The Herb Schirmer Abduction

On December 3, 1967, Ashland, Nebraska police sergeant Herb Schirmer encountered a UFO while on routine patrol. Initially reporting only a sighting, he later recalled under hypnosis being taken aboard the craft. His case was notable for investigation by the University of Colorado’s Condon Committee.

The Officer

Herbert Schirmer:

• Police sergeant
• Ashland, Nebraska
• On night patrol
• December 3, 1967
• Experienced officer

The Patrol

That night:

• 2:30 AM
• Routine patrol
• Highway 6 intersection
• Saw red lights
• Assumed truck

The Approach

Schirmer drove closer:

• Lights rose up
• Metallic disc visible
• Legs underneath
• Object ascended
• Rapidly departed

The Initial Report

Schirmer reported:

• “A flying saucer”
• In his log
• Brief description
• Missing time noticed
• Only 10 minutes

The Missing Time

He realized:

• More time had passed
• Than seemed possible
• Could not account
• For 20 minutes
• Memory gap

Physical Effects

Afterward:

• Headache developed
• Red welt on neck
• Below ear
• Buzzing sound
• Weakness

Condon Committee

University of Colorado:

• Selected his case
• For investigation
• Hypnosis conducted
• Dr. Leo Sprinkle
• Memories recovered

The Hypnotic Recall

Under hypnosis:

• Schirmer remembered more
• Being taken aboard
• Communication with beings
• Tour of craft
• Mission explained

The Beings

He described:

• Approximately 5 feet tall
• Grey-white skin
• Catlike eyes
• Uniforms with emblem
• Telepathic communication

The Message

Beings allegedly told him:

• From nearby galaxy
• Observing Earth
• Drawing power from electrical lines
• Would contact humans again
• Not hostile

The Craft Interior

Schirmer described:

• Control room
• Map of universe
• Propulsion system
• Reversal of magnetic polarity
• Advanced technology

The Investigation

Condon Committee found:

• Schirmer credible
• Polygraph passed
• No mental illness
• Sincere belief
• Case unexplained

Later Life

Schirmer afterward:

• Left police force
• Continued speaking
• Maintained account
• Wrote about experience
• Lifelong impact

Significance

The Schirmer case is significant for:

• Police officer witness
• Official investigation
• Hypnotic regression details
• Condon Committee involvement
• Credibility assessment

Legacy

The Herb Schirmer abduction became an important case in the development of abduction research. The Condon Committee’s involvement, despite their generally skeptical conclusions, lent credibility to the serious investigation of such reports.