Magazine Summary

SAGA

Magazine Issue SAGA 1950s–1960s

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Summary

Overview

This issue of SAGA magazine from July 1968 delves into a series of mysterious gas attacks across the U.S., linking them to UFO activity and potential pollution from chemical and fertilizer factories. It highlights incidents in Youngstown, Ohio, and Oklahoma, involving noxious fumes and strange odors like rotten eggs. The magazine also features a special report on John Dillinger's lost bank loot and a color exclusive on actress Stella Stevens. Ufologists are exploring theories that these gas phenomena might be related to alien visitors needing to adapt to Earth's atmosphere or even a form of warfare.

Magazine Overview

Title: SAGA
Issue: July 1968
Publisher: SAGA
Country: USA
Price: 50c

This issue of SAGA magazine, dated July 1968, presents a diverse range of articles, with a prominent focus on mysterious phenomena and crime. The cover boldly proclaims "SAGA EXPOSES RED CHINA'S MASTER PLAN FOR THE U.S.A." alongside other sensational headlines such as "KILLER QUAKES: Scientists Predict Disaster!" and "FLYING SAUCER MYSTERY: The Deadly Gas." A special feature highlights "JOHN DILLINGER'S LOST $1 MILLION BANK LOOT," and a color exclusive showcases "STELLA STEVENS: VIETNAM'S PIN-UP QUEEN."

Mysterious Gas Attacks: The Deadly Gas

The lead article, "Mysterious Gas Attacks," by John A. Keel, investigates a series of strange incidents across the U.S. involving noxious fumes and clouds of gas. The report begins with an account from Youngstown, Ohio, on July 4, 1967, where residents experienced difficulty breathing and watering eyes, coinciding with the appearance of a luminous smoke cloud. Fire and police departments were unable to identify the source. The article connects these events to UFO activity, noting that similar incidents have occurred in various locations, including Singapore, Naples (Italy), and Long Island (New York).

Keel presents evidence suggesting a link between these gas attacks and the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), commonly known as the smell of rotten eggs, and other unidentified gases. He cites historical events, such as a gas incident in Singapore in 1954 and evacuations in Naples in May 1967 and Long Island in June 1967 due to overpowering odors. More recent events include an incident in Lower Manhattan in January 1968 attributed to New Jersey oil refineries, and evacuations in Somerville, New Jersey, and Archbold, Ohio, in January 1968, possibly related to leaking gasoline storage tanks.

A significant portion of the article focuses on a prolonged incident in Roger Mills County, Oklahoma, between 1963-1965, where an "evil-smelling something" caused severe illness, livestock deaths, and structural damage to homes. The odor was identified as hydrogen sulfide, but authorities concluded that air pollution was not the cause.

Keel explores the possibility that these phenomena are linked to UFOs, citing a statement allegedly made by Gen. George C. Marshall suggesting that extraterrestrial visitors are trying to adapt to Earth's atmosphere. He also mentions Gen. Nathan Twining's remark about "physical reasons" hindering communication with UFOs. The article posits that the "Smellies," as some witnesses call these phenomena, might be related to UFO occupants who have trouble breathing in Earth's atmosphere.

Further investigation into chemical and fertilizer factories reveals a correlation with UFO activity and gas emissions, including fluoride. The article discusses the presence of silicon at alleged UFO landing sites and the continuous UFO activity near fertilizer factories. Keel hypothesizes that hydrofluoric acid, a component of fluoride, could be used as a weapon against silicon-based alien life forms, or that aliens might be introducing fluoride to adapt the atmosphere for their own needs.

The article also touches upon the phenomenon of "angel hair," a mysterious substance falling from the sky, which research suggests may be linked to fluoride dispersal. The author concludes by urging a deeper investigation into these phenomena, suggesting that the answer to the UFO mystery might be closer than previously thought, potentially involving dangerous alien entities.

Other Features

John Dillinger's Lost $1 Million Bank Loot

This section, presented as a "Saga Special," delves into the mystery surrounding the lost bank loot of notorious gangster John Dillinger. The cover image prominently displays elements associated with Dillinger, including guns, money, and a newspaper headline from "The Daily Tribune" proclaiming "DILLINGER PUBLIC ENEMY NO.1."

Color Exclusive: Stella Stevens

Another highlight is a "Color Exclusive" featuring actress Stella Stevens, described as "Vietnam's Pin-Up Queen." This suggests a pictorial spread or interview focusing on the popular actress.

Other Cover Stories

The magazine also teases other articles, including "RACE WARFARE: SAGA EXPOSES RED CHINA'S MASTER PLAN FOR THE U.S.A.," and "'Tonight's' ED MCMAHON: King of Moonlighters," indicating a broad spectrum of topics covered within the issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SAGA are UFOs, mysterious phenomena, crime, and geopolitical intrigue. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigative journalism, aiming to expose perceived threats and uncover hidden truths, particularly concerning extraterrestrial activity and potential conspiracies. The magazine utilizes sensational headlines and dramatic narratives to engage its readership, positioning itself as a source for uncovering controversial and unexplained events.

U. S. authorities have established the fact that flying saucers are manned by visitors from outer space.... And these visitors are trying to work out a method of breathing and staying alive in our atmosphere before landing and establishing contact.

— Gen. George C. Marshall (allegedly)

Key Incidents

  1. 1967-07-04Youngstown, Ohio, USA

    A mysterious cloud of faintly luminous smoke descended, causing residents to experience difficulty breathing, watering eyes, and dizziness.

  2. 1954-08-13Singapore

    An area of two square miles around Chiangi Airport was affected by a gas that caused choking and copious tears.

  3. 1967-05Naples, Italy

    A large section of the city had to be evacuated due to an overpowering toxic gas of unknown origin.

  4. 1967-06Long Island, New York, USA

    Residents were awakened by the potent odor of rotten eggs, attributed to atmospheric conditions from the Atlantic Ocean.

  5. 1968-01-19Lower Manhattan, New York, USA

    Acrid, eye-stinging fumes poured over New York and Brooklyn, with New Jersey oil refineries blamed.

  6. 1968-01-09Somerville, New Jersey, USA

    The town had to be evacuated due to gas fumes.

  7. 1968-01-11Archbold, Ohio, USA

    2,400 residents had to flee their town due to a strong smell, possibly from ruptured gasoline storage tanks.

  8. 1963-1965Roger Mills County, Oklahoma, USA

    An area had to be evacuated due to an evil-smelling 'something' that killed livestock and made inhabitants ill, with odors like rotten eggs.

  9. 1956-10-02Trenton, New Jersey, USA

    A night watchman reported a low-flying cigar-shaped object and a smell like sulfur or brimstone that caused nausea and sickness.

  10. 1954Reme, Italy

    Thousands of people reported unidentified flying objects and many were stricken with an odd malady diagnosed as lead poisoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main focus of the 'Mysterious Gas Attacks' article?

The article investigates strange gas incidents across the U.S. that are linked to UFO activity, exploring potential causes such as pollution from factories and the possibility of alien visitors needing to adapt to Earth's atmosphere.

What is 'angel hair' in the context of UFOs?

'Angel hair' is described as a peculiar, cobweb-like material that falls from the sky and melts away when touched, with research suggesting it might be related to fluoride dispersal.

What connection is made between UFOs and chemical factories?

The article notes a pattern of UFO activity occurring in the vicinity of fertilizer and chemical factories, suggesting a possible link to the gases these factories emit, such as fluoride.

What are the alleged effects of the mysterious gases?

Witnesses reported symptoms including difficulty breathing, watering eyes, dizziness, nausea, burning skin, dysentery, headaches, and in severe cases, teeth mottling or loss.

In This Issue

People Mentioned

  • Ed McMahonKing of Moonlighters
  • John DillingerBank Robber
  • Stella StevensActress
  • Thomas ValleyResident
  • Howard MooreLieutenant
  • Thomas E. KeltyPatrolman
  • Geno DiFabioPatrolman
  • Glenn SchultzBattalion Chief
  • George C. MarshallGeneral
  • Rolf AlexanderUfologist
  • Nathan TwiningGeneral
  • R. N. HillenkoetterVice Admiral
  • +8 more

Organisations

  • SAGA
  • The Daily Tribune
  • U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare
  • Aerial Investigation and Research Corp.
  • Merck Manual
  • The New York Times

Locations

  • Youngstown, USA
  • Cape Cod, USA
  • Connecticut, USA
  • Long Island, USA
  • Naples, Italy
  • New York City, USA
  • Brooklyn, USA
  • New Jersey, USA
  • Somerville, USA
  • Archbold, USA
  • Roger Mills County, USA
  • Oklahoma, USA
  • Singapore
  • Chiangi Airport
  • +6 more

Topics & Themes

UFOsGas AttacksPollutionConspiracyflying saucersmysterious gasnoxious fumeshydrogen sulfidefluoridechemical factoriesangel hairJohn DillingerStella StevensEd McMahonRed Chinadisastermystery