Flying Saucer Digest - No 015 - 1970

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER DIGEST
Issue: Number 15
Date: Fall 1970
Publisher: UNITED AERIAL PHENOMENA AGENCY (U.A.P.A.)
Country: USA
Language: English
Price: 75¢ (85¢ Foreign)

This issue of Flying Saucer Digest presents a diverse range of articles related to UFO phenomena, historical accounts, and scientific inquiry. The cover features a striking illustration of a flying saucer with a beam of light, an alien figure, and a smaller, contained alien, hinting at the contents within.

Contents

• The table of contents outlines the following sections:
• Cover Story
• Editorial
• "Saucer Fragments" From The Past
• Notice--For Renewals and New Members
• Readers Say
• Recent News and Rumors
• Imagination
• Strange Object
• Analysis in Astronomy
• "Flying Saucer Digest" Expands
• UFO Retrospective
• UFOTOON

Cover Story

The cover story highlights that numerous UFO landings have occurred worldwide, with occupants exploring Earth. It notes that while some 'UFOnauts' appear human, many are described as grotesque creatures. The article speculates that in the future, these aliens might cease their evasive habits and meet humanity face-to-face.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Allan J. Manak, congratulates Ronald J. Pelger, the U.A.P.A.'s illustrator for over three years, on forming his own organization, "Universal Graphic Arts" (U.G.A.). Pelger will continue to provide illustrations for U.A.P.A. and other publications. He will also take over the publishing of "Phenomenology", U.A.P.A.'s sister magazine. The editorial provides a brief biography of Pelger, detailing his art education and early career, including selling his first cartoon in 1962 and beginning to illustrate for UFO publications in 1966. He is noted as the original artist for all U.A.P.A. publications since 1967 and is now the director of U.G.A.

The editorial also presents the findings of a recent poll conducted by the U.A.P.A. for the Congress of Scientific UFOlogists, listing the top ten UFO publications in ufology.

"Saucer Fragments" From The Past

Authored by Rick R. Hilberg, this section explores early claims of individuals recovering parts of mysterious flying saucers. While many reports turned out to be hoaxes, the article questions whether some truth might lie beneath the public's skepticism.

• July 6, 1947, Trinity Bay, Texas: A jeweler named Norman Hargraves found an aluminum disk. Initially dismissed as a joke, THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE noted mysterious facts in his report. The disk reportedly had markings indicating it was a "Military secret of the United States of America, Army Air Forces M4339658." Hargraves claimed a "Col. Voyce" from the Spokane Depot cautioned him. The local police denied having the disk. Later, THE HOUSTON PRESS reported that Hargraves admitted to perpetrating a hoax, though Army authorities initially took it seriously.

• Hillsboro, Texas: A man found mysterious "stuff" in his garden that melted upon touch. Bob Scott reported finding pieces of a four-inch saucer-shaped object that appeared "spidery and dusty" and emitted a bright light. The object dissolved in his hand without heat.

• October 1948, Montrose, Colorado: Cattlemen claimed to find saucer fragments. In April 1949, Noah L. Clubb was asked to turn over a fragment to Air Force intelligence. The Air Force reportedly searched a mile-square area west of Delta for a second segment. The original segment was described as a circular rim-shaped piece, and when pieced together with another find (14 and 26 inches long), it resembled a wheel-shaped instrument about four feet in diameter, two inches across and one inch thick. The fragments were taken to Lawry Field near Denver for examination, and no further information was reported.

• December 18, 1950, New Mexico: The University of New Mexico investigated an eighteen-inch sphere found by deer hunters. Dr. Lincoln LaPaz was unable to identify its origin. The find included the sphere, made of a light material (possibly duraluminum) weighing seven pounds two ounces, an object resembling a flower pot made of plastic with nylon fibers, a cheap alarm clock, a micro switch, and three packages of photograph film. LaPaz suspected the object was aloft on November 29, based on a number written on the film, which was dated November 14, 1949.

Dr. LaPaz noted receiving reports of green fireballs in the area shortly after the sphere's discovery and stated, "You could hardly find a place to leave a hoax where it would be less likely to be found." The article speculates that these finds were parts of real, operating objects, possibly small craft built by the government in an attempt to duplicate saucers, which crashed on several occasions.

Notice--For Renewals and New Members

This section announces that membership and renewals are open. It details the benefits of membership, including a one-year subscription to "Flying Saucer Digest" ($2.50 value), booklets like "The Saucer Enigma" ($1.00 value) and "Flying Saucer Classics" ($1.00 value), "UFO Illustrations" by Ron Pelger ($1.00 value), back issues of UFO Magazine ($4.00 value), UAPA's periodic newsletter ($.50 value), and a new booklet "Flying Saucer Ventures" ($.75 value). A special offer provides a total value of $10.75 for only $5.00 for new members and renewals, ending December 15, 1970.

Readers Say

• This section features letters from readers:
• R. Moreland of Pittsburg, Pa., calls "Flying Saucer Digest" the number one publication in its field.
• J. Phillips of Los Angeles, Calif., inquires about the general reception of Mr. Pelger's D.F.Z. theory within the UFO field.
• T. Mitchell of Cleveland, Ohio, asks for the magazine's view on a small saucer-shaped craft supposedly crashed near Mexico City, mentioning he has read over 100 UFO books without finding a coherent story.
• S. Morehead of Columbia, S. Carolina, expresses concern about not receiving publications from other UFO organizations she belongs to, suggesting some may have folded.

The editor acknowledges the difficulty in receiving publications and suggests that some may have ceased publication.

Recent News and Rumors

This section announces that the eighth annual "Congress of Scientific UFOlogists" will be held in Cleveland, Ohio. An open session is scheduled for Saturday, June 26, 1971, at the Valley Forge High School auditorium. The article also mentions the introduction of semi-annual closed meetings. A rumor from the previous convention in Columbus, Ohio, was the question, "Where is James Mosely?"

Imagination

Written by Robert Easley, this article discusses the role of imagination in understanding UFOs. It begins with a anecdote about a discussion in Waikiki, Hawaii, where a man named Dan Meinke proposed, "Space ends when Man's imagination ends." Easley applies this concept to ufology, suggesting that the question isn't whether UFOs exist, but what they are. He argues that a more imaginative approach, rather than solely relying on data and statistics, might lead to quicker answers. The article mentions Allen Greenfield's "Alternate Reality Theory" and Ronald Jos. Pelger's "Dimensional Fault Zone" theory as examples of imaginative exploration.

Albert K. Bender is quoted as saying he discovered the secret of saucers by "went into the fantastic and came up with the answer." Steve McQueen is quoted on embracing the unknown. The article encourages researchers to let their minds wander beyond conventional data.

Strange Object

This short report details a sighting on May 20, 1970, at 7:22 A.M. E.D.T., in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. L. Doerr observed an object passing over his house that he described as "like a rocket with no wings or other protrusions." It was orange in color with a flaming tail about 2 1/2 times its length. The object was very low and traveled so slowly that Doerr wondered how it stayed airborne. He viewed the UFO for "10 seconds or more."

Analysis in Astronomy

Authored by William H. Kokos, this article examines findings from the Mariner 6 mission to Mars. In the summer of 1969, a study of television pictures revealed a mysterious region of warm terrain with wild hills and valleys. While Mars was believed to resemble Earth, the first Mariner pictures showed a surface almost identical to the moon. Scientists analyzing data from Mariner 6 (July 31, 1969) and Mariner 7 (August 5, 1969) concluded Mars is a unique planet. A report indicated the presence of ammonia and methane gas over the south polar ice cap, suggesting the possibility of life in a damp region. This was discovered by a device measuring infrared wavelengths, which were absorbed by thick deposits of dry ice near the south pole, indicating they represented dry ice.

"Flying Saucer Digest" Expands

This brief section notes that the magazine is expanding, implying growth and increased content.

UFO Retrospective

This section likely provides a look back at past UFO events or research, though details are not provided in the scanned text.

UFOTOON

This section is likely a cartoon or humorous piece related to UFOs, indicated by the name.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the historical investigation of alleged UFO crash debris, the exploration of the unknown through imagination, and the intersection of ufology with scientific inquiry, particularly in astronomy. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging the possibility of genuine phenomena while also being critical of hoaxes. The U.A.P.A. positions itself as a dedicated organization for understanding UFOs, encouraging submissions and participation from its readership. There's a clear emphasis on promoting their own publications and membership. The magazine also seems to engage with the broader ufological community by reporting on events like the Congress of Scientific UFOlogists and referencing other publications in the field.

This issue of "Flying Saucer Digest" announces a significant expansion through its merger with "UFO Magazine". The publication highlights the combined experience of its editorial staff, aiming to present a stronger voice in the UFO field. The issue includes a retrospective account of a UFO sighting and advertisements for related services.

FSD Expands

The lead article, "FSD Expands," details the merger of "Flying Saucer Digest" with "UFO Magazine," a publication that had been in the field for over eight years. This unification was driven by a mutual desire to strengthen the UFO field's voice. Rick Hilberg, the former editor of "UFO Magazine," takes on the role of assistant editor and historian for "Flying Saucer Digest." He is described as a talented writer and accomplished lecturer. Edward Biebel, also from "UFO Magazine," joins as the business manager, writer, and managing editor. Both Hilberg and Biebel will contribute articles and features to "Flying Saucer Digest." The editors express confidence that this merger will contribute significantly to the eventual solution of the UFO enigma, with plans to collaborate with scientists, the Congress of Scientific UFOlogists, and the UFO Report Center.

The editorial staff of "Flying Saucer Digest" now boasts a combined thirty-six years of experience in the UFO field, claiming to be the number one journal on the American UFO scene with the largest following of members.

UFO Retrospective

A section titled "UFO Retrospective" recounts a UFO sighting from the perspective of radio officer T. Fogl. While aboard the British ship S.S. Ramsey en route from Vancouver to Port Elizabeth via Panama, Fogl observed a disk at approximately 2:30 P.M. after passing San Pedro. He described the object as hovering, silver and black, and making no noise. He managed to photograph the object twice as it came closer. Fogl noted that the object moved slowly for a few minutes before accelerating rapidly towards a rugged mountain and the desert coast of California.

Advertisements and Services

Two advertisements are featured:

1. Universal Graphic Arts: This company, directed by R. J. Pelger, offers professional services including illustrating, cover designing for magazines and periodicals, cartooning, and advertising layout at low rates. They solicit business from magazine and book publishers, authors, columnists, and editors, offering to create artwork for publications and cartoon gags.

2. Phenomenology Magazine: An advertisement for "Phenomenology," a magazine focusing on "facts about the unexplained," lists topics such as ESP, Poltergeists, Witchcraft, Underworld Races, Sunken Continents, Occultism, Astrology, Vampirism, Ancient Cities, Haunted Houses, Abominable Snowmen, Sky Falls, UFO's, Ghost Ships, and Monsters. It is priced at $1.00 per copy or 3 issues for $2.50, mailed flat. The address provided is UGA, Box 9234, Cleveland, Ohio 44138.

Another advertisement is for advertising rates in "Flying Saucer Digest," directing inquiries to UAPA, Dept. "A", Box 9811, Cleveland, Ohio 44142.

The back cover features a large illustration with the text "FROM OUT OF THIS WORLD COMES..... FLYING SAUCER DIGEST", along with details about UFO sightings, articles, facts, illustrations, and subscription information for VAPA (4 issues for $2.50, P.O. Box 9811, Cleveland, Ohio 44142).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the expansion and strengthening of "Flying Saucer Digest" through strategic mergers and the integration of new talent. The editorial stance is one of proactive engagement in UFO research, aiming for eventual solutions and positioning the magazine as a leading authority in the field. There is a clear emphasis on presenting factual accounts, such as the retrospective UFO sighting, and on providing a platform for diverse topics within the unexplained phenomena genre, as indicated by the "Phenomenology" advertisement.