Timeline

On July 2, 1947, rancher William "Mac" Brazel discovered unusual debris scattered across a field near Corona, approximately 75 miles from Roswell. The material was described as lightweight, metallic, and seemingly indestructible. Brazel initially considered it debris from a plane crash but later reported the find to local authorities on July 6, 1947.

By July 7, 1947, military personnel from the Roswell Army Air Field (RAAF) were dispatched to recover the debris. Major Jesse Marcel, the intelligence officer at RAAF, was tasked with the investigation. On July 8, 1947, the RAAF issued a press release claiming the recovery of a "flying disc," which was swiftly retracted the next day, stating it was a weather balloon from Project Mogul—a top-secret endeavor to detect Soviet nuclear tests.

Witnesses

• William "Mac" Brazel: The rancher who discovered the debris and reported it to authorities.
• Major Jesse Marcel: The military officer who led the recovery and later expressed doubts about the weather balloon explanation.
• Glenn Dennis: A local mortician who claimed to have seen alien bodies at the Roswell base.
• Walter Haut: The public information officer who issued and retracted the "flying disc" press release.

Details & Theories

The Roswell Incident has fueled countless theories about extraterrestrial life and government cover-ups. While the official explanation cites a weather balloon, many believe the debris was from an alien spacecraft. Witness testimonies, especially from Marcel and Dennis, suggest a more sinister truth. Over the decades, the incident has become emblematic of UFO lore, sparking numerous books, documentaries, and ongoing debates.

Media & Data Sources

• Books: "The Roswell Incident" by Charles Berlitz and William L. Moore
• Documentaries: "Roswell: The UFO Uncover-Up" (Netflix)
• Witness Testimonies: Interviews with Jesse Marcel and Glenn Dennis from the 1970s onwards
• Military Reports: U.S. Air Force's "The Roswell Report" (1994)