Photographer James Bond Johnson, who often referred to himself in interviews as “the original” in relation to the cinematic secret agent James Bond, mentioned in an interview with a Roswell researcher that General Ramey was the commander of the 20th Air Force at the time of the press conference. This statement puzzled the interviewer.
But how did Johnson arrive at this conclusion, which was initially not taken seriously?
The answer is quite simple: Roger Ramey was wearing a uniform bearing the emblem of the 20th Air Force during the press conference. For Johnson, this was a logical conclusion.
The proof lies in the very photos James Bond Johnson himself took during the press conference.
Original photos taken at the press conference:
- Major Jesse A. Marcel. Attribution to: “Courtesy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram Photograph Collection, Special Collections, The University of Texas at Arlington Library, Arlington, Texas.”
- Brig. Gen. Roger Ramey with the Memo and Colonel Thomas DuBose. Attribution to: “Courtesy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram Photograph Collection, Special Collections, The University of Texas at Arlington Library, Arlington, Texas.”
The logo itself exists in various versions, depending on the year and whether it was designed as a patch for a uniform or printed on paper.
Example of a patch
The fact that General Roger Ramey wore the 20th Air Force insignia during the press conference about the Roswell Incident in July 1947, despite being officially assigned to the 8th Air Force, can be attributed to several possible reasons.
Why did Ramey wear the 20th Air Force insignia?
1. Prior Connection to the 20th Air Force
- Ramey may have retained a personal or formal connection to the 20th Air Force, even though he served as the commander of the 8th Air Force in 1947.
- As a high-ranking general, he was likely involved in strategic planning that affected both the 20th and 8th Air Forces. The 20th Air Force played a pivotal role during World War II, particularly in the atomic bombings, and had close organizational ties to the 509th Bombardment Group, which later came under the 8th Air Force’s command.
2. Symbolism and Prestige
- The 20th Air Force was the flagship of the U.S. Air Forces in the 1940s, particularly due to its role in the atomic bomb missions. Wearing its insignia could have been a way for Ramey to honor the strategic importance and contributions of this unit.
- It was common for generals to wear insignia or symbols that reflected significant milestones or key achievements in their careers. Ramey might have deliberately displayed the 20th Air Force insignia to emphasize his pride in his earlier work with the unit.
3. Administrative Ties Between the 8th and 20th Air Forces
- The 509th Bombardment Group, stationed at Roswell Army Air Field, was part of the 20th Air Force during World War II’s atomic bomb missions. After the war, it was reassigned to the 8th Air Force.
- Even in 1947, there may have been administrative overlaps or responsibilities that highlighted Ramey’s earlier role with the 20th Air Force.
4. Personal Preference or Oversight
- Ramey’s choice of uniform may have been a matter of personal style. He might have preferred the 20th Air Force insignia out of habit or as a nod to his connection with the unit that played such a central role in air force strategy.
- Alternatively, it could have been a simple oversight rather than a deliberate decision.
This detail is of interest to historians and UFO researchers alike, as it demonstrates how deeply intertwined command structures and symbolic representations were during that time.
The logo itself exists in various versions, depending on the year and whether it was designed as a patch for a uniform or printed on paper.
That Major Jesse Marcel wore the 8th Air Force insignia on his uniform during the famous press conference in Fort Worth, Texas, despite being stationed at the Roswell Army Air Field (RAAF), highlights the importance of hierarchical affiliation and the strong connection between the 509th Bombardment Group and the 8th Air Force.
Why Did Jesse Marcel Wear the 8th Air Force Insignia?
1. Organizational Affiliation
- The 509th Bombardment Group, stationed at the RAAF, was under the command of the 8th Air Force. This meant that all members of the 509th, including Jesse Marcel, were formally part of the 8th Air Force.
- Wearing the 8th Air Force insignia on his uniform was therefore accurate and adhered to military regulations, which required personnel to display their affiliation with the overarching command structure.
2. Symbolism of the 8th Air Force Insignia
- The 8th Air Force insignia was not just a marker of affiliation; it also symbolized the importance and authority of the unit. This could have been a deliberate choice to enhance the credibility of the press conference.
- Both Marcel and General Ramey wearing their respective command insignias was standard military practice to clearly signal their roles and responsibilities.
3. Historical Context of the 509th and 8th Air Force
- The 509th Bombardment Group was the only nuclear-capable unit in the United States at the time and was controlled by the 8th Air Force. This connection was of immense strategic importance, particularly in the context of the emerging Cold War.
Why Is This Significant?
- It underscores the close organizational link between the RAAF and the 8th Air Force.
- It highlights how military hierarchy and symbolism were leveraged to shape public perception, especially in a controversial case like the Roswell Incident.
- The fact that Marcel wore the 8th Air Force insignia could be seen as an attempt to emphasize the presence of the 8th Air Force as an “authority” and to present the incident as being fully under the control of higher command structures.