| Roswell Army Air Base was located 150 air miles from Sandia Base, south of Albuquerque, the lab where nuclear weapons were being developed and assembled. In July 1947, as the two key nuclear installations conducted joint operations, a startling event occurred halfway between them. |
By David Marks
The UFO Chronicles © All Rights Reserved 3-11-2026 |
Near the village of Corona, a rancher reported wreckage from a strange crashed aircraft. An intelligence team from Roswell assessed the site and collected debris, reporting back to the base Commander, Colonel William Blanchard. On July 8, 1947, with his consent, the press officer issued a news release:
The many rumors regarding the flying discs became a reality yesterday when the intelligence office of the 509th (atomic) Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force, Roswell Army Air Field, was fortunate enough to gain possession of a disc through the cooperation of one of the ranchers and the sheriff's office of Chaves County. The flying object landed on a ranch near Roswell sometime last week. Not having phone facilities, the rancher stored the disc until such time as he was able to contact the sheriff's office, who in turn notified Jesse A Marcel of the 509th Bomb Group Intelligence Office. Action was immediately taken and the disc was picked up at the rancher's home. It was inspected at the Roswell Army Air Field and subsequently loaned by Major Jesse Marcel to higher headquarters.
The Roswell Daily Record published the spectacular headline: RAAF Captures Flying Saucer On Ranch In Roswell Region. The coverage was picked up by the national and international press.© The UFO Chronicles. All rights reserved.














