Saucer News - Whole Number 17 - Vol 03 No 03 - 1956 04-05

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: VOLUME 3, NUMBER 3 (Whole Number 17)
Date: APRIL-MAY 1956
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: JAMES W. MOSELEY

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, dated April-May 1956, is the official publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society. The cover features a satirical cartoon depicting the Pentagon's Public Information Office, illustrating a humorous take on the Air Force's perceived dry and uninformative 'fact sheets' on flying saucers.

Editorials

A REPLY TO CRITICS by James W. Moseley

In his editorial, James W. Moseley addresses criticisms from URANUS magazine and Gray Barker, who suggest he is influenced by or working for the Air Force's 'Silence Group'. Moseley asserts that he changed his views on interplanetary saucers voluntarily in 1954 due to concrete information, the details of which he cannot fully disclose. He denies being employed by the Air Force or any related group and refuses to explain his finances. He also refutes a critique from George Adamski, published in 'Saucerian Review', which accused Moseley of being a 'tool of Wall Street' due to his skepticism about space men. Moseley dismisses Adamski's logic and issues a stern warning to Adamski, stating that SAUCER NEWS will not back down from printing information about the 'Adamski Controversy' and is prepared to produce more evidence.

EDITORIAL NOTES

The editors remind readers that signed articles represent the authors' opinions, not necessarily those of the editors. They also list available back issues for purchase and apologize for the delay in the current issue's publication, promising a return to a regular bi-monthly schedule with the June-July issue.

Feature Articles

"A STRANGE PHENOMENON, EVIDENTLY A DAYLIGHT METEOR" by Frank Reid

This article examines historical accounts that could be interpreted as UFO sightings but were often explained away as meteors, ball lightning, or other conventional phenomena. Reid cites a 1936 incident where three hunters in Wisconsin observed a 'rocket black formation throwing sparks' that shot across the water. He contrasts this with a description of a daylight meteor from 'Popular Astronomy' as a 'non-sparking hunk of rock' with a 'swishing noise', noting the absence of noise in the 1936 sighting. Other accounts include a 'dark object, black in color' emitting sparks from Bay Head, N.J., and a 'round, bronze, glistening ball with gleaming rays' observed by Mary Ethel Hunneman in New Hampshire, which caused electrical disturbances. An observation from M. Rasmussen in New York described a 'large dirigible in flames, with green balls of fire streaking from it'. Reid also mentions a zigzagging light observed by Edward Maykut in Pennsylvania and a slow-moving 'fiery red light' seen by Leslie W. Field in Massachusetts. He notes that even a 'blimp' crash in West Virginia was reported with a possible parachute sighting. Reid concludes that in an era where being called a 'Flying Saucer Cultist' can lead to ridicule, he publicly labels such phenomena as 'A Strange Phenomenon, Evidently a Daylight Meteor'.

Letters to the Editor

Concerning the "Earth Theory" Article by "Dr. D." in the Feb.-March Issue

Albert H. Baller of Springfield, Mass., questions a report about an object seen over Cincinnati in 1949-1950, stating it had a diameter of 10,000 feet and asking if it could be considered a 'secret weapon'.

Mabel C. Brennan of Cheltenham, Pa., suggests that the editor read Charles Fort's "Book of the Damned", recommending specific chapters for content.

Concerning "The Al Bender Story" in the Feb.-March Issue

Max Krengel of Stratford, Conn., comments that the author of 'The Al Bender Story' seemed frustrated and unable to obtain information he felt entitled to, but declines to discuss the article further.

Report on the Saucer News Opinion Poll

This section details the results of a questionnaire sent to SAUCER NEWS readers. Of the 150 responses tabulated:

• Origin of Saucers: 35% believe all saucers come from Space, 39% believe some do, and 10% believe at least a few do. Conversely, 2% believe all are made on Earth, 17% believe some are made on Earth, and 13% believe at least a few are made on Earth. 10% did not know. A significant number of people checked multiple answers, affecting the total percentage. 14 people indicated an 'other origin', with suggestions including 'extra-dimensional', 'spirit ships', 'supernatural', 'invisible dimension', and 'Devils'.
• Space Men Communication: 42% believe space men have communicated with earth men, 15% believe they have not, and 36% 'don't know'.
• Opinion of George Adamski's Accounts: 17% believe Adamski's accounts are true, 32% do not believe him, and 29% believe they are partly true and partly untrue. 19% 'don't know'.

Readers expressed appreciation for the magazine presenting multiple sides of the saucer issue and for the 'recent news' section. The most frequent suggestion for improvement was to include more sighting reports, though the editors note this may be difficult due to a recent decline in reported sightings.

Several readers also commented on the magazine's content. Some liked the fact that SAUCER NEWS publishes articles by leading authorities, while others criticized the editor's perceived bias towards the 'Earth theory' of saucer origin. One reader appreciated the editor's courage in maintaining this stance against the majority opinion. Criticisms also included the magazine being too negative and focusing too much on controversy. Suggestions for improvement included more photographs, more cartoons, monthly publication (if affordable), and avoiding articles on 'related subjects' like E.S.P. or the occult.

Book Reviews

THE REPORT ON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS by Edward J. Ruppelt (Doubleday)
Reviewed by James W. Moseley

Moseley reviews Edward Ruppelt's book, calling it the latest and most objective addition to the saucer literature. Ruppelt, former head of the Air Force's Project Blue Book, is praised for his well-written and organized account. The book details numerous sightings, explaining some as conventional objects and classifying others as 'Unknown'. Ruppelt's work is noted for not taking extreme stances like Major Keyhoe or Donald Menzel. A significant finding highlighted is the detection of increased radiation content in the atmosphere coinciding with flying saucer appearances. The review mentions a panel of scientists who concluded that while extraterrestrial life is possible, there was no evidence in the reports to suggest interplanetary visitation. The review also notes that the Air Force is reportedly returning to its policy of dismissing UFO reports. Ruppelt's book is considered to provide more documentation than Keyhoe's work, though Ruppelt himself remains under security restrictions.

THEY KNEW TOO MUCH ABOUT FLYING SAUCERS by Gray Barker (University Books)
Reviewed by Benjamin D. Benincasa

This review discusses Gray Barker's book, which focuses on the events leading up to the shutdown of the International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB) and the alleged muzzling of its founder, Albert K. Bender. Barker offers four theories for Bender's experience in September 1953, including visits from the FBI, extraterrestrials, a 'tall tale', or a trance state. The reviewer adds a fifth possibility: that Bender was threatened by Communist agents. The review notes that Bender's lips have remained sealed, citing a formal response from Mr. H.H. Fulton of New Zealand that questions were not to be answered due to security reasons. The reviewer wonders why similar threats have not been made to other UFO investigators. The book is recommended for those following UFO progress since 1947 and covers various historical incidents.

Were the Cards Stacked?

by Justin Case

This article critically examines the Air Force's statistical analysis of UFO reports, particularly Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14. The author argues that a scientific investigation must be impartial and not start with a predetermined conclusion. The article suggests that the Air Force knew beforehand that their study would refute the flying saucer myth and declare them not interplanetary. The author contends that the statistical method used buried the few significant 'unknown' UFO reports among thousands of less important ones, making it impossible to determine the true nature of the significant sightings. The article questions whether the Air Force were 'good guessers' or if the 'cards were stacked' from the beginning, implying the study was designed to produce a specific outcome.

Mysterious Case of "Glass Pitting" at S.A.U.C.E.R.S. Headquarters

This brief report describes an incident on February 5th at SAUCER NEWS headquarters where the protective glass covering the television screen shattered into thousands of cracks. The television set itself was unaffected, and the force of the 'explosion' was outward. The article notes that while this phenomenon has been reported with car windshields, this may be the first case involving a TV set.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SAUCER NEWS grapples with the tension between official explanations of UFO phenomena and the persistent reports from witnesses and independent investigators. The editorial stance, as articulated by James W. Moseley, is one of critical inquiry, willing to challenge established narratives, including those presented by prominent figures like George Adamski, while also defending the magazine's right to explore controversial topics. There is a clear skepticism towards simplistic explanations and a desire to present a balanced view, even while acknowledging the difficulty in obtaining concrete evidence. The magazine also highlights the importance of reader feedback in shaping its content, aiming to provide more factual sighting reports while navigating the challenges of a declining number of such reports. The issue also touches upon the potential for government influence and secrecy in the UFO field, questioning the impartiality of official investigations.

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: 11
Publication Frequency: Every second month
Publisher: Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society (S.A.U.C.E.R.S.)
Location: Fort Lee, New Jersey, USA
Price: $2.00 for one year, $3.50 for two years. Back issues available at 35 cents each or four for $1.00.

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, dated from the early 1950s, presents a collection of recent news stories and reports concerning unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and other unexplained phenomena from around the world.

Recent News Stories

Saucer Sighted from Airliner Over Gulf of Mexico On January 22nd, around 8:30 p.m., the flight engineer of a Pan American flight from Houston to Miami observed a large, cigar-shaped object. The object, visible for only about six seconds, traveled from the southern horizon towards a weather front. It displayed a pale blue luminescence with a yellow flickering flame in the rear. Notably, the object moved on a straight and level course, approximately 30 degrees above the airliner.

Ball of Fire Seen Over Oklahoma Town On the night of January 30th, Sherman J. McDonald, a garageman from Calvin, Oklahoma, along with two other people, witnessed a mysterious ball of fire. They observed it for about fifteen minutes while driving. The object made no noise and emitted no heat. It approached within a quarter of a mile before disappearing behind a hill. McDonald described the object as getting brighter the longer they watched. He recounted waking his wife and sister-in-law, who became frightened by the object's presence.

Strange Rock Hits Car on New Jersey Highway A softball-sized rock or meteorite struck a car on the Pulaski Skyway near Newark, New Jersey, on February 4th, narrowly missing a 5-year-old girl. The object was identified as a meteorite by the Newark Weather Bureau, but a mineralogist noted the presence of copper and nickel, not typically found in local meteorites. An official from the Museum of Natural History in New York identified it as ordinary slag. The case was investigated by saucer researcher August C. Roberts, but differing expert opinions prevented a final conclusion.

Close Sighting Made by a Couple Driving on Jersey Shore A couple, who wished to remain anonymous, reported seeing a saucer maneuver over their car for nearly half an hour on February 6th near Somers Point, New Jersey. The woman described the object as being so close that "a good rifle could hit it." It appeared round but shaped like a "kidney bean" due to the angle. The object would sometimes stand still, then move slowly, accelerating to speeds "faster than a jet." It seemed metallic, and at times displayed a bright light in the center and a glow around it, or a bright light above with a glowing tail below.

Monster Reports From Overseas Reports from overseas include the alleged killing and eating of a 10-foot-tall "abominable snowman" by head-hunting tribesmen near the Assam-China border. Tracks similar to those of the "abominable snowman" were also reported by skiers in the French Alps. Additionally, four photographs were taken on February 22nd of a mysterious "thing" in the Thames River, England. Witnesses reported seeing a "monster fish" with a large dorsal fin and "big red eyes." An expert suggested it resembled a "dimetrodon," a reptile extinct for 300 million years.

Mysterious Footprints in England On February 22nd, mysterious, five-toed footprints, 2 feet long and 18 inches wide, appeared overnight at Riverside, Henley-On-Thames, England. The footprints were found on the edge of the riverbank, about three feet above the river level, and curved in a semi-circle before disappearing. Mud was smeared on a nearby lamp post. A woman driving nearby claimed to have seen the "monster" walk out of the water and back in, describing it as "as big as the side of a house."

Object Over Cincinnati Hovers 45 Minutes, Photographed by Newsman On the night of March 21st, an unidentified light hovered over Cincinnati, Ohio, for at least 45 minutes. To the naked eye, it appeared as an intense bluish-white light. Through binoculars, it looked like a compact galaxy of lights. The object moved northwest and disappeared. Residents reported this as the third consecutive night the "thing" appeared. One researcher suggested it might be the planet Venus.

Sees Saucer From Only Ten Feet Away A laboratory technician named James Bassett reported seeing a globular-shaped orange object on March 22nd in Lansing, Michigan. The object came down at an angle, stopped about 10 feet away, and hovered about four feet from the ground for approximately 10 minutes before departing.

Radar Station Investigates Wave of Saucer Reports in Leland, Michigan On the night of March 27th, the 252nd A.C.&W. Squadron at Empire, Michigan, received several reports of an unidentified light. James Wurn described the light as red and white, and through binoculars, shaped like an "upright mushroom" with a red-orange stem and a white top. It moved slowly for about 15 minutes before disappearing rapidly.

Brilliant Object Startles Montana Residents On April 6th, five people in the Brown's Gulch district of Montana saw an extremely bright object that lit up their house and caused their television to black out. They initially thought it was a plane crash or explosion, but there was no noise.

Airliner Chases Saucer Across New York State A veteran American Airlines pilot, Raymond E. Ryan, pursued a saucer for 45 minutes on April 8th. The object was sighted hovering over Schenectady and then accelerated to an estimated 800-900 miles per hour. Ryan followed the object over Lake Ontario near Oswego before abandoning the pursuit, as the object headed northwest toward Canada. Jets scrambled from Griffiss Air Force Base could not locate the object.

News Briefs

Radar Explanation Theory A new theory suggests that radar sightings of saucers are caused by birds and bugs flying near the radar screen, which can clutter it up at close range.

Contact with Venus Pilot On February 11th, Christine Lawrence of London claimed to be in contact with a saucer pilot from Venus named "Jariel." She described life on Venus, where pregnancy lasts about six months and people speak a "solar language."

Secret Saucer Movies Finally to Be Seen by Public Greene-Rouse Productions of Hollywood announced plans to release a documentary film on saucers in May, featuring two famous motion picture clips: the Tremonton film from July 2, 1952, by Warrant Officer Delbert C. Newhouse, and a film from Montana taken on August 15, 1950, by Nicholas Mariana. These films were reportedly kept from the public by the Air Force.

Saucer Briefs

North Jersey U.F.O. Group Event Mr. Gray Barker, author of "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers," was scheduled to give an address on May 24th in Newark, N.J., and on May 26th in New York City.

New Book Publication "The Truth About the Flying Saucers," a French book by Aime Michel, was to be published around June 1st.

Collaboration on Saucer Book Robert E. Bartlett Jr. is collaborating with Mr. M. K. Jessup on a new saucer book. Jessup was reportedly in Mexico gathering data on craters similar to those on the Moon.

Criticism of Saturday Evening Post Article An article in the March 10th issue of the Saturday Evening Post, titled "He Runs Flying Saucer Headquarters," angered many saucer fans by failing to differentiate between various types of saucer research clubs.

Belgian Congo Rumor A rumor from the Belgian Congo suggests that pygmies have been kidnapped by "strange saucer-like aircraft" flown by men in American military uniforms.

Waukegan Contact Group The Waukegan Contact Group is a new addition to the list of saucer clubs, with a bulletin covering twelve fields of research.

Claims Weather Balloon Can Exceed 1,500 Miles Per Hour! A New York Times report from February 20th mentioned speculation about a strange object detected by radar at Orly International Airport, Paris, flying at speeds exceeding 1,500 miles per hour. A spokesman suggested it might have been a U.S. weather balloon.

Important Notices

Copies of the first non-scheduled Newsletter are available for $1.00. Subscribers can also request a free copy of the latest official Air Force "fact sheet." The editors are seeking material for future issues and reserve the right to edit submissions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SAUCER NEWS are the reporting of numerous UFO sightings from various locations, witness testimonies, and attempts to explain or investigate these phenomena. The magazine appears to be a platform for disseminating information about UFOs, including news reports, personal accounts, and updates on related research and publications. The editorial stance is one of open reporting and interest in the subject, as indicated by the call for material and the willingness to publish diverse views, while also maintaining a critical eye on media portrayals of UFO research.