Good morning!
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!

The U.S. Border Patrol's Values (Part 2)

In last week's blog we started exploring the Patrol's values. We focused on the USBP motto, Honor First, and its origins. The blog's intro finished with a recommendation: the Patrol would benefit by defining Honor First and providing concrete guidance to the foundational "watchword" of the organization. This, in turn, would inevitably help to improve organizational culture and solidify USBP values.

But what if I were to tell you that in 2018, the Patrol codified its values? They did! There are policy documents that clearly define the Patrol's values, including:

• USBP Honorary Awards and Recognitions Internal Operating Procedure (IOP)
• 2018 Honorary Award Narrative Guidance
• Updated Purple Cross Criteria
• Interim Wear Guidance for USBP Honorary Awards​

But it's not enough for an organization to have an awards system. Employees must actually receive recognition for upholding those stated values. The old saying holds true: "Actions and inactions speak louder than words." A person (and an organization) can be judged more accurately through their deeds than by their words.

The USBP Honorary Awards were designed to displace non-traditional awards (such as cash, time-off, pocket knives, etc.) as recognition items for lesser yet worthy achievements, service, and heroism. Further, the intent for the USBP Achievement Award was for the decoration to be given generously, to be presented to approximately 10% of the workforce per year, with the most common reason being for law enforcement actions. If it's happening, I just don't see it...

In September 2022, I wrote about meeting Chief of the Border Patrol Raul Ortiz in his office and speaking about his decision to reconsider award nominations that he had previously disapproved for the worthy past actions of 370 employees (This Week in USBP History, Vol. 52). I hadn't heard about any of those nominations being considered or being presented, and had been contemplating reaching out to Chief Ortiz about it. Well, last weekend I was in my local grocery store and ran into an off-duty active agent. During the course of our conversation, that agent told me that he was a member of the HQ awards panel and that they had been going through the list of the worthy actions of those 370 employees at a rate of 30-40 per month. Actions speak louder than words. That is an example of the workforce being valued.

As someone who speaks to agents of all ranks throughout the nation, follows all of the sectors on social media, and is always on the watch for anything that would impact the Patrol's organizational pride and employee morale, I can say that I neither hear nor see very many employees being recognized for their good deeds, nor do I see very many employees wearing their USBP Honorary Awards.  There is great room for improvement.

Here at HonorFirst.com we have several pages devoted to employees who have been recognized for upholding the Patrol's values, Upholding Honor First.  Explore them, I think you'll find them very interesting.  Also, if you have an award that you received for your USBP work, send it my way so I can post it!  Email it to [email protected].

Now, I would be remiss if I failed to mention that USBP Honorary Awards are for all USBP employees, not just agents.  Many of the Patrol's professional staff have been recipients of the awards, receiving identical award sets and certificate as their agent coworkers. The photograph below was taken at USBP HQ in Washington D.C. and is of a display of the USBP Honorary Award medal sets, certificates and the Newton-Azrak Award statuette.  Each of the metal sets includes a lapel device that was designed so that non-uniformed, professional staff would have the option of displaying their recognition on their clothing should they choose.

As the intern wear guidance was being drafted for agents to be able to display their awards in uniform, the proposal was submitted and approved to authorize the lapel device for wear on the rough duty uniform (Class C).  That would allow agents to display a recognition item on their uniform and provided a shared insignia between the uniformed and non-uniformed workforce.

1907

• On February 27, 1907, Mr. Black wrote a letter of complaint on Jeff Milton (1861-1947) to President Theodore Roosevelt.  The letter was sent to the Department of Labor where it was later sent to the National Archives.  The letter does not contain a specific complaint but generalizations that end with Mr. Black stating that Milton “…has no right to carry gun…”

1925

• Congress took notice of the unforeseen consequences of the lack of language concerning enforcement authority for the Border Patrol in the Immigration Act of 1924 and subsequent Labor Appropriation Act. Pennsylvania Senator David Reed (1880-1953), who co-sponsored the Immigration Act of 1924, drafted the Act of February 27, 1925, 43 Stat. 1049, to correct some of the problems from the original legislation, including those with Border Patrol authority. The approved Act gave the statutory authority needed and clarified that the Border Patrol could pursue and apprehend aliens at the border and beyond, conferring the power without warrant:
  1. To arrest any alien who in his presence or view is entering or attempting to enter the United States in violation of any law or regulation made pursuance ​of law regulating the admission of aliens;
  2. To board and search for aliens any vessel within the territorial waters of the United States, railway car, conveyance, or vehicle, in which he believes aliens are being brought into the United States; and
  3. ​Shall have the power to execute any warrant or other process issued by any officer under law regulating the admission, exclusion, or expulsion of aliens.
  • ​​From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco

1926

• This February 26, 1926 document from the San Antonio District, speaks against Border Patrol Inspectors carrying their firearms in a visible holster and recommends that they be carried concealed under a long coat.  This sentence really sums up the author’s opinion of law enforcement carrying their firearms in a visible holster – 
  • “In times past all officers dressed in frontier style with from one to three pistols in evidence, an in order that everyone might know that they were officers, and killers, a very short coat or jacket was worn”
  • On March 4, 1926, the Nogales Chamber of Commerce issued a resolution of appreciation to Customs Inspector Hugh Benton and Eugene Siddell (1889-1965) of the Immigration Service for “uniform courtesy on the International Line…”
    • Records show that “Eugene Siddell” was among the first Border Patrol hires in Noyes, Minnesota in 1924.  (See page 6 of this document)
    • 1926 Arizona newspaper clippings describe "Eugene Siddell" as an Immigrant Inspector who had been wounded in France during WWI.
    • It is uncertain if they are the same person.

1928

• On March 1, 1928, San Antonio District Director William A. Whalen (1881-1968) wrote a cover memo and forwarded, “Forty Suggestions to Guide and Assist New and Old Patrol Inspectors”.  Although some of the suggestions may be a bit dated, many of them still apply today.

1937

• On February 26, 1937, the El Paso District sent a memo to Chief of the Border Patrol Willard Kelly (1903-1969).  The memo informed Chief Kelly that Charles Askins, Jr.​ (1907-1999) had inspected, fired and adjusted the entire 900 Colt New Service revolvers (.38 caliber), and informed Kelly that they were ready to be distributed to the districts.  Askins recorded firing each pistol.  I only collected a few of the pages.

​1955

• ...the "Special Mobile Force Operation," ...at first composed of 206 officers and auxiliary personnel was activated March 3, 1955 under a special appropriation provided by Congress.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

1957

• On March 4, 1957, William “Bill” Carter wrote a letter to Paul Kester "Bing" Crosby (1910-1965).  Bill was a Border Patrol Inspector that had been on leave for nearly 5 years while serving in the U.S. Air Force.  Bill was asking Bing for assistance to restart his career in the USBP as his time in the USAF was coming to an end.  Bing wrote back (in the same attachment above) expressing sorrow that he couldn’t assist other than providing another a better contact.  The letter provides an interesting insight into the USBP and INS of the time:
  • By 1957, the INS had reorganized into 4 regions.
  • Border Patrol Inspectors maxed at GS-8’s with a base pay of $4,970.

1973

• On February 27, 1973, what became known as the Wounded Knee Uprising began on the Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota by supporters of the American Indian Movement.  The U.S. Marshals requested the support of the U.S. Border Patrol to supplement their ranks.  Twenty-five Border Patrol Agents were initially deployed and deputized as U.S. Marshals.  Over the period of the siege, 25 additional Patrol Agents would be deployed to Wounded Knee.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

2003

• On March 1, 2003, the U.S. Customs Service was renamed U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Border Patrol was absorbed into it.  See this document.
  • This would mark the third agency in which the U.S. Border Patrol had been part:
    • U.S. Immigration Service (1924-1933)
    • U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (1933-2003)
    • U.S Customs and Border Protection (2003-present)
  • It would also mark the third department in which the U.S. Border Patrol had been part:
    • Department of Labor (1924-1933)
    • Department of Justice (1940-2003)
    • Department of Homeland Security (2003-present)

1984

David Gutierrez
Border Patrol Agent
Tucson Sector
Border Patrol Agent David Gutierrez was recognized for his courage and heroism in saving an individual from a flaming auto crash on March 1, 1984.  The crash vehicle was engulfed in flames when BPA Gutierrez, without concern for his own life, pulled the driver from the car to safety.  Although the crash victim received second and third degree burns over 65 percent of his body, his life was saved thanks to Gutierrez’s quick action. 


1999

Michael F. McCarson
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
Del Rio Sector
On March 1, 1999, in the early morning hours, agents working the Comstock checkpoint witnessed a vehicle crash through a fence and go out of control after hitting a deer on the highway, causing the vehicle to overturn and burst into flames.  Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Michael F. McCarson, upon witnessing the crash, immediately recognized the severity of the situation and acted with total disregard for his personal safety by fighting the flames and pulling the injured driver from the burning vehicle before it was totally overcome with fire.
 
Simultaneous with these life-saving actions, SBPA McCarson directed on-scene agents in rendering assistance while ensuring their safety at all times, coordinated an emergency response with local officers and emergency personnel, as well as performed first-aid treatment to the injured driver.  SBPA McCarson’s immediate and skillful emergency actions not only prevented a tragedy from escalating to a casualty, but clearly demonstrated his training and experience as a Border Patrol Agent and his dedication to his work.

​
2012

Manuel E. Barreda
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
Rio Grande Valley Sector, Fort Brown Station
On the night of February 27, 2012, Agent Barreda witnessed a group of individuals attempting to cross the treacherous waters of the Brownsville Navigation Ship Channel, a 44-foot-deep and several hundred foot-wide waterway designed for large vessels. Agent Barreda observed that one of the individuals, later identified as Angel Celestino-Alvarado, was struggling to swim and keep his head above water. 
 
Agent Barreda quickly evaluated the situation and notified the U.S. Coast Guard. He realized, however, that because of the frigid temperature of the water, the Coast Guard might not reach the victim before he succumbed to hypothermia or exhaustion. Agent Barreda jumped into the channel and swam 120 feet toward the drowning man, who advised Agent Barreda that he could no longer feel his legs or arms. Agent Barreda quickly secured the individual in his grasp and towed him toward the shore. 
 
As Agent Barreda swam back to the bank of the channel in the dark with the victim in tow, he began to suffer effects from the cold water. Border Patrol Agent Jacob Gamboa, who had been nearby and was coordinating the rescue effort from the shoreline and monitoring Agent Barreda, entered the freezing water without hesitation and assisted Agent Barreda and the victim safely back to the bank of the Brownsville Navigation Ship Channel. 
 
Agent Barreda’s heroic choice to voluntarily enter the water, coupled with Agent Gamboa’s assistance, led to the victim’s successful rescue when otherwise, he most certainly would have drowned.

As of December 7, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 153* fallen.
Titles:

• 3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
• 48 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
• 101 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.
 
I will note that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. The Border Patrol Foundation and the Border Patrol Museum also fail to recognize him. He is remembered by all except organizations containing "Border Patrol" in their title. He is remembered by the:

• National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see this link),
• Officer Down memorial Page (see this link), and
• Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (see this link).

 
The U.S. Border Patrol, the Border Patrol Foundation, and the Border Patrol Museum should fix their oversight. 
 
HonorFirst.com remembers and lists Agent Gigax among the fallen.

Good morning!
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!

The U.S. Border Patrol's Values (Part 1)

What are the Patrol's values?  Do you know?

I guess the first thing that comes to mind is the Patrol's motto, Honor First.  But what does that mean?  Where is it defined?  

In the collection of What's Important Now (W.I.N.) videos produced by the Academy, it was a common question to ask the interviewee, with each person giving a different answer (see all of the W.I.N. videos here).  Certainly, the Patrol's values cannot be based upon the foundation of an undefined term, right?  If every employee is free to define Honor First as they wish, inevitably troubling inconsistencies will emerge.  From my experience, those inconsistencies are manifested through individual and organizational self-interest and/or complacency.  Some examples that I've personally witnessed are:

• Violations of Prohibited Personnel Practices during promotional selections,
• Misuse of government vehicles, specifically Home-to-Work utilization, and
• Reluctance to follow higher level authority when the individual or those in leadership positions feel justified in their non-compliance.

Remember the question, "What are the Patrol's values?"  Does the Patrol value Honor First as just a phrase or as a cultural value?

HonorFirst has a page to define Honor First.  Below is that definition:

Honor First is the United States Border Patrol's motto and is an important part of its tradition and culture.  It reflects upon the value of integrity that is shared by the organization and its members.  Synonyms for integrity; honesty, good character, principle, ethics, morals, righteousness, virtue, decency, fairness, sincerity, truthfulness, trustworthiness - added together equal honor. 

Honor First, both organizationally and individually, can be simply described as having integrity while constraining behaviors and actions to the boundaries defined by laws, regulations, directives, policies and rules, even when difficult to do so.  Organizations and individuals that embody Honor First may inadvertently bump against those boundaries and will immediately self-correct. Organizations and individuals that do not embody Honor First, that have questionable integrity, will push against those boundaries without self-correcting.  

Admittedly, the definition is heavy on compliance to higher levels of authority, which I tent to completely support.  Of course, let me say that 100% agreement may be a rarity and that disagreements must be remedied through the appropriate channels.

So, I would present that the Patrol would benefit by defining Honor First and providing concrete guidance to the foundational "watchword" of the organization.  Such a definition would inevitably help to improve organizational culture and solidify USBP values. 

What is the origin of "Honor First?

Based on an Immigration Service index reference from 1929, coupled with the 1927 Commissioner General's report to the Secretary of the Department of Labor, it is believed that the motto originated in the El Paso District (which encompasses modern day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sectors) sometime in 1926.

The excerpt from the 1927 Commissioner General's report is the earliest use of "Honor First" that has been found.  The report covers July 1926 - June 1927 (FY27).

​The border patrol is a young man's organization; it appeals strongly to the lover of the big outdoors—the primeval forests, the sunparched deserts, the mountains, and the plains; the business upon which it is engaged calls for manhood, stamina, versatility, and resourcefulness in the highest degree. "Honor first" is its watchword; privations and danger but serve as a challenge which none refuses. Unfailing courtesy to all, and helpfulness to the helpless in distress, are emphasized above every other requisite. These young men are proud of their jobs—proud of their organization—with a code of ethics unsurpassed by any similar organization of this or any other day. In the three short years of its existence it has created a priceless store of traditions. The pride of these men in their organization is equaled only by the pride and esteem in which they are held by the communities in which they operate. Spontaneous testimonials of this esteem are being constantly received by the bureau. To an almost unbelievable extent the border patrol is self-governing. Its members must be left largely to their own devices and upon their honor. The weight of popular disapproval of his fellow officers is more potent with the erring one than all the printed regulations humanly possible to devise. The uniform is sacred; it not only symbolizes authority, the law's majesty and all the power of the Federal Government, but it entails obligations upon the wearer in the way of deportment which are intuitively recognized and scrupulously observed.

In an El Paso District Selection Letter from 1930 that was given to newly hired Border Patrol Inspectors, Honor First was given as an organizational value and as its watch-word.  Those new hires were instructed to "RESIGN NOW" if they could not live up to the concept.
​
​The Border Patrol trademarked the phrase "Honor First" on August 17, 2010 and renewed the trademark October 7, 2019.

1992

Jesse Collins  
Senior Patrol Agent
Marfa Sector
On February 20, 1992, Senior Patrol Agent Jesse Collins voluntarily risked his own life and exhibited extraordinary courage rescuing a 15-year-old girl.  The girl was speeding in a car when she lost control and the car plunged into a small, deep lake, with a water temperature of 35 degrees.  When Agent Collins arrived, one Texas Department of Public Safety officer who had entered the water was struggling and having difficulty staying afloat.  Agent Collins went into the lake and assisted the DPS officer to shore.  He then went back into the lake and rescued the young girl from the sinking vehicle.  In frigid waters, Agent Collins moved behind the helpless girl and pushed her toward the bank.  After a number of pushes, each one resulting in Agent Collins going under water, they neared shallow water and a Texas police officer helped bring the girl out of the water.

​As of December 7, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 153* fallen.
Titles:

• 3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
• 48 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
• 101 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.
 
I will note that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. The Border Patrol Foundation and the Border Patrol Museum also fail to recognize him. He is remembered by all except organizations containing "Border Patrol" in their title. He is remembered by the:

• National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see this link),
• Officer Down memorial Page (see this link), and
• Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (see this link).

 
The U.S. Border Patrol, the Border Patrol Foundation, and the Border Patrol Museum should fix their oversight. 
 
HonorFirst.com remembers and lists Agent Gigax among the fallen.

1987

John R. McCravey
Date of Birth:                     September 10, 1950
Entered on Duty:               September 9, 1985
Title:                                   Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                    February 23, 1987
 
Details:
On February 20, 1987, Agent John R. McCravey was sign cutting near Highway 98, east of Calexico, California. He joined a vehicle pursuit that involved an automobile suspected of transporting a group of smuggled aliens. The driver of the fleeing vehicle turned south on a dirt road leading back to the All American Canal, which serves as a boundary between Mexico and the United States. The billowing dust cloud made by the fleeing vehicle prevented Agent McCravey from clearly seeing the road. The reduced visibility may have contributed by diminishing his perception and reaction time, which affected his ability to react to a change in roadway grade and a turn in the road. Agent McCravey lost control of his vehicle, which overturned and rolled into the All American Canal, where it became submerged upside down.
 
Fellow officers and farm workers successfully removed Agent McCravey and the three illegal aliens he had arrested prior to getting involved in the pursuit from the vehicle. He died three days later in a San Diego, California hospital.

Gravesite

Good morning!
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!

You may not know but, I attempt to contact each living Newton-Azrak Award recipient on the anniversary of their act of bravery to let them know they are remembered.

About two weeks before their anniversary, I review the information that I have on the action.  If my records have no documents or photographs, or if I think the description of the action needs more detail, I will attempt to contact them before their anniversary to get the additional information.  It was my privilege to contact Michael Deshaies, whose Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary is this week.  He provided me with documents, photos and articles about his action that I am happy to share with you.  

He and this week's other highlighted Newton-Azrak Award recipients, Carlos Lara and Joaquin Chavez will forevermore be part of USBP history!

While the selection of the next Chief of the Border Patrol is important, what I think is even more crucial is their leadership approach. As Simon Sinek says, "It's not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge."

As I've said in other blog posts, for over a decade the morale of the USBP workforce has been low. To improve employee morale, retention, and organizational pride, the next Chief of the Border Patrol should focus on the workforce and follow Simon Sinek's principles of leadership. Here are several recommendations to consider:

1. Lead with a clear vision and purpose - "People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it." The next Chief should articulate a clear vision and purpose that inspires and motivates the workforce.  
2. Foster a culture of trust and transparency - "Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge." Building trust with the workforce is crucial in creating a positive and supportive work environment.  This should be a universal leadership attribute!
3. Empower and equip employees - "The goal of a leader is to empower others to be successful." Providing employees with the necessary resources and support they need to succeed is essential in maintaining high morale and engagement.  
4. Recognize and celebrate achievements - "A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be." Celebrating and recognizing the achievements of the workforce is a powerful way to boost morale and foster a sense of pride in the organization.

By focusing on the workforce, the next Chief of the Border Patrol can create a positive work environment, increase employee morale, and ultimately support the mission.  As Simon Sinek says, "It's about taking care of those in your charge."  That should be the foundational cornerstone Border Patrol leadership.  Take care of the workforce and they will take care of the mission!

This week starts with a 1926 memo criticizing Calexico.  We have a 1928 memo concerning employees visiting Mexico.  We have an El Paso District reorganization chart, an agency-wide badge inventory, the Academy moving from Camp Chigas and more!

​We celebrate the actions of Michael Deshaies (1993) and Joaquin Chavez (2020) that led to them being recognized with Newton-Azrak Awards.

​Enjoy and have a great week!

Cliff
PS - 

• As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages.  I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just send them to [email protected]).
• As always, make sure to explore all of the hyperlinks to documents and pages.
• Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it.

1993

Michael Deshaies - photo, photo 2, Commissioner's memo, CPA memo, Commissioner's Award List, Newton-Azrak Award List, articles
Senior Patrol Agent
New Orleans Sector
Senior Patrol Agent Michael Deshaies was recognized for his efforts in saving a person from drowning near Pensacola, Florida during a unusual cold spell.  On February 18, 1993, Agent Deshaies encountered several people believed to be illegally present in the United States at a construction worksite.  As Agent Deshaies approached, several of the suspected illegal aliens fled.  Although the air temperature was approximately 18 degrees Fahrenheit,  three of the men jumped into a 100' wide canal in an attempt to escape.  Two of the fleeing suspects made it to the other side.  However, the third man struggled to stay afloat in the cold, muddy water.  When the third person disappeared under the water, in an act of unparalleled bravery and heroism, Agent Deshaies exhibited total disregard for his personal safety and dove into the frigid water.  Agent Deshaies was able to find the unconscious man under the water and pull him safely to shore.  The victim, a fleeing illegal alien, survived solely due to the actions of Agent Deshaies.

​
2021

Carlos A. Lara - photo
Border Patrol Agent
El Centro, CA
On February 18, 2019, Border Patrol Agent Carlos Lara was assigned to the Calexico Station’s area of responsibility when, beyond the call of duty and facing grave danger he entered the All-American Canal to rescue a man in distress. Before entering the water, several attempts to assist the drowning man were made using a rescue disc. Once it was determined that the rescue disc was ineffective, Agent Lara disregarded the danger of the swift current and entered the frigid and treacherous water. Agent Lara swam to the victim, took control of him and pulled him back to the canal bank and to safety. Agent Lara’s quick and selfless response at the risk of his own life prevented the loss of another life. Agent Lara’s actions brought great credit upon himself and United States Border Patrol.


2022

Joaquin Chavez - photo, award certificate
Border Patrol Agent
Eagle Pass North Station
Eagle Pass, TX
Border Patrol Agent Joaquin Chavez is recognized for heroic actions resulting in the rescue of three Haitian nationals from the Rio Grande River on February 12, 2022.  Understanding the risks and disregarding his personal safety, Agent Chavez entered the Rio Grande River to rescue three subjects, which included an unresponsive adult male who would have otherwise drowned. The swift actions of Agent Chavez, a product of extensive training and experience, prevented a critical situation from resulting in certain fatal consequences. Agent Chavez's actions reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol

​As of December 7, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 153* fallen.
Titles:

• 3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
• 48 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
• 101 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.
 
I will note that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. The Border Patrol Foundation and the Border Patrol Museum also fail to recognize him. He is remembered by all except organizations containing "Border Patrol" in their title. He is remembered by the:

• National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see this link),
• Officer Down memorial Page (see this link), and
• Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (see this link).

 
The U.S. Border Patrol, the Border Patrol Foundation, and the Border Patrol Museum should fix their oversight. 
 
HonorFirst.com remembers and lists Agent Gigax among the fallen.

There are no anniversaries for the fallen this week.

Good morning!
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!

​Sadly as we age, death becomes a more frequent visitor to us.

Earlier last week, I heard of the passing of retired Assistant Chief Eric Gough.  He was only 60 years old, only three years into retirement, and gone far too soon. 

I've often said, "No matter who you are, you're someone's villain."  But Eric was the exception to that statement.  I never met a person who did not think well of him.  He was universally liked.  He was passionate and enthusiastic about his work, and caring and engaging with every person he encountered.   It is said that happiness is found by living in the moment. When you spoke to Eric, you could tell that he was in the moment with you, that you had his full attention. 

Eric had an unusually varied and successful career.   As Chief of the Border Patrol Carla Provost wrote in his retirement letter:

First off and most importantly, congratulations on your retirement! Id like to express my sincerest gratitude for your dedicated service and selfless dedication and integrity for over two decades as a Border Patrol Agent. Your kindness and welcoming demeanor has not gone unnoticed by your peers and has been a pleasure to all who have worked beside you.

You entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) on December 2, 1996, as a member of Class 326. Your first duty assignment as a Border Patrol Agent was at the Yuma Station, Yuma Sector, where you were soon promoted to Senior Patrol Agent in 2001 before taking the same position a year later in Port Huron, Michigan, Detroit Sector.  In 2006, you accepted a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent position at USBP Headquarters before your promotion to Operations Officer in 2007.  That same year, you took a Supervisory position as a Firearms Program Specialist under the Office of Training and Development.  In 2011, you promoted once more, this time as a manager and Regional Command Representative to Afghanistan where you were awarded several medals of valor after engaging and terminating an armed assailant who had ambushed members of your team.  Finally in 2015, you promoted to Assistant Chief Patrol Agent at USBP Headquarters, Intelligence Division, where you oversaw the Law Enforcement Technical Collections program for the entire agency.

Eric was also a BORSTAR agent having graduated with BORSTAR Class 5.  He was a member of CBP deployments to both Afghanistan and Iraq.  He was the first recipient of CBP's highest award, the CBP Medal of Honor for Heroism.  He was also a recipient of the Border Patrol's highest recognition, the Newton-Azrak Award.

Eric C. Gough - photo
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
Advanced Training Center 
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 
On July 22, 2012, at approximately 7:00 p.m. in Herat, Afghanistan, an armed assailant, alleged to be an Afghan National Policeman, opened fire on government contractors and CBP personnel at the Herat Regional Training Center in Afghanistan. The assailant approached from a blind spot behind a vehicle and opened fire with an AK-47 assault rifle, killing two people immediately. As the assailant continued his attack, personnel attempted to take cover in a nearby bunker, and three additional people were shot, one fatally. Hearing the gunfire, Agent Eric Gough swiftly headed toward the location. As the assailant continued to fire, Agent Gough tactically approached and then stopped the threat by returning fire, which resulted in the death of the assailant. 
 
Upon stopping the threat, Agent Gough, also a Border Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) member, administered aid to the wounded. The combat medical care he provided to Border Management Task Force member Dana Hampton is credited with saving his life. Hampton was shot three times and was in critical condition, including a severe wound to the abdomen. Agent Gough stabilized Hampton’s injuries, assisted with transport, and remained with him until proper medical attention could be provided. In the course of the transport, Agent Gough had to overcome security obstacles caused by a lockdown of the compound and medical facility. Agent Gough’s perseverance and tenacity ensured that Dana Hampton was given proper medical care in a timely manner. 
 
U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker lauded Agent Gough’s heroic actions and acknowledged that his decisiveness saved numerous lives. Additional accolades were received from the Department of Defense’s U.S. Central Command, Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Homeland Security.

A truly great man, gone far too soon.

​This week's update starts with a 1911 Mounted Inspector announcement.  We have 1918, 10-page summary of the status of the Mexican border written by the Father of the Border Patrol, a 5-page report covering modern-day Buffalo Sector from 1928, a blueprint for a reorganization of the El Paso District sub-districts from 1930, the Patrol's involvement in a spy exchange between the United States and the Soviet Union in 1962, and more!

We remember two Border Patrol heroes on the anniversary of the Newton-Azrak Award action.

​And we remember ​Patrol Inspector Norman G. Ross on the anniversary of his death.

​Have a great week!

Cliff
PS - 

• As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages.  I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just send them to [email protected]).
• As always, make sure to explore all of the hyperlinks to documents and pages.
• Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it.

1911

• On February 8, 1911, an announcement for Mounted Inspector was issued. This position has also been referred to as the Mounted Watchmen and Mounted Guard.
  • There was an organization called the Immigration Patrol that was different from the aforementioned and was abolished on August 18, 1919 as per this 1920 document.  Very little information is know about it.

1918

• This document, written on February 5, 1918, by future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934), provides a 10-page summary of the status of the border.  He writes about the main areas from the Gulf of Mexico to California.

1928

• On February 11, 1928, Ruel Davenport (1878-1961) was the sole Chief of the Border Patrol and was conducting a tour of the Buffalo District at the direction of the Commissioner-General.  He wrote a detailed, 5-page report on his observations of the district and two Border Patrol sub-districts, Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

1929

• On February 6, 1929, Montreal District Commissioner of Immigration Harry R. Landis (1880-1950) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General.  The memo has several interesting points:
  • It shows the hierarchy of Border Patrol inspectors being “kicked upstairs” to Immigrant Inspectors.
  • Commissioner Landis writes of his disagreement with Assistant Superintendent Antonio Bonazzi (although he doesn’t mention his name).
    • An Assistant Superintendent was the highest-ranking uniformed position in the Border Patrol (see this link for the early rank insignia/hierarchy).  Each district along the border had one.  Landis was writing about his non-concurrence with his subordinate.

1930

• On February 12, 1930, El Paso District Assistant Superintendent and  7th Chief of the Border Patrol Nicolas Donald Collaer (1896-1977), submitted a blueprint for a reorganization of the El Paso District sub-districts. There are several interesting aspects of the proposal:
  • The El Paso District, District #25, was comprised of:
    • Sub-district #1 – Modern-day Tucson Sector
    • Sub-district #2 – Modern-day El Paso Sector
    • Sub-district #3 – Modern-day Big Bend Sector
  • The blueprint primarily shows sub-district #1, the modern-day Tucson Sector.  On the right side of the blueprint, written vertically are mentions of the other two sub-districts.
  • Early use of the titles Assistant Chief Patrol Inspector, Sector Chief (modern PAIC), Assistant Sector Chief (Modern DPAIC)
  • Calling modern stations “Sectors”

1955

• On February 7, 1955, a Patrol Inspector (rank unknown) Paul Kester "Bing" Crosby (1910-1965) sent Chief of the Border Patrol Harlon Carter (1913-1991​) a comparison of the USBP promotions and resignations.  It compares Jul-Dec 1953 to Jul-Dec 1954.

1962

• The U.S. Border Patrol played a role in the 1962 spy exchange between the U.S. and Soviet Union involving U-2 Pilot Francis Gary Powers (1929-1977) and Soviet “super-spy” Rudolph Ivanovich Abel...  The final involvement of the U.S. Border Patrol was “secretly” flying Abel, Deputy Director of Prisons Fred Wilkinson (1907-1981), a U.S. Marshal, and a Bureau of Prisons guard from Atlanta (where Abel was being held in the Federal Penitentiary) to New Jersey on February 8, 1962. Abel was transferred to a military aircraft along with Deputy Director Wilkinson for the final flight to Berlin, West Germany. On the morning of February 10, 1962, James Donovan (1916-1970) walked Rudolph Ivanovich Abel to the center of the Glienicke Bridge crossing the Havel River between Berlin, West Germany, and Potsdam, East Germany, and exchanged the man he had represented for the last five years for Francis Gary Powers.​​
  • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco​