UFO Research Newsletter - 1978 03 04 - Vol 05 No 11

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO RESEARCH NEWSLETTER
Issue: V, No. 11
Date: March - April 1978
Publisher: UFO Research Associates (UFOR)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the UFO RESEARCH NEWSLETTER focuses on pilot incidents, animal reactions, and the main characteristics of UFO reports, particularly those from California. It includes detailed accounts of sightings, witness testimonies, and investigations into unexplained aerial phenomena.

Pilot Incident: Floyd P. Hallstrom, California

The lead story details an incident on January 1, 1978, involving pilot Floyd P. Hallstrom. While flying a Cessna 170A near Oxnard, California, Hallstrom observed a UFO. At approximately 1:07 p.m. over Santa Monica, at an altitude of 7,500 feet and a speed of 120 m.p.h., he described a "saucer shape or round object" about 30 feet in diameter. The object was characterized as a "complete half sphere on small land base" about three feet thick, with a dome estimated at 20 feet in diameter. The entire object was about 15 feet high and featured 16-20 oval-shaped windows, approximately 18" x 24", equally spaced around the base. The surface was described as "like nickel or highly polished steel or chrome." The UFO was observed for about one minute before disappearing over the Hollywood Hills.

Following the sighting, Hallstrom experienced a series of inexplicable incidents, including emotional upheavals, physiological reactions, insomnia, and disturbing dreams. His wife, Gwen, reported they were awakened by a strange noise and a humming sound. Hallstrom also reported seeing a light hovering over his house on three different mornings. Mrs. Idabel Epperson, a UFO investigator, noted a significant change in Hallstrom's demeanor, including head pressure and difficulty sleeping. Despite these effects, Hallstrom expressed a willingness to go with the aliens if they came, citing their superior intelligence. A tape recording made by Hallstrom on January 14 confirmed the profound emotional impact of the incident, comparing it to the loss of a dear friend.

Hallstrom, a highly experienced pilot with a 17.5-year career in the U.S. Navy, was deemed a credible witness by investigators like Dennis Leatart of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization and Lt. Col. Robert F. Bowker of MUFON. Leatart called it "the most outstanding and remarkable (case) of all," and Bowker stated Hallstrom "knows what he saw was real, physical and something not made on this earth."

Other California Sightings

On February 4, Mrs. Claire Semaza of Orange, California, reported being awakened by a humming sound and feeling "held down." She observed an "oval or cigar-shaped object" about 200-300 feet away, with a pinkish glow and a hot, clear red color. The object had two bright red lights at each end and smaller bluish-white lights strung horizontally. It emitted red light shafts downward and outwards. The Semaza family dog, Susie, exhibited extreme distress during the sighting. Later, Mrs. Pascl observed "pinkish-red patches like a patchwork quilt" in the sky, estimated to be 300 feet long by 50 feet high, believed to be a trace left by the UFO.

Animal Reactions Reported

Several reports detail animal reactions to UFOs. Greg Hughes in Fairview, Kentucky, observed an orange object that spooked his cows and horse. W.M. Hutchins in Pennock Point, Florida, reported a UFO that caused his room to be brightly illuminated. In Kirksville, Missouri, David Burden was followed by a UFO that appeared as "two cup-shaped objects, one on top of the other, with red lights." John Hickam reported a bright white object being chased by a military fighter plane north of Jackson, Illinois.

International and Other US Sightings

The newsletter also includes reports from other locations:

• New York: Mrs. Jane I. Sherman of Newfane reported her dogs barking and a "light rise over our woods" that hovered and moved erratically, estimating the UFO to be "about the size of a large passenger airliner."
• Ohio: Two workers at the General Motors' Lordstown truck plant observed a large saucer with a dome that glowed green and emitted red sparks.
• Wisconsin: Daniel J. Lynch, Jr., and others in Monroe observed a "thing that was about the size of a car" that caused static on walkie-talkies. Photographs were taken, showing multiple objects.
• Nebraska: Mrs. Janet Magnuson and her cousin observed a round, "brilliant dark red" UFO, described as "about as long as a football field," with oval windows emitting a deep red light.
• Kansas: Joyce Shaw observed a "flashlight going back and forth" and a disc-shaped UFO over a house.
• Montana: Lonnie Gordon saw an object "shaped like the dome-light on a police car" near Lavinia.
• California: Witnesses near Heralsdburg saw "three round things in the sky" that landed, flashed, and zoomed. One hovered overhead and was described as "50 feet long, and grey with a silver bottom."
• California: Kathleen Canterino spotted a pulsating UFO over Grossmont that seemed to be draining energy from lights, accompanied by humming noises and lou beeps.
• Hawaii: Witnesses in Pahoa observed a UFO emitting a "glaring light" that hovered over a fishing vessel.
• Florida: John Brus and his sons saw a cigar-shaped object with white lights that turned green.
• Canada: Robert Kovac in Cambridge observed a UFO with a dome and flashing red and white lights.
• Costa Rica: Three UFOs were observed over volcanoes, with two descending to about 100 meters above the ground.
• Uruguay: Santiago Laco Ozano reported a small UFO emitting a "powerful light beam," after which he fainted and discovered his hair had been burned.
• England: Chris Shuell observed "three large cigar-shaped objects" moving at high speed.
• France: Two witnesses observed a brilliant disc at approximately 250 meters altitude, which emitted a smaller object before disappearing.
• Italy: Witnesses observed a UFO over Lake Maggiore that "split in two parts, which joined again at once."
• Italy: Rocco Carullo and Michels Giovannelli saw a UFO in a field, followed by a humanoid figure over two meters tall wearing silver overalls.

Occupants, Physiological Effects Reported in 1977 Worldwide Sightings

This section summarizes various phenomena reported globally in 1977, including:

• UFOs causing physiological and electro-magnetic effects.
• A jet plane chasing a UFO.
• Objects diving upon plant buildings.
• UFOs being photographed.
• Mysterious craft hovering over volcanic craters.
• Objects lighting up rooms.
• Craft pacing cars.
• UFOs landing and causing animal reactions.
• Objects leaving behind physical evidence.
• Objects emitting sounds.
• Witnesses being frightened.
• UFOs that chased witnesses at high speeds.
• Objects splitting in two and rejoining.

Book Review: "Walton on Walton - A Significant Achievement"

The issue includes a review of Travis Walton's book, "The Walton Experience." The reviewer praises the book as a significant and riveting account of Walton's alleged abduction experience with six other woodcutters in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The review notes that Walton's account has become a classic case and that his book corrects inaccuracies in previous written accounts. It highlights the encounter that reduced the woodsmen to "mindless terror," the suspicions of police, and the author's own past struggles with drugs and legal issues. The review commends APRO's handling of the case and emphasizes that Walton, unlike his alleged abductors, is human, and that his claim is substantiated by evidence including hypnosis and polygraph tests.

Other News

The newsletter also notes the death of George Van Tassel, a prominent figure in the "contactee" movement of the 1950s, known for his Giant Rock Airport and his pursuit of an "integratron" machine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently presents UFO sightings as credible phenomena, often emphasizing witness testimony and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of UFO reports, giving credence to accounts that might otherwise be dismissed. Recurring themes include the physical characteristics of UFOs, their unusual flight capabilities, the physiological and psychological effects on witnesses, and the involvement of animals. The publication aims to inform the public about UFO activity and the ongoing efforts to understand these events, often highlighting the bravery and honesty of witnesses despite potential ridicule or disbelief. The inclusion of detailed case studies, investigator reports, and witness accounts underscores a commitment to thoroughness and a belief in the significance of the subject matter.