What Lies Behind the Legend: Nixon, Gleason & the Alien Bodies

An anniversary: 50 years since an incredible disclosure or 40 years of a goofy legend?

In 1983 the story surfaced of the 1973 event, President Nixon showing Jackie Gleason alien bodies from a UFO crash.
This is my in-depth (long) analysis, from inception to modern repetition. It includes recognition of the few researchers who tried to find the truth, and the many hacks and charlatans who've kept the legend alive.

The Saucers That Time Forgot: The Legend of the President and the Alien Bodies

Now that is a robust source!

Very nice work, and really extensive.

This legend has been used and abused by the popular media... it's hard to say where we could turn for actual definitive accounts about Mr. Gleason's visit and what he was shown (or saw.)

This is a tough one to discuss because I'm never quite sure of all the information tacked on to the account of the visit.

It does go a long way to show however that even at the apex of the "UFOs? What are you some kook?" days, many people, even celebrities, still insisted on the subjects validity.

a reply to: CardDown

Often wondered about this myself. It would be easier to dismiss as a folksy legend if it weren't for the fact that the narrative fits both of the main characters persona explicitly (drinking golf-buddy celebrities sharing a bit of 'access').

One sticking point is the 'ease' by which the two were able to navigate what was already well-documented as a top security and top secrecy program - yet tricky Dickie and his chubby whisky-swilling chum managed it seemingly unchallenged.

Maybe.

A very thorough and interesting tale indeed.

It's really a flimsy story from Gleason's wife. Jackie may well have told her he'd seen a flying saucer in a hangar [or some variation on it]. She might well have believed it and relayed that story.

But then it just grew arms and lags. Not helped by Larry Warren, discoverer of Metallica, girlfriend of May Pang, roadie to Ringo Starr and while still a schoolkid was managing the Beach Boys. I think he's also claimed to have been with Bob Lazar and John Lear when they filmed UFOs in the desert too!!! Everything he talks about turns into a fairytale with him placed somewhere in that story.

In the crazy world of ufology, diehard believers in alien conspiracy theories are reluctant to let any such tales be explained away with a mundane answer. Often performing various mental gymnastics to keep the possibility alive.

In the wider world, though, the entertainment value often beats the truth. People just love a good story. It becomes the main driving force to keep retelling it. Often with embellishments. So no matter how little truth there is in this tale, this is a good story.