Saucer Smear - Vol 58 No 08 - 2011

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 58, No. 8 (Whole No. 443)
Date: August 15th, 2011
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism, features a cover story on the classic Cash-Landrum UFO case. The publication is edited by James W. Moseley, with contributions from Vince Ditchkus, Dr. Chris Roth, and Dr. Tin Brigham. The magazine maintains a critical stance on many aspects of ufology, often exposing alleged hoaxes and misconduct while also documenting significant cases.

Onward and Upward with the Cash-Landrum UFO Case

The lead article delves into the Cash-Landrum UFO incident, a 1960 event involving a large diamond-shaped object and U.S. military helicopters, which resulted in severe injuries to three witnesses. John Schuessler of MUFON is highlighted as the principal investigator, having compiled extensive news clippings and authored a book on the subject. The article quotes ufologist Bob Pratt's foreword to Schuessler's book, emphasizing the importance of the Cash-Landrum case and criticizing the infighting among UFO researchers over other topics like Roswell and MJ-12, suggesting that more focus on significant cases could yield greater understanding of the UFO mystery and potential government knowledge.

Pratt's quote laments that much UFO research energy has been wasted on disputes, overlooking a case with potentially significant implications. He also notes that the government likely knows what happened but has remained silent. The article also mentions Schuessler's prologue, which posits the UFO as an "intruder" and suggests government officials only intervene when exposure is a threat.

Military Involvement and Cover-Up Allegations

The magazine expresses skepticism about UFOs being solely U.S. experimental crafts, suggesting the Cash-Landrum object was not American and that the government's cover-up was successful. A key piece of evidence presented is an account from a military informant named "Tony," a helicopter pilot at Fort Hood in the late 1980s. Tony describes being on a "special alert" to "cover" an "unusual aircraft," a "biggest diamond" object. He recounts how helicopters attempted to force the object down, which then "glowed" and became stationary. The mission was aborted, and personnel were reassigned. Tony was told the object was an "experimental aircraft" that had "gone astray" and experienced "problems," with strict orders to prevent civilian proximity.

The Roswell Incident and the UFO Museum

The issue touches upon the 2011 Annual Ufological Orgy in Roswell, New Mexico. Julie Shuster, director of the International UFO Museum and Research Center, is mentioned. The article notes Shuster's past conflicts with the city regarding the festival's management and her request for Saucer Smear to stop sending the publication to the museum, which was declined. The magazine expresses doubt about the authenticity of Walter Haut's "Deathbed Confession" regarding alien bodies, suggesting it may have been for the benefit of his daughter and the museum. Glenn Dennis, another co-founder, is mentioned for his ET body claims, which are described as disproven.

The Roswell Incident itself is noted as having been barely recognized initially, with only brief mentions in early books, contrasting with its current prominence due to research by figures like Stanton Friedman and William Moore. The article also mentions Frank Kimbler, a geology teacher who claims to have found evidence of an "aluminum compound that was not created on earth" at an alleged Roswell landing site. The presence of aging actor Roy Thinnes, known for the sci-fi show "The Intruders," at the festival is also noted.

UFOLOGICAL MISCONDUCT and Criticisms

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to "MORE UFOLOGICAL MISCONDUCT." It discusses Paul Kimball's observations on the internet regarding a UFO researcher accused of faking academic credentials. The article agrees with Kimball that such issues are often "much ado about nothing" and a "sideshow" that distracts from the core enigma, though it deliberately fails to name the accused researcher.

However, the text later identifies Philip Imbrogno as the subject, who allegedly claims a Ph.D. from MIT that does not exist. Imbrogno co-authored a book with Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Bob Pratt about "Night Siege," concerning sightings of triangular objects over the Hudson River Valley. The magazine questions whether these were real UFOs or pilots in formation.

Further criticism is leveled at Jesse Marcel Sr., a key Roswell witness. His military records, allegedly obtained by Robert Todd, reportedly showed he lied or exaggerated aspects of his education and military accomplishments. While Kevin Randle is mentioned as wrestling with this issue and attributing some of Marcel's statements to inaccurate military records, the magazine suggests Marcel's claims about the Roswell debris are among the few pro-ET pieces of evidence that haven't been discredited.

Other Cases and Publications

The issue briefly mentions a "SWEDISH BOOZE HUNTERS" story about a large circular object found on the ocean floor, possibly an underwater disc, between Sweden and Finland. The Ocean Explorer team declined to investigate due to cost and uncertainty.

Several books and publications are reviewed or mentioned: "Shades of Gray," "Whispers From Space," and "Shockingly Close to the Truth: Confessions of a Grave-Robbing Ufologist" by James W. Moseley and Karl T. Pflock.

Ray's X-Blog and Editor's Notes

Ray Palm's blog entry celebrates Jim Moseley's 80th birthday, describing him as a unique figure in ufology – a combination of believer, skeptic, and trickster. Moseley is noted for his continued use of a typewriter, scissors, and tape for his newsletter, eschewing the internet. Palm reflects on the complexity of the UFO mystery and the unlikelihood of seeing its solution within his lifetime.

Letters to the Editor include a contribution from Nick Redfern, who is writing a book on the Hunrath-Wilkinson affair and seeks information. Jerry Clark of CUFOS writes about the state of UFO publications and mourns the passing of Hilary Evans, a respected scholar in the field. Chris Roth revisits the Zamora sighting and the Cash-Landrum case, suggesting the latter might have been a secret government project gone awry. Roth also expresses interest in the Fish-Hill star map and approves of the term "UFBs" (Unidentified Floating Buildings). Tim Printy, editor of "SUNlite," discusses the downfall of Philip Imbrogno, detailing the exposure of his false MIT degree and military record.

Curtis Peebles, an aviation writer, criticizes Annie Jacobsen's book "Area 51: An Uncensored History of America's Top Secret Military Base," arguing that Area 51 was never "top secret." He also mentions research into a story called "Tomb Tapper" that bears similarities to the Roswell tale.

Miscellaneous Musings and Obituaries

Paris Flammonde is working on a book about the "great airship mystery of 1897-1898" and seeks information. Christopher Allen, a semi-skeptic, has decided to stop contributing due to age, ill health, and fading interest. The passing of Hilary Evans is also noted. The "UFO Newsclipping Service," a monthly compilation, is folding after a long run. The issue concludes with a mention of the Betty and Barney Hill UFO abduction case being commemorated with a highway plaque in New Hampshire.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Saucer Smear consistently displays a critical and often skeptical approach to ufology, while still acknowledging the importance of certain cases like Cash-Landrum and Roswell. The magazine actively seeks to expose what it deems as "ufological misconduct," including the fabrication of credentials and the exaggeration of claims by researchers. There's a strong emphasis on documented evidence and a distrust of unsubstantiated narratives. The editorial stance appears to favor a more grounded, investigative approach, questioning government secrecy and the internal disputes within the UFO community. The publication also highlights the longevity and dedication of its editor, Jim Moseley, who continues to produce the newsletter through traditional methods, reflecting a commitment to his own unique brand of ufological journalism.