Flying Saucer Review vol 2 no 5

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER REVIEW
Issue: Vol. 2 No. 5
Date: May 1956
Publisher: Civilian Flying Saucer Intelligence (CFSI)
Price: 30¢

This issue of *Flying Saucer Review* is the official publication of Civilian Flying Saucer Intelligence, a non-profit, non-sectarian organization. It is published monthly and offers subscriptions for $3.00 a year in the U.S. and $3.50 for foreign countries. The headquarters are located at 5108 Findlay Street, Seattle 18, Washington.

Keep An Eye On The Sky

The editorial section encourages readers to report all unidentified flying objects to CFSI. They welcome clippings and information about current or past saucer sightings and other unusual phenomena, as well as speculative articles, explicitly stating "No fiction!". The organization assures readers that all names will be held strictly confidential unless otherwise instructed. The issue is copyrighted 1956 by Robert J. Gribble, Editor and CFSI Director.

The motto for the issue is "TRUTH will ultimately prevail where there is pains taken to bring it to light."

Featured Reports

Cincinnati, Ohio

On March 21, 1956, numerous witnesses in Cincinnati observed an unidentified object described as a bright beacon for at least 45 minutes. It appeared as an intense bluish-white light suspended about 30 degrees above the horizon. Through six-power binoculars, the object resembled a compact galaxy of lights that changed form, sometimes displaying a band of red following a band of green. It moved northwest and disappeared by 9:45 pm. Residents reported it was the third consecutive night the object had appeared, with previous sightings glowing orange before extinguishing. Everett C. Yowell, a graduate astronomer, commented on the report.

North Bend, Ohio

Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Cutter reported an object that disappeared promptly at 10:22 pm on two previous nights. Their brother, Robert, observed swept-back wings on the object through binoculars on March 19th. The Cutters described the object as much bigger and brighter than an ordinary star, with red and green lights. Mrs. Cutter mentioned her son, Dickie, was having nightmares. A similar light was seen over Fernald, Ohio four months prior.

Leonard H. Stringfield, Director of "Civilian Research Interplanetary Flying Objects" and Editor of the magazine "Orbit," stated that this might be a new outbreak of flying saucer reports, fitting descriptions from August and September. He indicated the object was material, controllable, and "not made on earth." Stringfield had reports from six people who saw the object on March 21st, including a Ground Observer Corps member who noted bright green lights and swift movement. On March 20th, a reliable source reported a glowing object over Cleves, Ohio, which changed from white to red before disappearing. Duty officers at Jefferson Proving Grounds, Indiana, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, had no knowledge of the object. Rev. Robert C. Leugers and Edward Krauk also witnessed a bright light in the sky, described as too bright for a star and hovering southwest of Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

William F. Franz reported that on March 19th, neighbors watched an object fade into a faint red glow to the northwest. Mrs. Franz described it as a big star with rays, moving and swaying, with red and green lights, and finally disappearing as all red.

Waco, Texas

Correspondent A. C. Arnold reported on a sighting on the evening of March 5, 1956. R.D. Smalldridge, his wife, and Tony Garza witnessed an object that appeared like a swept-winged jet plane flying low, but without sound. Smalldridge counted about 18 to 20 streaks of fire from the rear edges, describing it as a jet stream without noise. Smalldridge, an Army veteran and amateur flyer, was certain he was not mistaken.

Newport Beach, California

On February 25, 1956, J.R. Ench and his wife reported spotting two flat, rectangular objects racing at high altitudes across the Santa Catalina Island channel. The objects were burning brightly and flying faster than jet aircraft.

Hollywood, California

Correspondent J.R. Roberts discussed the preview of the movie industry's first documentary on flying saucers, "Unidentified Flying Objects," which used previously secret films. The film recounts credible reports and includes two brief strips of film showing unidentified objects. The Air Force had kept these color films secret for six years. One film, shot in Montana by Nicholas Mariana, showed two blue-white disc-shaped objects. Another film, from Utah, showed a dozen or more similar objects in formation, resembling a flight of geese, with one object backing up and another splitting off.

Air Force specialists admitted the objects were not known forms of aircraft, balloons, birds, or meteors, labeling them "unknowns." The movie also dramatized radar-blip sightings over Washington, D.C. in 1952, as told by Albert M. Chop of the Pentagon. On July 26, 1952, five unidentified blips closed in on an Air Force jet, emitting a blue-white light before speeding away.

Noel, Missouri

The editor of the Noel newspaper and his family witnessed two flying saucers on February 12, 1956. The objects were elliptical, appeared distant, and moved slowly southwest. They were described as large and silvery, like reflections on aluminum. One object appeared to give off a flame, and at times they were difficult to discern. The witnesses stated the objects looked like descriptions they had read of other flying saucers.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Correspondent Olavo Fontes reported on a sighting on February 14, 1956. Mr. I.F., an engineer, and his wife saw a very bright, oval-shaped object over the sea, moving slowly south for about 1.5 minutes. It disappeared behind a building. Mr. I.F. described the object as unlike any aircraft, more like something out of a dream, and was skeptical about it being a flying saucer.

On March 13, 1956, a disc-shaped object left a green luminescent trail in the state of Parana. Hundreds saw it. It moved at tremendous speed, appeared as a silvery speck that became a sharply defined disc-like object. It had no windows or ports and emitted no sound. It maneuvered erratically, hovering and accelerating, before decelerating and descending like a falling leaf. A loud explosion was heard as it accelerated suddenly. The object then became stationary over Maringa. Local newspapers gave headlines to the phenomenon.

San Jose, California

Starr Henderson reported a flying saucer sighting on February 1, 1956. The object traveled east at speeds "far in excess of the speed of sound," then returned and streaked intermittently across the sky. Henderson believed it might be a guided rocket with an exhaust flame. He estimated the object was about 10,000 feet in the air, with a humming noise originating 4,000 to 5,000 feet behind it.

Pullman, Washington

On January 25, 1956, a rapidly moving luminous object was seen buzzing the town. Observers described it as brilliantly white, then turning green and reddish before disappearing in a trail of smoke. It was thought to be an airplane but was too large, described as "like a big moon." Mrs. Ed Wagner saw a bright blue-green object that seemed to have red fire dropping away from it.

The Ground Observer Corps reported no aircraft in the area. A note mentions a green fireball over Santa Barbara, California on October 22, 1955, which gave off red drippings.

"I Believed In What I Saw"

Correspondent Ray Stanford shared accounts from Mrs. Annie Middleton. Her first sighting was in mid-October 1953, where she saw a silver globe-shaped "thing" with whirling vanes, hovering and then disappearing at right angles. Her second sighting was in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in early February, where she saw a close, slow-moving saucer of the "Adamski type" with lighted portholes and a round ball-like under structure gear.

Mrs. Middleton reflected on the psychological impact of sightings, suggesting humans are in a "very dark age" compared to other places in the universe. The magazine's editor agreed, stating that many others have had similar experiences.

The issue also mentions the release of "long secret movies of flying saucers" by the Air Force, suggesting a future where people may see these craft as "friends."

Shirai Air Force Base, Japan

Correspondent J.R. Perry reported a mysterious light on March 15, 1956, that appeared to be a shooting star but slowed to approximately 400 mph and disappeared. It was definitely controlled and moving at an altitude of 10,000 feet.

McKinney, Texas

Correspondent Alan C. Arnold reported on a round silvery object seen on April 4, 1956. Capt. Roy Hall, a local weather observer, triangulated the object's height at around 100,000 feet and estimated its diameter at 220 feet. The weather bureau stated they had no balloons up, and an amateur astronomer sketched the object, noting it did not appear to be revolving. The object moved southwest at about 100 mph. Air Force bases at Fort Worth and Perrin Field had no information, and Carswell AFB was evaluating the report.

"Flying Saucers Are Real"

This section references a Brazilian Air Force Official Report on Unidentified Flying Objects, with a correspondent Olavo Fontes contributing.

Books and Publications

Readers are informed about books available from Borderland Sciences Research Associates, including "Coming Of The Guardians" and "The Mystery Of The Etherships." Also mentioned are by-weekly and bi-monthly magazines: "Round Robin" and "Clips, Quotes & Comments."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and investigation of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and flying saucers. The editorial stance of *Flying Saucer Review* and Civilian Flying Saucer Intelligence is one of open-mindedness and a commitment to uncovering the truth, emphasizing factual reporting and the confidentiality of sources. There is a clear implication that these objects are not of terrestrial origin and may represent advanced technology from other worlds. The magazine aims to document sightings, analyze evidence, and inform the public about phenomena that challenge conventional understanding.

This issue of COSMIC NEWS, a publication focused on the latest 'Flying Saucer' information, presents a collection of official statements and eyewitness accounts related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs) primarily from the mid-1950s. The publication is described as 'Hottest Paper Of Its Class' and is available via subscription from Strongsville, Ohio, and also as a quarterly bulletin from the Telonic Research Center in Prescott, Arizona.

Official Brazilian Air Force Statement

The issue begins with a significant official statement from the Air Force Command at Gravatai Air Force Base in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, dated October 24, 1954. This statement, the first Air Force admission that saucers existed, described them as real, circular objects, silvery in color, capable of speeds and maneuvers far beyond known aircraft, and distinct from celestial bodies or meteorological balloons. The sighting involved strange objects observed over the base between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, with impossible-to-measure altitude and speed, but clearly beyond the base's known capabilities. The general shape was circular and appeared silvery-dull. The erratic course and reversion to former positions made confounding them with celestial bodies impossible. No meteorological balloons were present. The sighting was witnessed by Air Force military personnel and civilians. The Base requested an investigation from the Air Force General Command and asked the public to report similar sightings, providing details on the object, time, observation manner, location, and observer information.

Colonel Hardman, the Base Commander, initially prohibited unauthorized information release but promised a full release of evidence after expert examination. This promise was fulfilled on November 16, 1954, during a press conference where Brigadier Gervasio Duncan, Commander of Air Defence Command, released summaries of sixteen reports. Only two summaries pertained to the Air Base case. These reports came from veteran pilots and officers. Brigadier Duncan refused to speculate on the origin of the craft, stating, 'You have the facts... It would have been hard to find a group of better qualified and reliable observers... It is impossible to explain away the sightings...The objects are real, but we can't say positively what they are... We have no conclusion...'

Public and Military Reaction

The public's reaction to the news was largely dismissive, with many refusing to believe or take the matter seriously. However, high-ranking Air Force and Navy officers, scientists, and technicians showed a different reaction, with some officials worried about the increasing number of unexplained sightings. A secret investigation had been underway since 1952, led by Colonel Joao Adil de Oliveira, Chief of Air Force Intelligence.

On December 2, 1954, a significant conference was held at the Army Technical School, patronized by A.D.E.S.G. (Superior Army School Graduates Association). Colonel Adil de Oliveira presented an evaluation of UFO information collected globally since 1947, including Project Blue Book and seven outstanding cases. He concluded:

1. Evidence shows that the saucers are real. Governments should investigate UFO reports as it could be of military interest.
2. The saucers appear to be a revolutionary type of aircraft, not conventional phenomena or illusions, given the number of responsible people involved.
3. Their origin and purpose remain unknown.

Following his statement, three observers—Lieutenant Hernani Ferraz de Almeida, Major-Aviator Joao Magalhaes Mota, and civilian Mr. Thelmo Braga—testified about their sightings. Brigadier Guedes Muniz closed the conference by referencing an analogy of the 'horn-beetle' that engineers deemed incapable of flight but which continued to fly, suggesting that perhaps the unknown nature of these 'space vagabonds' should not be dismissed.

The author expresses a lack of qualification to compare Brazilian and US Air Force statements but emphasizes the courage of the Brazilian reports for officially recognizing strange aircraft and dismissing conventional explanations. The reports confirm the existence of saucers but offer no definitive conclusion, marking a first step in solving the mystery.

Eyewitness Accounts from the USA

The issue then details several specific sightings from the United States:

• Petersburg, Alaska (February 22, 1956): Hack White reported a flying saucer hovering over Petersburg Creek. Initially mistaken for a star, it moved erratically, had a glow, and seemed to revolve slowly, dimming and brightening.
• Somesbar, California (February 23, 1956): Charles Brewer and Ervin Goodwin witnessed bright lights from a fan-like tail of an object that remained stationary for 30 minutes over the Salmon River before moving north for 15 minutes. The object was described as very large and resembled lights seen in January 1956 in the Humbug country.
• Donelson, Tennessee (February 29, 1956): Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Wright reported an object, described as an aluminum or silver plate about 12 inches in diameter, hitting their garage and dipping past their kitchen window. Mrs. Wright, previously a skeptic, now believed in flying saucers.
• Pasco, Washington (March 11, 1956): Correspondent R.F. Nowakowski reported a mysterious light seen bobbing up and down by several citizens. The light eventually went out like a dying ember.
• St. Louis, Missouri (April 6, 1956): Correspondent E.O. Leffler reported two UFOs traveling westward at tremendous height and speed, described as silvery and circular. They circled and headed eastward. Aubrey V. Smith was a witness.

Book Reviews and Research

The publication also includes a list of books available from Flying Saucers International in Los Angeles, California, covering various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, including works by Edward Ruppelt, Harold Wilkins, Donald Keyhoe, George Adamski, and others. A significant section is dedicated to an article titled 'They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers' by Gray Barker. Barker discusses how leading researchers who challenged government denials about saucers from outer space have been 'silenced.' He suggests that three men in dark suits visited these researchers, and although their conversation is unknown, it led to their silence. Barker's own book, published by University Books, details his investigation into this phenomenon, starting in 1952 after an astonishing landing near his home in West Virginia. He recounts how, after years of contact, these leading figures suddenly became silent, and his book aims to explain who they are and what happened.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the official acknowledgment of UFOs as real phenomena, the limitations of current understanding regarding their origin and nature, and the contrast between official concern and public indifference. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting factual accounts and official statements, encouraging public reporting, and exploring the implications of these sightings, particularly concerning potential government secrecy or suppression of information, as highlighted by Gray Barker's article. The publication positions itself as a source for the latest information on flying saucers, aiming to inform readers about credible reports and investigations.