UFO Newsclipping Service - 1981 10 - no 147

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, Number 147, dated October 1981, compiles a variety of reports and articles related to UFO sightings, alien encounters, and abduction experiences from across the United States. The publication features a mix of journalistic accounts, personal testimonies, and expert opinions, aiming to document and explore the phenomena.

Key Articles and Reports

Scientist's Claims of UFO Sightings

The lead article, "Scientist says he's seen UFOs 158 times," by Lou Jakovac, features Harley Rutledge, chairman of Southeast Missouri State University's physics department. Rutledge, who has researched UFOs for eight years, claims to have personally sighted UFOs 158 times. He initially feared ridicule but has since published a book titled "Project Identification." Rutledge emphasizes that his belief is based on fact, not faith, and distinguishes between UFOs that violate natural laws and those that are unusual. He recounts an incident in 1973 in Piedmont, Mo., where he witnessed flying objects and experienced phenomena like jammed TV sets and stalled cars. Rutledge categorizes sightings and notes that 28 of his own reports are classified as "incredible." He describes objects moving at incredible speeds and changing colors, and recounts a personal sighting of a gray, bullet-shaped craft that turned olive green and vanished.

Family Sees Flying Object

"Family sees flying object," by Cynthia Swirko, details an encounter by Al and Sandy Rogers near Newburn Road in Suwannee County, Florida. On a cloudy night, they witnessed a large object, approximately 60 feet long, hovering about 30 feet above their home, emitting tractor-like noises and displaying red lights at both ends. Al Rogers pursued the object in his truck. The report notes that similar sightings of red disks have occurred in the area for years, with residents often being dismissed by authorities when reporting them.

Strange Lights Observed

An article titled "Strange lights observed" from the Daily Chronicle, Centralia, WA, reports on sightings near Rochester, Washington. Mary Ann Bamber described seeing an oval object flashing red, blue, white, and possibly green lights, along with seven smaller lights. One large object moved rapidly across the horizon. The lights were still visible the following morning.

Martian Speculation

The "Martians?" section from the Commercial-Review, Portland, IN, notes reports of strange objects and lights seen in the sky. A Jay County policeman reported seeing an object hover over his car, described as having green and red lights and a white landing light, stopping dead in the air without noise. Grissom Air Force Base also reportedly tracked unidentified objects on radar.

UFOs Seen in Area

"UFO is seen in area" by Charles Gordon, from the Enterprise Journal, McComb, MS, recounts a sighting by Jennifer Gatlin Lindsey and her children near Centreville, Mississippi. They observed an object with bright lights moving from north to south, then returning and hovering low over their house. The object was described as arrowhead-shaped with a metallic, non-glowing surface, accompanied by a separate red light. The sighting was corroborated by Karen Yarborough.

Lightning Marks Mystery

"From UFO to lightning, marks remain a mystery" by Richard W. Jaeger, from the Herald, Albany, WI, discusses markings found in a field near Blanchardville, Wisconsin. Farmer Robert Johnson discovered a small, triangular patch of dead alfalfa. Iowa County Sheriff Arnold Fritsch suggested lightning as the cause, but Ronald Johnson, director of the Lafayette County Office of Emergency Government, disagreed, speculating about UFOs or chemical spills. Samples were sent for examination.

Wabash Woman Reports UFO Sighting

"Wabash Woman Reports UFO Sighting" by The Associated Press, from the News-Examiner, Connersville, IN, details Brenda Purdy's report of an object shaped like a football, bordered with red, green, and blue lights, sighted near Rich Valley, Indiana. Frankfort Police Chief Paul Underwood also reported seeing a similar object that did not behave like a hot air balloon.

UFOs Reported in Noblesville

Reports of unidentified flying objects in Noblesville and Hamilton County, Indiana, are still being received, according to the Hamilton County Department. A recent report described an object with revolving red, green, and white lights that appeared stationary. Another report from Westfield described a "square-like object, whitish in appearance with red and green lights shining upward."

A Close Encounter At College Park?

"A Close Encounter At College Park?" by Gail Pastula, from the Prince Georges Journal, MD, describes a sighting by three teenagers in College Park, Maryland. They observed a cigar-shaped object with blue lights in front, white lights in the center, and a red flame trailing out the back, hovering for two hours. The object reportedly emitted a "whitish-yellow glow" and made erratic movements. State Police reported no unusual aircraft in the area.

Book Documents Cases of Alien 'Abductions'

"Book documents cases of alien 'abductions'" by Hal McKenzie, from News World, NY, reviews Budd Hopkins' book "Missing Time." The book focuses on "abductees" who report losing time, being taken into spacecraft, and examined by alien beings. Hopkins, an artist and UFO investigator, details consistent patterns in these experiences, including descriptions of the abductors and the examination process. The article also touches on experiments suggesting that similar experiences could be induced through suggestion, a claim Hopkins refutes by pointing to the emotional intensity and physical evidence (scars) reported by genuine abductees.

Hypnotist Bares Eerie Encounters

"Hypnotized subjects display terror at memory of abduction" by Hal McKenzie, from News World, NY, features an interview with Dr. Aphrodite Clamar, a psychotherapist who uses hypnosis in her practice. Dr. Clamar discusses her involvement in investigating UFO abduction cases with Budd Hopkins, detailing the consistent patterns and intense fear experienced by subjects under hypnosis. She acknowledges the possibility of suggestion but emphasizes the reality of the experience for the individuals involved.

Queens Family Shaken by UFO

"Queens family shaken by UFO" from News World, NY, reports on a sighting in Corona, Queens, New York, where witnesses saw a bell-shaped UFO with flashing lights. A green ray allegedly shone on a teenage girl, causing her to feel like she was being "taken." The object was described as moving erratically and was reportedly scared off by a military jet.

Lampasas Man Describes UFO

"Lampasas Man Describes UFO" from the Daily Herald, Killeen, TX, features a witness who described a silver, oval-shaped object moving slowly in the sky, unlike any conventional aircraft. The object was soundless and appeared to be more than a mile high.

Researcher Looks to the Stars

"Researcher looks to the stars" by Delle Morgan, from Waller Co. News-Citizen, Hempstead, TX, profiles Barron Kemp, an "Astro-Anthropologist." Kemp theorizes about life on Mars based on NASA photographs and discusses his work on a "sawcrete" building block and a solar chimney. He also explores the possibility of advanced civilizations in space.

People: Miss. man is on a mission from outer space

"People: Miss. man is on a mission from outer space" compiled by J.E. Bourgoyne, from Times-Picayune/States-Item, New Orleans, LA, revisits the 1973 Pascagoula UFO incident involving Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker. Hickson claims to have been contacted mentally by aliens and believes they are peace-seeking creatures. He has written a book, "The Pascagoula UFO," and plans to lecture and appear on national television.

Wright Explores 'Saucer' Theory

"Wright Explores 'Saucer' Theory" by Chris Jones, from Enterprise, Westfield, IN, discusses Steve Wright's science fair project exploring the theoretical possibility of constructing a "saucer" using magnetic principles, suggesting that highly technological nations could build such vehicles.

New Hampshire Town Beginning To Tell Its Story of UFOs

"New Hampshire Town Beginning To Tell Its Story of UFOs" by William Cockerham, from Courant, Hartford, CT, highlights Bob Giglio's efforts to document UFO sightings in Hillsboro, New Hampshire. Residents have reported seeing brilliant yellow balls of light, described as hovering, flying with bird-like agility, or moving at lightning speeds. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, founder of the Center for UFO Studies, acknowledges the area has a high share of reports. The article also mentions Willard Campbell, a part-time police chief, and Jim Gaskill, who reported seeing a football-shaped object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged alien abductions, and the scientific or investigative approaches to these phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on eyewitness accounts, with many articles detailing personal experiences and observations. The publication also highlights the challenges faced by researchers and witnesses, including skepticism from the public and authorities, and the difficulty in obtaining official investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these accounts and exploring the possibilities, rather than outright dismissal, though some articles present skeptical viewpoints or scientific counter-arguments. The use of hypnosis as a tool for uncovering repressed memories of abductions is a significant focus, as is the debate over the validity of such recovered experiences.

This issue of the VINDICATOR, dated September 16, 1981, features a prominent cover story detailing a UFO sighting and its alleged consequences. The main headline announces, 'The UFO Sound Was 'Horrible' Dayton Lady To Appear On TV,' highlighting the experience of Vickie Landrum.

The Dayton UFO Incident

The lead article, by Rebecca Goodballet-Hamilton, recounts the extraordinary story of Vickie Landrum, a 57-year-old woman from Dayton, Texas. On the night of December 29, 1980, at approximately 9:15 p.m., Landrum, her 7-year-old grandson Colby, and a friend, Betty Cash, were driving home on FM 1485 when they noticed a diamond-shaped object in the sky. Mrs. Cash, who was driving, stopped the car as the object hovered over the trees about 130 feet in front of them.

Landrum described the object as dull gray with flames emanating from its bottom, emitting a 'horrible' sound like an intensified flame-thrower. The object hovered for about 12 to 15 minutes before moving away. During the encounter, Landrum was outside the car for only a few minutes, while Cash remained outside for six to eight minutes. Cash's car door handle became so hot that she had to use her jacket to hold it, and Landrum noted that her handprints were still visible on the dashboard.

As the UFO moved away, they observed between 20 and 23 helicopters following it, some with two sets of blades. They continued to see the object and helicopters until they reached Highway 146 and even into Dayton. Initially, they decided not to report the incident due to fear of public reaction, but Landrum eventually told her husband three days later when Mrs. Cash had to be hospitalized.

Health Consequences and Media Attention

Following the encounter, all three individuals became violently ill with stomach cramps and diarrhea. Mrs. Cash was hospitalized in Houston for five weeks, experiencing lumps on her neck and head, and blisters on her body. Doctors were unable to diagnose her condition, but two suggested it might be a form of radiation poisoning. Mrs. Cash began losing her hair about 10 days after the incident and eventually lost all of it. She is now living in Alabama.

Landrum also began experiencing health issues, including hair loss in patches within six weeks, blisters on her body, and swollen eyes that she feared would split. She reported losing her side vision. Both she and Colby developed an aversion to heat and take baths in cold water. Colby also suffered hair loss and blisters on his face and had nightmares for three months.

Their story gained national attention, appearing in the 'National Enquirer' and being featured on the TV show 'That's Incredible.' Landrum stated that she was hypnotized for both interviews, believing that truthfulness should not fear hypnosis.

Investigation and Support

John Schuessler, a project manager for McDonnell-Douglas and a volunteer for the non-profit organization Vehicles Internal System Investigating Team (VISIT), has been assisting the Landrum family. Schuessler stated that numerous similar episodes occur globally and that the Landrum family's symptoms are consistent with radiation poisoning.

Landrum expressed her desire to find out what the object was and who is responsible for the incident, appealing for anyone with information to come forward. The family and Schuessler reenacted the experience for filming. Landrum emphasized that she does not believe the UFO was from another planet and seeks accountability for their medical bills.

Additional Reports and Context

The article also includes a report by William P. Barrett from the Houston Bureau of the TIMES HERALD, dated September 21, 1981, titled 'UFO report: Women, child say they saw ship, 23 helicopters.' This report corroborates the details of the Landrum incident, mentioning that local police chief Tony Warring vouches for Landrum's credibility and that records at Parkway Hospital document her reported symptoms. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, head of the Center for UFO Studies, called it 'one of the most significant cases.'

Barrett's report notes that John F. Schuessel, an engineer at McDonnell Douglas Corp. at NASA Johnson Space Center, is investigating the case, though his sleuthing is not affiliated with NASA. Schuessel believes the incident is significant due to the medical documentation and the close encounter aspect. He suggests two explanations: either the helicopters were chasing the UFO or flying with it, and he is preparing a paper for a UFO conference. Lawyers for the three women have filed FOIA requests for government reports on the incident. Military spokesmen from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as the Defense Department, stated they had no knowledge of the event. Maj. Tony Geishauser of Fort Hood confirmed no Army choppers were in the area. The Texas Department of Health's Bureau of Radiation Control is conducting an investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue primarily focuses on a specific UFO sighting and its alleged physical and media repercussions. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on the event and the ongoing investigation, presenting the witnesses' accounts and the supporting evidence or lack thereof. The inclusion of media coverage like the National Enquirer and 'That's Incredible' highlights the public interest in such phenomena. The article also touches upon the scientific investigation and the search for official explanations, while acknowledging the unusual nature of the reported symptoms and the witnesses' conviction.