Stanton Terry Friedman (1934-2019) was a nuclear physicist and professional ufologist known for his research and advocacy regarding the existence of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and the hypothesis of extraterrestrial visitation. He was one of the most prominent figures in the field of UFOlogy and played a significant role in popularizing the subject.
Friedman, born on July 29, 1934, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics. He initially worked as a nuclear physicist for several large corporations, including General Electric, Westinghouse, and McDonnell Douglas, where he worked on projects related to spacecraft and advanced nuclear systems.
In the late 1960s, Friedman left his full-time career to pursue the study of UFOs, a subject that had intrigued him for years. He became a leading advocate of the scientific investigation of UFOs and argued strongly against the skepticism and dismissal often associated with the topic in mainstream science and media.
One of Friedman’s most significant contributions to UFOlogy was his work on the Roswell UFO incident of 1947. He was among the first researchers to bring attention to the incident and conducted extensive research, including interviews with witnesses and document reviews. Friedman’s investigation played a crucial role in establishing the Roswell incident as a central event in UFO lore.
Friedman was known for his rigorous approach to UFO research, advocating for a scientifically grounded examination of UFO reports and evidence. He lectured at colleges and professional groups worldwide, wrote numerous articles and books, and appeared on television and radio programs discussing his research. His books, such as “Crash at Corona: The U.S. Military Retrieval and Cover-Up of a UFO” and “Top Secret/Majic,” delve into various aspects of UFO phenomena and alleged government cover-ups.