This Week in USBP History

This Week in USBP History, 01/30-02/05

1/30/2022

Good morning,
Enjoy this week’s update. As a reminder, this email is full of links to follow and explore. The majority of the links lead to HonorFirst pages or the historical source documents. My signature block has additional links that I think you may find interesting.

Have a great week!

Esprit de Corps - (source page here)
The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.

Organizational pride is the positive feeling experienced by employees from being part of a meaningful team that is rich in history, tradition and culture.
Employee morale is the feeling experienced by employees based in part on their perception of being valued by the organization, fairly compensated and performing meaningful work.

Esprit de corps is reinforced through the shared goals, mission and values of the organization and its employees.
The definition turns Esprit de Corps into a simple formula and defines parts that comprise organizational pride and employee morale.
Esprit de Corps = Organizational Pride + Employee Morale
Esprit de Corps is the key to a healthy organization and engaged employees.
Honor First is foundational to the Border Patrol's organizational pride and integral to its Esprit de Corps.

USBP History
1918

This document, written on February 5, 1918, by Father and future Chief of the Border Patrol, Frank Berkshire provides a 10-page summary of the status of the border. He writes about the main areas from the Gulf of Mexico to California.

1926

This February 2, 1926, document contains a photograph of an early snowmobile that was in use in Newport, Vermont.

1929

On February 4, 1929, Assistant Superintendent Antonio Bonazzi of the Montreal District would write a memo that is full of interesting information.
- The district was HQ’s in Canada.
- As a reminder, with the passage of GO61 in 1926, an Assistant Superintendent was the highest-ranking uniformed position in the Border Patrol. See the insignia here.
- The first person rated in the document is Willard Kelly who would be Chief of the Border Patrol 1933-1943. Kelly would become the first Chief to have first been a Border Patrol Inspector. Here is his June 21, 1924, Oath of Office.
- As a clear demonstration of Immigration Service hierarchy, an employee would be promoted from a Border Patrol Inspector to an Immigrant Inspector.

1939

On January 31, 1939, in response to a request from the Central Office (HQ) to send an inventory of all badges and cap insignia, two districts completed their reports; the Seattle District and the St. Paul District. The San Antonio District would complete their report on February 3rd.
- I find it very interesting to see that sub-districts (sectors) only contained 3 official positions: Chief Patrol Inspector (CPI), Senior Patrol Inspector (SPI) and Border Patrol Inspector (BPI). Only one position between a CPI and a BPI. Fast-forward to today, how many positions are between a CPA and a BPA?

1941

This February 1, 1941, memorandum discusses constructing a new HQ building in El Paso, replacing Camp Chigas. The new El Paso HQ would be constructed in the mid-1950’s. However, with the change in the border with the Chamizal Treaty construction, that building is now located in Mexico.

Newton-Azrak Award Actions
(Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First)

An organization’s values are codified in its awards system. Recognizing the achievements, service and heroism of employees is important. It is critical for those in positions of leadership to value the workforce. Awards are a fundamental manner for leaders to demonstrate appreciation to the workforce for upholding the organizational values. – U.S. Border Patrol Honorary Awards

There are no known Newton-Azrak Award anniversaries for the week.

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This Week in USBP History, 01/23-01/29

1/23/2022

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Good morning,
Before the history updates I just want to send another reminder that I need help in populating the Upholding Honor First pages with the good works of the workforce, which includes you! Please take a moment to look at those pages. I would greatly appreciate receiving anything you can send to me to post. And please feel free to share the pages as you feel comfortable.

Thank you and have a great week!

From Honor First and Esprit De Corps - Esprit de Corps
The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.

- Organizational pride is the positive feeling experienced by employees from being part of a meaningful team that is rich in history, tradition and culture.
- Employee morale is the feeling experienced by employees based in part on their perception of being valued by the organization, fairly compensated and performing meaningful work.

USBP History
This week, I only have one document that has an anniversary. However, to save you from suffering from USBP history withdraws, let me offer you the following to read:

The Father of the Border Patrol – This well referenced article tells what I think is the best genesis story of the U.S. Border Patrol and how it was the idea of a single person, Frank W. Walton. Berkshire authored his proposals to create the USBP in his office in the Mills Building in El Paso giving credence to the slogan, “Where the Legend Began”. Running down a tangent…
- Where did the slogan originate - Leading up to the Border Patrol's 75th anniversary in 1998-1999, El Paso Sector was planning events and initiatives for the benchmark date. Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David B. Ham was assigned as the sector's lead. As part of the pending celebration, El Paso's Chief Patrol Agent tasked Chief Ham with creating a slogan for El Paso. Based on the common belief that El Paso was the location of the first sector and station, he coined the phrase, "Where the Legend Began". However, historical documents show that El Paso was neither the location of the first "sector" nor the first station. When funding (pg. 240) was received in 1924, all of the first USBP "sectors" and stations came into being simultaneously nationwide. Not to lessen the value of the City of El Paso in Border Patrol history, it is believed that Frank Berkshire authored his proposals to create the Border Patrol while in his office El Paso. Evidence suggests that the building in which his office was located is still standing, the Mills Building. Please see the letterhead in this document. Note - David Ham retired many years ago, is BCC’d on this email and is currently the President of the Board of Governors of the Border Patrol Museum, a non-profit organization (CFC #16083). Please consider visiting the Border Patrol Museum's Gift Shop. The Border Patrol Museum receives no federal funds and relies on donations and gift sales to remain open.
The U.S. Border Patrol’s Early Rank and Time-in-Service Insignia – This page gives a glimpse of the USBP’s early hierarchy after the implementation of General Order 61 in 1926. It also contains a GIF that has a series of 12 images. The images cycle every 5 seconds and show examples of the mentioned insignia (be patient).
How about I answer a question. If still standing, would the location of the original Border Patrol Academy in El Paso (Camp Chigas) now be located in Mexico?
- If still standing, the building housing the El Paso Sub-district 2 headquarters and station, and the first national training school (Camp Chigas) would be located in the United States by 10-20 feet. See this document for the research and location.
- However, there is a former U.S. Border Patrol building that is still standing that is located in Mexico. It is the Comisión Internacional de Límites y Aguas building. See this document for the research and location.

Now the sole document for this week…
1925

On January 27, 1925, Commissioner-General William W. Husband wrote a memo to Irving F. Wixon who was the Commissioner of the Montreal District. A few of items of interest:
- The Border Patrol is an incredibly proud organization. The quote below shows that that pride was instilled, in part, by the head of the agency,
  - “…our Border Patrol must not become subservient to any other service. We will work together but not underneath.”
- Evidently, $38K was requested to purchase and maintain vehicles. $88K was given. Further, the $1.0M budget for the USBP was approved a second year in a row, indication significant Congressional support.
- The Bureau of Immigration received funding from Public Law 68-153, an approved appropriations bill (page 240), on May 28, 1924. This document did not create the Border Patrol but funded the Bureau of Immigration to increase the "land-border patrol" functions of which were already being performed. The Bureau of Immigration used the funding to create the Immigration Border Patrol, a concept that had been introduced as early as 1914 as per this document. The Commissioner-General reinforces the sentiment in the following statement:
  - “The Bureau having succeeded in creating a permanent Border Patrol force…”

Newton-Azrak Award Actions
(Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First)

An organization’s values are codified in its awards system. Recognizing the achievements, service and heroism of employees is important. It is critical for those in positions of leadership to value the workforce. Awards are a fundamental manner for leaders to demonstrate appreciation to the workforce for upholding the organizational values. – U.S. Border Patrol Honorary Awards

No known Newton-Azrak Award anniversaries for the week.
However, I will highlight the action of Michael G. McManus (1937-2019). He was the first Border Patrol Agent to be a recipient of the Newton-Azrak Award in 1973. His date of action is unknown.
Michael G. McManus
Border Patrol Agent
Houlton Sector
Border Patrol Agent Michael G. McManus was recognized for his heroic and unselfish performance in rescuing a man from a burning building.
McManus had been called out in the early morning hours by the Calais Police Department to question a Canadian citizen. Upon leaving his house, he observed what appeared to be a prowler in the yard of his neighbor’s home. However, upon investigating, he discovered it was not a prowler, but a visitor in his neighbor’s home who had fled from the house, which was on fire.
McManus, without thought of himself, entered the flaming house in search of his neighbor, was driven back out into the air, and once again entered the house, remaining until he located the unconscious victim and brought him safely out of the burning building.
BPA McManus’ actions did not end with rescuing the man from the flaming house. Once outside, he then began resuscitation efforts and although exhausted from is efforts, continued his assistance by going to the hospital and helping the staff in removing the burnt clothing from the victim.

USBP Fallen
As of December 8, 2021, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 151* fallen.
Titles

3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
48 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
99 Border Patrol Agents have fallen since 1970
1 Enforcement Analysis Specialist

The names that appear below hold a place of honor. They have made the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to fulfill the oath each officer took to protect and defend the United States of America.

The facts regarding each officer are presented without major editing of the "language of the day" found in the reports detailing the circumstances of each event. This is done to provide the reader an association with historical timeframes.

Employees who died in the line of duty due to being exposed to deadly illnesses will not have the cause of death listed.

*With the exception of two of the fallen immediately below, all names are listed (or in the process of being included) on the official Honor Roll of U.S. Border Patrol fallen and inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The U.S. Border Patrol should fix these discrepancies. HonorFirst.com honors both of the fallen.

Joe R. White - He is recognized as officially fallen by the U.S. Border Patrol but his name is not inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial.
John Charles Gigax - His name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see link) but he is not recognized as officially fallen by the U.S. Border Patrol. His EOW was November 7, 1999.

Aurelio E. Valencia
Date of Birth: November 12, 1963
Entered on Duty: February 28, 1985
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: January 25, 1996
Details:
On January 25, 1996, Border Patrol Agent Aurelio E. Valencia was involved in a vehicle accident on California State Route 78, near Glamis, California. Permanently assigned to the Blythe Station, Agent Valencia was working backup for the Highway 78 checkpoint. As he attempted a U-turn to get behind and investigate a suspected smuggling vehicle parked south of the checkpoint, his Service vehicle was struck broadside by a southbound motorist. Agent Valencia died at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident.
Agent Valencia began his career with INS as a student aide at Tucson Sector Headquarters. He was promoted to Clerk two months later. After a short break in service, he entered on duty as an Immigration Detention Officer at Wilcox Station, Tucson Sector, on November 26, 1986. On June 13, 1988, he entered on duty as a Border Patrol Agent at Blythe Station, Yuma Sector, the position he was filling at the time of his death.

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This Week in USBP History, 01/16-01/22

1/16/2022

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Good morning,
I thought I’d start this week’s update by answering a question that was recently posed to me, “Why do you do this?” That question was in reference to helping Ray manage HonorFirst.com, moderate the Applicant's Forum and Agent’s Forum, regularly contacting some you active folks, and generally remaining very engaged with the U.S. Border Patrol. For example, it takes me about two hours to create these weekly updates (and I still don’t catch all of the typos). Here’s the answer <cue the patriotic music>…

The last three years of my career my motivation for doing the job, and pushing my chain of command was because I cared, in an Esprit de Corps sense, for the Patrol and the workforce (uniformed and non-uniformed). Interestingly, in a know thyself moment, I realized that I cared about the workforce more than the work. I cared more about those doing and who had did the job, than the job. That's what keeps me here. That's why I send emails to the active folks, author this email, take daily USBP phone calls/emails, etc... I care because I care about the U.S. Border Patrol and its current and former employees, just like you. I send emails to current leadership and take calls nearly everyday, in the belief that I may have just a smidgeon of influence to make the being part of the USBP better for the workforce (past and present). The value to me is intrinsic. I makes me feel good to do good for “them". It makes me feel good when I can right wrongs or merely offer assistance.

Before I retired I used to say, “I’m an unapologetic advocate for the workforce.” In retirement, I realize that I never shed that identity.

<patriotic music fades to silence>

Thank you for your patience. Now to the update!
Esprit de Corps
The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.

Organizational pride is the positive feeling experienced by employees from being part of a meaningful team that is rich in history, tradition and culture.
Employee morale is the feeling experienced by employees based in part on their perception of being valued by the organization, fairly compensated and performing meaningful work.

Esprit de corps is reinforced through the shared goals, mission and values of the organization and its employees.
The definition turns Esprit de Corps into a simple formula and defines parts that comprise organizational pride and employee morale.
Esprit de Corps = Organizational Pride + Employee Morale
Esprit de Corps is the key to a healthy organization and engaged employees. Honor First is foundational to the Border Patrol's organizational pride and integral to its Esprit de Corps.

USBP History
1929

On January 15, 1929, Assistant Commissioner-General (Deputy Commissioner today) and former “Chief” of the Border Patrol George Harris, wrote a memo to all border district heads concerning uniform wear for employees who were both Border Patrol Inspectors and mechanics. It is interesting to see the addressees separated by title, Commissioners of Immigration and District Directors. It should be noted that the concept of an employee possessing the dual appointment of Patrol Inspector and mechanic had occurred as early as 1925, even in acting compacities in 1928.
On January 21, 1929, the Second Supplement to General Order 4 was issued. It basically stated that district heads would not meet or accompany supervisors on inspection trips unless asked. This is interesting for a few reasons:
- When General Order 4 (which has not been found) was written in 1922, only one person in the Immigration Service is known to have held a title including the word “Supervisor”. That was Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire who was the Supervising Inspector of the southern border. Coincidentally, he retired from federal service in 1922 and the position of Supervising Inspector was discontinued. However, he would return to federal service and later become the third person to have been Chief of the Border Patrol in 1932 as the Director of the Canadian Border District.
- In 1929, the only position known to have “Supervisor” in its title was, Supervisor, Border Patrol (Chief of the Border Patrol).
- Therefore, this supplement appears to have been designed to allow the Chief of the Border Patrol to inspect the field without the interference of local leadership.

1930

This January 17, 1930 document clearly shows the total manpower, location and hierarchy of the Border Patrol. 32 sub-districts (sectors) with 875 employees of all titles (not just inspectors.)

1932

This January 21, 1932 document lists the immigration stations in the Montreal District covering modern day, Houlton, Swanton and Buffalo Sectors. It gives an interesting look at the simple rental spaces that were used as sub-district headquarters.

1939

On January 18, 1939, the Central Office (HQ) issued a memo to the field to inventory all badges and cap insignia for all positions. All of the field responses have been collected from the National Archive giving the most complete list of badges and cap insignia available for that time.

1956

On January 18, 1956, a memo was addressed to Chief of the Border Patrol Harlon Carter outlining the border fencing projects that were being planned. There were projects in all four southern border states.
- It should be noted that Harlon Carter was 8th Chief of the Border Patrol (1950-1957). Further, he was the first Chief to have graduated the Academy having EOD’d on May 16, 1936 and attended an unnumbered session.

Newton-Azrak Award Actions
(Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First)

An organization’s values are codified in its awards system. Recognizing the achievements, service and heroism of employees is important. It is critical for those in positions of leadership to value the workforce. Awards are a fundamental manner for leaders to demonstrate appreciation to the workforce for upholding the organizational values. – U.S. Border Patrol Honorary Awards

1996
Jefferson L. Barr
Senior Patrol Agent
Del Rio Sector
Posthumously Awarded
On January 19, agents out of Eagle Pass Station in the Del Rio Sector seized 246 pounds of marijuana at the Rio Grande River at approximately 8:30 p.m.  Four subjects escaped by swimming across the river back to Mexico to avoid capture.

At approximately 10:30 p.m., Senior Patrol Agent Jefferson L. Barr and his partner, Border Patrol Agent Ned Thomas, responded to electronic sensor activity at a location in the same area of the earlier seizure, 2 ½ miles down river from the Eagle Pass Port-of-Entry.  The two agents took up positions on a trail leading away from the sensor activations to await possible alien foot traffic.  When Agents Barr and Thomas challenged four individuals carrying bundles of suspected narcotics, the subjects dropped their loads and three of them attempted to flee toward the river.  Agent Thomas grappled with one of the three as the fourth subject simultaneously responded with gunfire at Agent Barr.  The suspect expended all eight rounds from a .22 caliber revolver, striking Agent Barr once in the left shoulder area.  The path of the projectile that struck him was such that the wound was fatal instantly.  Agent Barr fired all six rounds from his .357 magnum Service revolver during the gunfight, striking the suspect once.  The round struck the suspect’s left wrist, shattering his wristwatch, and entered his abdominal cavity.  The suspect was able to walk the river and cross back into Mexico.  Another 201 pounds of marijuana were also seized during this incident.

2008
Luis A. Aguilar - photo
Senior Patrol Agent
Yuma Sector
Posthumously Awarded
Senior Patrol Agent Luis A. Aguilar was honored posthumously for his selfless courage, which resulted in saving the life of a fellow agent. On January 19, 2008, while performing anti-smuggling duties in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area as part of the Yuma Station IMPACT Team, Agents Luis Aguilar and German Burgoin coordinated efforts to apprehend two vehicles suspected of being loaded with marijuana that illegally crossed from Mexico into the U.S. The agents were deploying a Controlled Tire Deflation Device in the path of one of the vehicles when the driver accelerated and drove towards them. Agent Aguilar yelled for Agent Burgoin to get out of the area as he attempted to run to a safe location behind some barriers. Agent Burgoin was able to get to safety, but the suspected smuggler intentionally struck Agent Aguilar who died as a result of his injuries. Agent Aguilar made the ultimate sacrifice in saving the life of his fellow agent.

USBP Fallen
As of December 8, 2021, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 151* fallen.
Titles

3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
48 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
99 Border Patrol Agents have fallen since 1970
1 Enforcement Analysis Specialist

Joe R. White - He is recognized as officially fallen by the U.S. Border Patrol but his name is not inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial.
John Charles Gigax - His name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see link) but he is not recognized as officially fallen by the U.S. Border Patrol. His EOW was November 7, 1999.

1940
William L. Sills
Date of Birth: August 21, 1909
Entered on Duty: May 16, 1936
Title: Patrol Inspector
End of Watch: January 17, 1940
Details:
Patrol Inspector William L. Sills was killed on January 17, 1940, while on night patrol duty at a crossing on the Rio Grande River in the vicinity of La Grulla, Texas. On the date mentioned, three Patrol Inspectors, William L. Sills, Albin Ulrickson, and Leslie H. Buchanan, encountered three smugglers transporting contraband.

Two of them were taken into custody, and Patrol Inspector Sills, in attempting to cut off the escape of the third smuggler, was shot at close range and fatally wounded. Before falling, Inspector Sills returned the smuggler's fire and killed him. The smuggler, a Mexican alien, had previously been deported from the United States.

Patrol Inspector Sills died in an ambulance enroute to the hospital at McAllen, Texas, where he was stationed. The two smugglers who were apprehended were arraigned on smuggling charges and for complicity in the killing.

1996
Jefferson L. Barr
Date of Birth: November 16, 1962
Entered on Duty: January 19, 1988
Title: Senior Patrol Agent
End of Watch: January 19, 1996

Details:
On January 19, 1996, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Senior Patrol Agent Jefferson Barr and his partner, Border Patrol Agent Ned Thomas responded to electronic sensor activity at a location on the Rio Grande River 2 1/2 miles downriver from the Eagle Pass Port-of-Entry. The two agents took up positions on a trail leading away from the sensor activations to await possible alien foot traffic.

When Agents Barr and Thomas challenged four individuals carrying bundles of suspected narcotics, the subjects dropped their loads and three of them attempted to flee toward the river. Agent Thomas grappled with one of the three as the fourth subject, simultaneously, responded with gunfire at Agent Barr. The suspect expended all eight rounds from a .22 caliber revolver, striking Agent Barr once in the left shoulder area. The path of the projectile that struck Agent Barr was such that the wound was fatal instantly. Agent Barr fired all six rounds from his .357 magnum Service revolver during the gunfight, striking the suspect once. The suspect was able to walk to the river and cross back into Mexico. He was found shortly thereafter, suffering from his wounds, taken for medical treatment and subsequently taken into custody by Mexican authorities.

1999
Rene B. Garza
Date of Birth: February 11, 1947
Entered on Duty: March 30, 1975
Title: Senior Patrol Agent
End of Watch: January 20, 1999

Details:
On January 20, 1999, Senior Patrol Agent Rene B. Garza was conducting surveillance on horseback in Skeleton Canyon, located in the “bootheel” of New Mexico, about 75 miles southwest of Lordsburg. He suffered cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead. According to other Border Patrol Agents, the severity of the illness and the geographical isolation were contributing factors in Agent Garza’s death.

Agent Garza was born in south Texas and was a graduate of the Border Patrol’s 107th Academy Class. He had spent his entire Border Patrol career at the Lordsburg Station.

2002
Eloy Hernandez
Date of Birth: June 14, 1972
Entered on Duty: March 9, 1998
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: January 17, 2002

Details:
On Thursday, January 17, 2002, at 12:08 a.m., Border Patrol Agent Eloy Hernandez was killed in an automobile accident while on patrol near Progesso, Texas. He was rounding a curve on a gravel road when his vehicle rolled over twice. A fellow Border Patrol Agent located the wreck. Agent Hernandez was airlifted to Valley Baptist Medical Center, Harlingen, Texas, where he was pronounced dead.

Agent Hernandez was a native of Mercedes, Texas. He was a graduate of the 367th session of the Border Patrol Academy at Glynco, Georgia, and was assigned to the Weslaco Station at the time of his death.

2008
Luis A. Aguilar
Date of Birth: November 26, 1976
Entered on Duty: July 21, 2002
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: January 19, 2008

Details:
Border Patrol Agent Luis A. Aguilar was killed in the line of duty on Saturday, January 19, 2008, after a suspected smuggler intentionally ran him over, while he was deploying a controlled tire deflation device in an attempt to stop the vehicle from escaping into Mexico.

Agent Aguilar was working with a plain-clothes unit (IMPACT) near the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, when he and his unit were notified of attempted drive-through vehicles. The IMPACT Unit stationed several agents in an attempt to intercept the vehicles as they made their way northbound. Agent Aguilar and another agent positioned themselves on the access road to deploy a controlled tire deflation device (CTDD). As the agents were stretching the CTDD across the roadway, the driver of the vehicle accelerated, driving directly toward the agents. One agent climbed the highway fence to the north, and was able to escape being struck by the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle immediately swerved to the left, directly at Agent Aguilar. At approximately 9:30 AM, the vehicle struck Agent Aguilar, continued across the campground and escaped into Mexico. Border Patrol Agent Luis A. Aguilar was pronounced dead about 20 minutes later.

The driver of the vehicle, Jesus Navarro-Montes, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

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This Week in USBP History, 01/09-01/15

1/9/2022

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Esprit de Corps
The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.

Organizational pride is the positive feeling experienced by employees from being part of a meaningful team that is rich in history, tradition and culture.
Employee morale is the feeling experienced by employees based in part on their perception of being valued by the organization, fairly compensated and performing meaningful work.

Esprit de corps is reinforced through the shared goals, mission and values of the organization and its employees.
The definition turns Esprit de Corps into a simple formula and defines parts that comprise organizational pride and employee morale.

Esprit de Corps = Organizational Pride + Employee Morale
Esprit de Corps is the key to a healthy organization and engaged employees.

Honor First is foundational to the Border Patrol's organizational pride and integral to its Esprit de Corps.

USBP History
1908

On January 15, 1908 an announcement for a Guard with the Immigration Service was issued. Those guards shouldn’t be confused with the Mounted Guards. The position of Guard would be long serving with the Immigration Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Detention Enforcement Officers, Immigration Enforcement Agents and modern ICE/ERO agents/officers could trace their lineage to the position.

1930

On January 13, 1930, the District Director of the El Paso District, Grover Wilmoth, wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning training the employees in his district which covers modern-day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sectors. The memo concentrated on Spanish instruction but also mentioned a law manual which could be carried by officers. This memo demonstrates the importance in training that the El Paso District placed on training. Within 5 years, the El Paso District would create a training school at Camp Chigas (click on the document to see its location), the location of the El Paso Sub-district HQ and the El Paso Station.
- See these early documents from the district:
  - 1930 Patrol Inspector handbook
  - Examples of early Spanish training here and here
- It should be noted, Grover Cleveland Willmoth was an employee of the Immigration Service/Immigration and Naturalization Service from January 20, 1908 until his death on January 21, 1951, 43 years! He became the District Director of the El Paso District in 1926. He was the El Paso District Director 1926-1951.
  - He was the supervisor of future Chiefs of the Border Patrol George Harris, John W. Nelson and N. Donald Collaer.
  - He submitted plans for border fences and provided opinions of immigration enforcement activities that were felt nationwide.
  - In the position, every decision and initiative originating from his district was influenced and approved by him, to include:
    - The Border Patrol motto - Honor First
    - The El Paso District training school sometime between 1930-1934
    - The National Border Patrol Academy in 1936
  - Grover Wilmoth is the one of the most, if not the most, influential person to the development of U.S. Border Patrol’s culture in the 1920’s and 1930’s.

1931

On January 10, 1931, in El Paso, Texas, Senior Patrol Inspector Ammon Tenney and Patrol Inspector Charles Askins engaged in a gunfight with smugglers where approximately 12 rounds were fired and no injuries reported. See this file for the cover memo and sworn statements describing the incident.

1941

On January 9, 1941, most likely in anticipation of changing from Department of Labor to Department of Justice badges, Lemuel B. Schofield (Assistant to the Attorney General) issued a memo stating that if the, “…loss of a badge or credentials occurred through carelessness or negligence, the Central Office will take such disciplinary action as the circumstances surrounding the loss may seem to warrant, but in no instance will the penalty be less than suspension from duty and pay for a period of two days…” Plus, the officer would be required to pay for the lost items.
- Since April 4, 1928, the badges, cap insignia and buttons for Patrol Inspectors were, “Oxidized silver for Patrol Inspectors and Senior Patrol Inspectors; gilt as at present, for Chief Patrol Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents.”
- Although they are known to have existed, there are no known examples of Department of Labor, gilt (gold) Patrol Inspector badges. My guess is that the tenants of Honor First prevailed, all old Department of Labor badges were turned in by the employees (none “lost” as keepsakes), the old badges destroyed by the Central Office.

1943

See the documents in the file to see the Organizational Chart and map of all the District 13 employees and work locations. District 13 was the St. Paul District and primarily included the modern-day Grand Forks Sector.

1954

In the early 1950’s, there was a significant initiative to construct fencing on the border with Mexico. This document from January 11, 1954, shows the specs of one of the proposals.

Newton-Azrak Award Actions
(Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First)

An organization’s values are codified in its awards system. Recognizing the achievements, service and heroism of employees is important. It is critical for those in positions of leadership to value the workforce. Awards are a fundamental manner for leaders to demonstrate appreciation to the workforce for upholding the organizational values. – U.S. Border Patrol Honorary Awards

There are no Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries for the week. However, I would like to take the opportunity to use myself as a positive example.
On January 13, 2000, I was involved in a harrowing, nighttime, swift water rescue of two people (a brother and a sister). For that action, I was recognized with a $100 cash award and declared Agent of the Month. Fair to say, that should be considered an under-recognition for any employee risking their life in such a circumstance. However, at the time, it was the best those supervisors could offer.
In 2018, the USBP Honorary Awards policy enabled the Patrol to correct past wrongs through two separate sections (see below). In an example of the USBP valuing its workforce and upholding Honor First, my action was recognized 19 years later with the USBP Commendation with a “V” device, the Patrol’s second highest award for heroism. This was and is possible because the USBP Honorary Awards policy allows the Border Patrol to take care of its employees by recognizing past actions:

Section 4.14 of the policy allows any current employee that has under-recognized or unrecognized acts of heroism to be nominated, approved and presented the appropriate Honorary Award using the modern criteria.
Section 5.3 of the policy allows any current employee that has received a significant past recognition to be nominated, approved and presented the appropriate Honorary Award using the modern criteria.

Clifford A. Gill – award set
Citation for extraordinary heroism
On January 13, 2000, while performing line watch duties near Laredo, TX, Agent Gill observed two subjects struggling to stay afloat in the Rio Grande River. At great personal risk, Agent Gill entered the river to rescue the individuals who were facing certain death. Upon reaching the victims, he kept them both above water by lifting them over his head while submerging himself. He remained underwater gaining footholds the river boom to propel them to the riverbank, only surfacing to take gasping breaths. Agent Gill's actions brought great credit to himself and the United States Border Patrol.
That was my story, how many others are there?

USBP Fallen
As of December 8, 2021, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 151* fallen.
Titles

3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
48 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
99 Border Patrol Agents have fallen since 1970
1 Enforcement Analysis Specialist

Joe R. White - He is recognized as officially fallen by the U.S. Border Patrol but his name is not inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial.
John Charles Gigax - His name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see link) but he is not recognized as officially fallen by the U.S. Border Patrol. His EOW was November 7, 1999.

No Line of Duty Death anniversaries for the week.

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This Week in USBP History, 01/02-01/08

1/2/2022

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All,

Happy New Year!

Repeating last week, Ray and I are always striving to make HonorFirst.com a better site for the thousands of people who visit it each month. Especially, for the USBP applicants and, current and former agents/inspectors. As an open and continuous favor/requests, will you take a little time to visit the HonorFirst Photo Galleries and the the pages under Upholding Honor First? If you have any photographs or pictures of USBP related awards, please send them to me (I could really use an old INS Outstanding rating certificate). I really want to grow these pages. Additionally, we really depend upon the active employees to keep the site current. Please let other active folks know that we’d love to post their photographs and awards here.

Finally, last week was the anniversary of the action for the most recent Newton-Azrak Award recipient, Agent Michael Linder. I only saw his award pop up on social media. For the active folks again, please let me know whenever a new Newton-Azrak Award recipient is recognized so I can keep the page up to date and highlight the incredible works of the Patrol’s employees!

Thank you!

Enjoy this week’s update!

USBP History
“Organizational pride is the positive feeling experienced by employees from being part of a meaningful team that is rich in history, tradition and culture.” Honor First and Esprit De Corps
1925

On January 3, 1925, Percy L. Prentis (the District Director of District #11, the Detroit District), forwarded an activity report of the Marine City Sub-district to the Commissioner-General. The report was written by Ruel Davenport who was the Patrol Inspector in Charge (PIIC) for the sub-district. A little over a year later, General Order 61 (GO61) would be implemented and Ruel Davenport and George Harris would become the first “Chiefs” of the Border Patrol. The Order would also change the name of “Patrol Inspector in Charge” to “Chief Patrol Inspector”. Sub-districts would be renamed sectors in the 1940’s.

1926

On January 4, 1926, PIIC Ruel Davenport submitted a Report of Activities for the Month of December 1925 for the Marine City Sub-district. Like the report from a year earlier, this offers an interesting glimpse into the early work conducted by the Border Patrol in the Detroit area.
On January 5, 1926, George T. Montegue, the PIIC of the Detroit Intelligence Division submitted an activity report to District Director Prentis. This is the earliest Border Patrol intel unit of which I am aware.
- This 1925 document is the earliest document of the “so-called Intelligence Division” the Detroit District and in the Border Patrol.

1927

On January 5, 1927, Supervisor of the Border Patrol George Harris wrote to the Commissioner-General his recommendations for Border Patrol uniform fabric.
- The position “Supervisor of the Border Patrol” is synonymous with the modern position “Chief of the Border Patrol”. Later in 1927, Harris would be reassigned leaving only Davenport as the sole “Chief” until 1932 (see 1932 below).
On January 7, 1927, Harry R. Landis (the Commissioner of Immigration of District #1, the Montreal District) wrote a request to the Commissioner-General to rent approximately 20 horses from the U.S. Army so that Border Patrol Inspectors could use them to patrol the border in the winter months.
- It should be noted that the district was headquartered in Montreal, Canada. The district included the Houlton, Newport, Rouses Point and Massena Sub-districts.

1929

On January 2, 1929, William W. Tuttle (the Commissioner of Immigration for District #17, the New Orleans District), wrote a 10-page paper concerning the activities of the Border Patrol Inspectors under his supervision. At the time, the district contained two sub-districts (sectors), New Orleans and Gulfport.

1932

On January 5, 1932, GO61 was superseded with two other General Orders which created two Border Districts, and the position of Supervisor of the Border Patrol was change to Director, Border Patrol. The two-border district approach was very short lived, beginning in 1932 and ending in 1933 when the General Orders below were superseded with General Order 203 which reinstated GO61 effective June 1, 1933.
- General Order 183 - Created the Director of the Border Patrol for the Mexican Border, Gulf and Florida immigration districts. The district was headquartered in El Paso and George Harris came back to be the "Chief" for a nonconsecutive term.
- General Order 184 - which created the Director of the Canadian Border District. The district was headquartered in Detroit and Frank Berkshire, the Father of the Border Patrol, became the third person to be "Chief" of the Border Patrol.

Newton-Azrak Award Actions
(Upholding Honor First)
An organization’s values are codified in its awards system. Recognizing the achievements, service and heroism of employees is important. It is critical for those in positions of leadership to value the workforce. Awards are a fundamental manner for leaders to demonstrate appreciation to the workforce for upholding the organizational values. – U.S. Border Patrol Honorary Awards
Agent Marquissee’s action (below) is an example of a heroic action being recognized many years after the act; an example of the Border Patrol correcting a past wrong. It is an example of the USBP valuing its workforce and upholding Honor First! This was and is possible because the USBP Honorary Awards policy allows the Border Patrol to take care of its employees by recognizing past actions:

Section 4.14 of the policy allows any current employee that has under-recognized or unrecognized acts of heroism to be nominated, approved and presented the appropriate Honorary Award using the modern criteria.
Section 5.3 of the policy allows any current employee that has received a significant past recognition to be nominated, approved and presented the appropriate Honorary Award using the modern criteria.

2020
John P. Marquissee - photo, award set, certificate
Border Patrol Agent
Westmore, VT
Past Event
On January 5, 2012 at approximately 4:00 PM, off-duty Border Patrol Agent John Marquissee saw a vehicle accident in which a car was overturned and partially submerged in Lake Willoughby near Westmore, VT. Knowing a person was in dire need of help, Agent Marquissee, beyond the call of duty while facing grave danger, entered the partially frozen lake. Once at the vehicle, Agent Marquissee saw that a female victim was trapped in the car. Agent Marquissee then broke out the rear window of the car and helped the victim escape the vehicle. Agent Marquissee took the victim to shore saving her life. Agent Marquissee’s actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol.

USBP Fallen
As of December 8, 2021, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 151* fallen.
Titles

3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
48 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
99 Border Patrol Agents have fallen since 1970
1 Enforcement Analysis Specialist

Joe R. White - He is recognized as officially fallen by the U.S. Border Patrol but his name is not inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial.
John Charles Gigax - His name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see link) but he is not recognized as officially fallen by the U.S. Border Patrol. His EOW was November 7, 1999.

1930
William D. McCalib
Date of Birth: December 20, 1895
Entered on Duty: December 4, 1928
Title: Patrol Inspector
End of Watch: January 7, 1930
Details:
On January 7, 1930, Patrol Inspector McCalib, together with Senior Patrol Inspector West, apprehended Pedro Rendon, at Alice, Texas. Rendon was suspected of being an alien unlawfully in the United States. Rendon claimed that the proprietor of a restaurant in Alice could vouch for him and, accordingly, the officers put Rendon in the back seat of the car and drove to the restaurant. Senior Patrol Inspector West entered the establishment to interview the proprietor while Inspector McCalib remained in the car with Rendon. During West's absence, Rendon drew a pistol and shot McCalib in the back of the head, killing him instantly. Rendon was subdued and taken into custody by Senior Patrol Inspector West. It was later discovered that Rendon, alias Jose Ramirez, was an escaped convict.
Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $69.75 per month for her and their child. Upon the death of his wife, his child received $38.75 per month.

1985
Manuel Salcido, Jr.
Date of Birth: April 25, 1950
Entered on Duty: March 12, 1984
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: January 2, 1985

Details:
On January 2, 1985, Agent Salcido was enroute to Del Rio Sector Headquarters and travelling in a seized 1975 Ford sedan. Agent Salcido's vehicle went out of control on an ice-glazed concrete bridge and was struck broadside on the driver's side by a southbound vehicle in the southbound lane. The other vehicle was a 1984 Suburban enroute to Eagle Pass, Texas. Agent Salcido was killed and the driver of the second vehicle was hospitalized with head and chest injuries. No other persons were involved in the accident.

1995
Jose A. Nava
Date of Birth: July 6, 1958
Entered on Duty: January 27, 1987
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: January 7, 1995

Details:
On January 6, 1995, Agent Jose A. Nava was on his way to conduct a train check. He was traveling on Farm Road 1572, 45 miles east of Del Rio, Texas. His Service vehicle struck a deer causing him to lose control. The vehicle overturned several times and Agent Nava was thrown from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:40 a.m. on January 7, 1995.
Jose Nava was born in Brownsville, Texas. He began his career with the Border Patrol in El Paso, Texas. On April 9, 1989, he transferred to the Del Rio Sector and was assigned to the Brackettville Station.

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Clifford Gill

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