Any chance anyone with the books could provide a quote of the “hairy man, seen carrying a red thing on his back” part of the book? The books aren’t really available here. Doesn’t seem legit to me but want to see his own words before coming to a firm conclusion. In particular, I’m interested to know, did the info come from Bill Martin, citing Harold Key some 40 years or more after the incident?

I’d have to say that for me a body on a slab is necessary to consider somebody “knowing”.  Photos, anecdotal evidence, thermals etc may be enough for belief. But a belief, however strongly held is not “knowing”. Knowing, to me includes a level of certainty that can only come with a body and its examination. If the gov’t or some part of it doesn’t have a body, then I don’t think it reasonable to expect anyone of any authority to stick their neck out further than the scientific community is willing to, and to actually acknowledge a BF.  Anything short of a body can be explained with the possibility of misidentification, guy in a suit etc. and could lead to massive embarrassment for the gov’t if shown to be such.    Of course, the opportunity to dismiss in that way probably suits the gov’t and its employees fine in the CYA or cover up scenarios you guys mentioned

He was having some very serious health issues, at this point I'm assuming the worst unfortunately.

^^^ I just bumped up a historical newspaper article on the Rock Ape from a later publishing date to a few minutes from now, so those not familiar with it can see about it.  Unfortunately, I don't have any info on Rockape.

Also, in Southeast Asia, a smaller form is referred to as a "Rock Ape" which is not to be confused with forum member Rockape. Anyone have info on Rockape? He has not been on this forum in over 2 years.