The Roswell Report: Case Closed

Fig. 23. "It was all sharp ...
like broken glass," a witness'
description of debris in the
rear of an ambulance at Walker
AFB. The debris described
was most probably the
remnants of the polyethylene
balloon, similar to the one
in this photo, recovered by
Balloon Branch personnel
following the mishap in May
1959.
(U.S. Air Force photo)
AFB that provided medical support of the balloon flight or the two "standby"
ambulances, that in May 1959, were routinely positioned adjacent to the
ramp behind the dispensary at Walker AFB. 218
Additional Security at the
Walker AFB Hospital
The witness described what appeared to be a heightened state of
security at the hospital when he allegedly took the injured airman there for
treatment. UFO theorists contend the heightened security at the hospital was
because alien remains were being autopsied. However, it appears that the
witness described the security measures taken by Walker AFB personnel due
to the unusual circumstances of the arrival of the balloon crew.
In 1959, Walker AFB was a part of the 47th Air Division of
Strategic Air Command (SAC). It was home of the 6th Bombardment Wing
(6th BW), equipped with the nuclear capable B-52 Stratofortress bomber
(the 509th BW was reassigned to Pease AFB, NH on July 1, 1958). 219 The
mission of the 6th BW, to strike the enemy with nuclear weapons anywhere
in the world at a moment's notice, demanded a heightened state of security
at all times. One of the methods instituted during this period to maintain the
high standards of security and effectiveness of SAC units, was unannounced
"surprise" visits of Headquarters SAC inspection teams. A favored method
of transportation for these surprise visits was a helicopter. When a SAC
inspection team landed at a base, often the first evaluation they made was
of the security response to their unannounced arrival. Failure of security
personnel to properly challenge unidentified visitors, regardless of their
method of arrival, was considered a serious breach of security.
When transported to Walker AFB for medical treatment, unexpected
and at an early hour, the balloon crew, not surprisingly, was met by armed
115