Journal of UFO History

Magazine Overview

Title: Journal of UFO History
Issue: Vol. I, No. 4
Date: September-October 2004
Publisher: The Donald E. Keyhoe Archives

This issue of the Journal of UFO History provides a deep dive into various aspects of UFO research and history, featuring a significant transcript of a 1960 television debate, a detailed chronology of early UFO events, historical notes from international sources, and interviews with key figures in the field.

Key Articles and Features

Dave Garroway Show NBC-TV UFO Discussion: Tacker vs. Keyhoe, December 5, 1960

This section presents a transcript of a notable exchange between Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe, Director of NICAP, and Lt. Colonel Lawrence J. Tacker, USAF spokesman on UFOs, on the Dave Garroway Show. The discussion centers on the existence of "flying saucers" and the Air Force's explanations for sightings. Tacker asserts that the Air Force has explained most sightings as conventional objects under extenuating circumstances, with only 2-3% remaining unexplained by 1953. Keyhoe disputes this, citing a letter from Tacker himself indicating 9.4% unexplained cases by the end of 1959. The debate touches upon the accuracy of witness reports, distance estimations, and the Air Force's alleged misinformation campaign. Keyhoe accuses the Air Force of deliberately misinforming the public and cites a confidential report sent to Congress. Tacker vehemently denies this, calling the report "drivel" despite its endorsement by former CIA head Vice-Admiral Hillenkoetter and other notable figures. The conversation escalates with accusations of lying and challenges to credibility, particularly concerning the handling of evidence and the classification of UFO material.

Chronology of Early UFO History, August 1950-February 1951

This extensive chronology meticulously lists UFO sightings and related events during a critical period in early UFO history. Entries include:

• August 15, 1950: Nick Mariana in Great Falls, Montana, filmed two luminous objects flying at high speed, analyzed by the Air Force and outside scientists.
• October 3, 1950: Geochemist J.D. Laudermilk observed a wobbling disc near Pomona, California, estimating its minimum speed at 720 mph.
• October 12, 1950: The Atomic Energy Commission Security Service distributed a questionnaire for sightings near their plants.
• November 27, 1950: Personnel in Huron, South Dakota, witnessed a luminous object changing colors and darting.
• November 27, 1950: A pilot and instructor in Evansville, Wisconsin, reported six elliptical objects flying in formation at about 500 mph at 10,000 feet.
• December 27, 1950: A TransWorld Airlines pilot near Bradford, Illinois, saw a luminous object with erratic maneuvers.
• January 16, 1951: Technical personnel near Artesia, New Mexico, observed two disc-shaped objects interacting with a Skyhook balloon.
• January 20, 1951: A Mid-Continent Airlines crew and control tower operators at Sioux City, Iowa, saw a dark, cigar-shaped object with lights.
• February 14, 1951: Air Force pilots near Alamogordo, New Mexico, saw a flashing white disc hovering.
• February 1951: Dr. Urner Liddel, a Navy scientist, stated in LOOK Magazine that all UFO reports were attributable to cosmic balloons (Skyhook research balloons).

Historical News & Notes From Other Countries

This section compiles various international reports and official stances on UFOs:

• Republic of Korea (1967): The Director of the Central Meteorological Office considered establishing a National Committee on the UFO.
• Czechoslovakia (1969): An institute was established to gather data on unidentified flying objects.
• England (1961): A vicar encouraged parishioners to report sightings, viewing them as potential visitors from space.
• Germany (1963): The Military Attache in Washington stated Germany could not supply UFO information and had no official policy.
• Norway (1958): The Air Attache reported that Norway's UFO material was security-graded and not available to NICAP.

Gary Wilcox Follow-Up: Psychiatric Examination

This article revisits the April 24, 1964, sighting by Gary Wilcox, which involved a landed object and humanoid beings, occurring on the same day as the Lonnie Zamora incident. Dr. Berthold Schwarz, a psychiatrist, conducted extensive interviews and concluded that Wilcox's experience was serious, based on his first-hand examinations and interviews with Wilcox's family and associates. Wilcox is described as private and not prone to exaggeration.

Colorado UFO Project Scientist Dies

The death of Dr. Roy F. Craig, an investigator for the University of Colorado's UFO study sponsored by the Air Force, is noted. Craig, a chemist, contributed to the 1969 Condon Report, which debunked UFO sightings.

Dialogue with Ted Bloecher: Reminiscences of the Early Years

This interview with Ted Bloecher, a founder of Civilian Saucer Intelligence in New York in the 1950s, covers his involvement in early UFO research, including the 1947 wave and his work with NICAP. Bloecher discusses his reasons for stepping down from active research in the mid-1980s, citing the difficulty in dealing with the "high-strangeness" of abduction cases and a feeling that little new practical evidence had emerged after 30 years. He recounts the founding of Civilian Saucer Intelligence (CSI) of New York in 1954, its early meetings, public lectures featuring figures like Ivan Sanderson and George Adamski, and the recruitment of Isabel Davis. Bloecher also mentions the challenge of dealing with "loonies" in the early days and the eventual production of the CSI Newsletter. He expresses no regrets about his retirement from active research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights a persistent tension between official explanations of UFO phenomena and the views of independent researchers, particularly concerning government transparency and the validity of eyewitness testimony. The editorial expresses cautious optimism about a forthcoming ABC-TV special on ET life and UFOs, while acknowledging past disappointments with similar programs. The overall stance of the journal appears to be one of advocating for serious, scientifically-oriented UFO research and investigation, while critically examining official narratives and historical accounts. There is a clear emphasis on historical documentation and the importance of preserving and analyzing past UFO events and research efforts.

This document is a continuation of an interview with Ted Bloecher, featured in issue 11 of UFO Magazine. It delves into his experiences with UFO organizations, his personal career path, and his reflections on the UFO phenomenon.

Early UFO Involvement and Writing Bloecher recounts how he made summaries of public meetings for CSI and distributed them to members. He notes that some of these newsletters and documents are preserved in the Donald E. Keyhoe Archives and praises the quality of The Newsletter. Bloecher confesses that he learned how to write effectively through his association with Isabel Davis and Lex Mebane, whom he describes as skilled and articulate writers.

Stage Career and CSI's Decline His stage career began to become active in the late 1950s, leading to off-Broadway shows and summer stock. He progressed to major touring productions, including "My Fair Lady" (1961-1962), and several Broadway shows in the 1960s. This theatrical work significantly reduced his involvement in CSI's activities. Bloecher states that CSI's effectiveness as an organization began to decline by the late fifties or early sixties. By the mid-sixties, Isabel Davis had moved to NICAP, Lex Mebane faced health issues, and Bloecher continued his theatre career.

Transition to NICAP and Key Projects In the spring of 1968, Bloecher joined the NICAP staff, writing "Report on the UFO Wave of 1947 in Washington D.C." during a break from a touring production. James E. McDonald was instrumental in this report, even contributing the introduction. Bloecher mentions that the CSI files were transferred to NICAP and assimilated into their case files in late 1966 or early 1967, recalling the interviewer's potential involvement in the transfer.

He describes his time at NICAP as both fascinating and frustrating. Among the significant projects he worked on was the UFO Occupant Study, which involved assembling a panel of scientists and professionals to review selected CEIII reports. He notes that Major Keyhoe was initially cautious about discussing humanoid sightings publicly but eventually agreed to the project.

Bloecher also highlights NICAP's publication efforts, including the reprint of "Project Grudge and Blue Book Reports 1-12" in June 1968, a publication mentioned in Ann Druffel's book "Firestorm." He also worked on "UFOs: A New Look" and NICAP's UFO sighting classification system.

Reflections on UFOs and Disclosure When asked about understanding the UFO phenomenon, Bloecher expresses his belief that the U.S. Government has likely collected substantial evidence regarding UFOs over the past fifty years. However, he is skeptical about timely disclosure, stating that until the government reveals what it knows, the phenomenon will remain puzzling. He does not anticipate any significant revelations about the source of UFO appearances within his lifetime.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The interview focuses on the historical development of UFO investigation in the United States, highlighting the contributions of key individuals and organizations like CSI and NICAP. It emphasizes the challenges and complexities of UFO research, including the difficulties in obtaining government information and the personal sacrifices involved. The magazine appears to support rigorous investigation and the preservation of historical UFO data, as evidenced by its focus on Bloecher's detailed recollections and the mention of archival efforts.