Building 11A through 1948, with his duties including signing correspondence, advising on technical and intelligence matters, acting as a consultant, monitoring projects, and reviewing security classifications.

German/Soviet Answer and Extraterrestrial Hypothesis

Loedding initially focused on a German/Soviet answer to disc sightings, possibly due to his work with former Nazi aviation scientists like Dr. Alexander Lippisch. He reasoned that the Soviets might be more willing to employ low aspect ratio designs. Intelligence men also considered the possibility of a classified domestic R&D project, despite Major General Curtis E. LeMay's 1947 statement that saucer sightings did not represent a secret American R&D project. By early 1948, Loedding and some Sign team members began to support an extraterrestrial hypothesis.

The McCoy and Deyarmond Team

Albert Deyarmond, nicknamed "Moose," a MIT graduate in aeronautical engineering, is another significant figure. He assisted Colonel McCoy in building a technical database from German documents and served as McCoy's right-hand man in the Documents Section as Assistant Chief of the Air Documents Research Center. Deyarmond joined the Sign team in May 1948 after working at Ryan Aeronautical Company. He had returned to active duty at McCoy's request in July 1947, but a health issue delayed it.

Colonel McCoy, a West Pointer with a background in engineering and aeronautical sciences, studied under Theodore von Karman. He was remembered for his role at the Propeller Laboratory at Wright Field, earning the nickname "Mr. Propeller." In July 1944, he was reassigned to the Air Technical Section of the U.S. Strategic Air Forces Europe. He quickly gained a reputation as a problem solver, involved in planning the exploitation of German Aircraft. By June 1945, he worked under T-2 Intelligence Chief Colonel Donald L. Putt and became Director of Air Documents.

Throughout most of 1945, T-2 operated out of London, England, before moving to Wright Field. McCoy, with Al Deyarmond's help, set up the Analysis Division. On December 9, 1946, McCoy succeeded Colonel Putt as Commander of T-2, with Lieutenant Colonel Miles E. Goll becoming Chief of the Analysis Division. By late 1947, German technical analysis was largely complete, but flying saucer reports remained a constant distraction for Colonel McCoy.

A transcript from a March 17-18, 1948, meeting of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) reveals Colonel McCoy's involvement. During a briefing titled "Utilization of Technical Intelligence," Colonel McCoy stated that Project SIGN was a serious development stemming from the "mass hysteria" of 1947, involving over 300 reports from competent personnel. He emphasized the importance of investigating these reports, even expressing a desire for a crash to recover evidence.

Another document shows Colonel McCoy recommended maintaining fighter aircraft on alert status to gather information on disc sightings, a proposal deemed unfeasible by the Commanding General of Air Materiel Command.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the serious and systematic approach taken by U.S. intelligence agencies, particularly the Air Force and Naval Intelligence, in investigating UFO reports during the late 1940s and early 1950s. The involvement of key figures like Colonel McCoy and Alfred Loedding, along with the organizational structures like Project SIGN and TID, underscores the belief that these phenomena warranted rigorous scientific and technical analysis. The context of the Cold War and the recovery of German technology are presented as crucial factors influencing the direction and urgency of these investigations. The magazine appears to validate the importance of these early efforts, suggesting that the subject was considered a "very serious business" by those involved, moving beyond mere "mass hysteria."

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated 1997, focuses on significant UFO events and investigations, particularly those from 1947, and includes a detailed report on a close encounter in Romania. The cover prominently features the headline "THE DAY THE UFO'S CAME TO WASHINGTON," accompanied by an illustration of a UFO over the Washington Monument.

The 1947 UFO Wave and Government Investigations

The issue delves into the events of July 1947, when a wave of UFO sightings, including those by Kenneth Arnold and the Rankin sightings, spurred a meeting at the Pentagon on July 7, 1947. Brigadier General George F. Schulgen, Chief of Intelligence Requirements, initiated an investigation, involving the Air Materiel Command and Air Defense Command. The FBI was also brought into the investigation on July 9, 1947, with Colonel Robert Taylor III and Lieutenant Colonel George D. Garrett acting as liaisons. J. Edgar Hoover of the FBI, while willing to cooperate, was concerned about the FBI's role being limited to cases requiring their expertise and not misidentifications.

The article discusses the establishment of Project Sign, an early formal investigation into the UFO phenomenon. Alfred Loedding is highlighted as a key figure, possibly the initiator of Project Sign, who influenced the movement to have Pentagon UFO files sent to T-2. The role of various individuals like Colonel McCoy and General Twining in advocating for such investigations is also mentioned. The FBI's dissatisfaction with the cases, which they felt often involved "pure nonsense or misidentification of common objects," is noted. Hoover's insistence on having the FBI lab inspect any collected materials, particularly those from Roswell, is detailed, suggesting a belief that the military might have recovered materials linked to communist subversives or other significant findings.

The issue also touches upon the broader context of intelligence work in the post-war era, including the FBI's role in tracking Nazi spies and Fugo balloon bombs during World War Two. The article references historical studies and personal interviews as sources for this information, including documents from the National Archives and personal papers of key figures.

A Close Encounter of Third Kind in Romania

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed report of a Close Encounter of the Third Kind (CE III) that occurred in the village of Cerţeşti, Galaţi district, Romania, during the night of July 8-9, 1996. The case was investigated by TV producer Mihai Bădescu and involved interviews with witnesses, including police sergeant Marian Mancu and voluntary guardian Marcel Rusu.

According to the report, Mancu and Rusu were patrolling when they heard a whistling sound and saw an object with "splashed blue and red lights, making a sound like voom-voom." The object, described as a flat hut approximately 5-6 meters across and 2-2.5 meters high, hovered about 0.5 meters above the ground, surrounded by a girdle of light. Three small humanoid creatures, estimated to be around one meter tall, were observed moving around the object. These creatures were described as having big heads, elongated behind, big ears, white faces, big eyes, and bodies covered in gray scales with a metallic shining. The witnesses reported weak physical traces, including damage to a nearby sweet cherry tree, appearing as if affected by extreme heat.

The report notes that the case was widely covered in the Romanian media but not thoroughly investigated by UFO specialists due to a lack of funds and appropriate research structures. The witnesses' credibility is assessed, with Mancu being described as a serious and respected individual, and Rusu, though less educated, also considered credible. The article mentions that some villagers did not credit the witnesses, with a mathematics teacher and a person who confused their car with the UFO being cited as examples of skepticism. The report also touches upon the possibility of the case being a CE IV (abduction) and the challenges in conducting hypnotic regression in Romania due to a lack of professionals and funding.

Other Accounts and Observations

The issue also includes a brief mention of other UFO observations in the Cerţeşti area in recent years. Additionally, a witness, Ştefan Dumitru Cârje, reported a powerful and extended yellow-through-red light in the sky on the same night as the Cerţeşti encounter, which he described as a haze rising and disappearing. The article concludes by emphasizing the unusual details provided by the witnesses in the Cerţeşti case, suggesting it was unlikely to be a delusion or invention.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Magazine appears to maintain a stance of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting detailed accounts of historical events and contemporary sightings. The emphasis on government investigations, witness credibility, and the analysis of physical evidence suggests a commitment to exploring the subject matter with a degree of rigor. The inclusion of both well-documented historical cases from the United States and a detailed contemporary case from Romania indicates a broad scope of interest. The magazine seems to present information from various sources, including official documents, personal interviews, and media reports, to build a comprehensive picture of UFO events and their potential implications.

This document contains two pages from what appears to be a publication related to ufology. Page 1 is a narrative excerpt discussing a reported event, possibly in Romania, and a police sergeant named Mancu who was allegedly fired for being 'hypercorrect' and for claiming to see UFOs. Page 2 details the 'Submission Guidelines for Potential Contributors' and 'Ethical Considerations' for the 'European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies'.

Page 1: Narrative Excerpt

The excerpt on page 1 begins by stating that certain events would have remained unknown if not for the main event. The author wonders about the number of similar situations in villages in Romania and other countries. It then recounts a peculiar sequel: after two years, Sergeant Mancu was fired from the police. The probable reason cited was his attempt to be 'hypercorrect' in several cases, even against his superiors. One of the arguments used against him was that Mancu is "that guy who sees UFOs". The page number '92' is visible at the bottom.

Page 2: Submission Guidelines and Ethical Considerations

This page outlines the requirements for submitting papers to the 'European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies', which is described as the journal of TRUTH (The Totton Researchers of Ufology Theory and History). The journal aims to unite the European UFO community and maintain an objective stance on UFO and Abduction phenomena, welcoming diverse perspectives including academic, spiritual, and skeptical viewpoints.

Types of Papers Accepted:

• The journal is open to various types of papers, including:
• Theoretical issues: Assessing, expanding, or presenting new theoretical ideas about UFO phenomena.
• Historical issues: Examining the historical progression of UFO and Abduction phenomena or ancient accounts.
• Empirical studies: Reporting on primary research and data collection/analysis, including attitude analysis.
• Methodological and Investigation issues: Assessing ufology methods and suggesting new ones.
• Cultural issues: Exploring whether ufology aspects are culturally unique or not.
• Commentaries: Assessing notions published by other authors in the journal.
• Case Studies / Reports of enhanced sightings: Detailing interesting cases or 'flaps' that may not have received wide attention, subject to ethical review.
• Research Noticeboard: A section for researchers to communicate, collaborate, and seek help with research.
• Reviews: Objective reviews of books and videos sent by publishers and broadcasting companies.

Authors whose papers are accepted in the first seven categories receive a free copy of the journal. No free copy is provided for Research Noticeboard or Reviews.

Ethical Considerations:

Articles involving research on human participants must adhere to ethical guidelines, such as those from the British Psychological Society or the American Psychological Association. Specific guidelines from 'Ethics Code for Abduction Experience Investigation and Treatment,' Journal of UFO Studies, Vol 5 (1994) must be met for work involving 'abductees'. Research deemed ethically dubious will not be published. Consent must be obtained in writing if individuals' names are to be mentioned, or pseudonyms can be used if clearly stated.

Submission of Papers:

Papers should be sent to Craig Roberts, Editor of EJUFOAS, at the address provided: UFO Studies, Totton College, Water Lane, Totton, Southampton, S040 3ZX, England. Electronic submissions are also accepted via email to [email protected].

• Postal Mail: Submissions should be in triplicate on A4 paper, with a front sheet including the title, author(s) name(s), and address(es). The paper will then undergo blind peer review by three editorial board members.
• Electronic Mail: Two emails are required. The first should contain the paper's title and author(s) address(es). The second email should contain the paper itself, with images and figures as attachments compatible with Microsoft Word. This will also undergo blind peer review.

All papers must include a full reference section using a specified style, with examples provided for citing articles, books, and chapters from books. The preferred citation style is detailed, with examples from Hickman et al. (1995/6), Nagaitis & Mantle (1994), and Wagstaff (1986).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal positions itself as a platform for the European UFO community, emphasizing objectivity and a broad spectrum of inquiry into UFO and Abduction phenomena. It encourages rigorous research and adherence to ethical standards, particularly concerning human participants and sensitive topics like abduction experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards diverse theories and evidence within the field, while maintaining academic and ethical integrity through peer review and clear submission guidelines. The inclusion of a specific case involving Sergeant Mancu suggests a focus on real-world accounts and their potential implications, even within law enforcement contexts.