February 9 - February 15Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week we explore moments that shaped the organization’s culture, accountability, and enforcement strategies. In 1941, a memo reinforced the importance of badge and credential security, setting strict disciplinary measures for losses due to negligence—possibly in anticipation of the transition from Department of Labor to Department of Justice-issued badges. In 1931, a dramatic gunfight erupted in El Paso between Border Patrol Inspectors and smugglers, with 12 rounds exchanged but no injuries reported. We also examine the impact of Grover C. Wilmoth, a towering figure in Border Patrol history. Serving as El Paso District Director for 25 years, Wilmoth played a pivotal role in the development of training programs, the National Border Patrol Academy, and the creation of the Border Patrol’s Honor First motto. His leadership influenced key figures who would go on to shape the organization for decades. Additionally, we revisit early efforts to construct border fencing in the 1950s, a 2002 northern border security operation following 9/11, and the unique role of dual-appointed Patrol Inspectors who also served as mechanics in the late 1920s. Each of these moments offers a window into the evolution of the Border Patrol’s mission and traditions. Cliff P.S. - 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 the documents and pages. Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it. THIS WEEK'S USBP ANNIVERSARIES AND MILESTONESJanuary 9
On January 9, 1941, most likely in anticipation of changing from Department of Labor to Department of Justice badges, Assistant to the Attorney General Lemuel B. Schofield (1882-1955) 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.
January 10 On January 10, 1931, in El Paso, Texas, Senior Patrol Inspector Ammon Meshach Tenney III (1897-1961) and Patrol Inspector Charles Askins, Jr. (1907-1999) 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. January 11 See the January 11, 1943 documents in this 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. 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 specifications of one of the proposals. January 12 Today marks a quiet day in USBP history. January 13 On January 13, 1930, El Paso District Director Grover Cleveland Wilmoth (1884-1951) 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 link to see its location), the location of the El Paso Sub-district HQ and the El Paso Station.
January 14 On January 14, 2002, “As part of Operation Northern Vigilance, U.S. Border Patrol deployed 100 agents to all 8 Northern Border Sectors to increase detection, deterrence, and prevention efforts between land border ports-of-entry.”
January 15 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. On January 15, 1929, Assistant Commissioner-General (Deputy Commissioner today) and former “Chief” of the Border Patrol George Harris (1876-1941) , 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 holding the dual appointment of Patrol Inspector and mechanic existed as early as 1925, including in acting capacities by 1928.
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February 2 - February 8Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week highlights key moments of resilience, sacrifice, and transformation. In 1926, early snowmobiles helped agents navigate the rugged, snow-covered landscapes of Vermont, demonstrating the adaptability required to secure the border in extreme conditions. Fast forward to 1989, the “Alabama 500” trainees faced an intense, grueling 16-week academy, with only 363 graduates making it through Session 226 at Fort McClellan. In 1996, the era of the revolver officially came to a close with the graduation of Academy Class 293, marking a major shift in the Patrol’s armament. This week, we also solemnly honor the service and sacrifice of Border Patrol Agent Donna M. Doss, who lost her life in the line of duty on February 2, 2019, while assisting a Texas state trooper, and Senior Patrol Agent Edwin C. Dennis, who tragically lost his life on February 4, 1974, in a vehicle accident while transporting a subject in custody. Their dedication and sacrifice remain forever etched in the history of the U.S. Border Patrol. Other key moments include the 1994 dedication of the U.S. Border Patrol Museum, the launch of Operation Safeguard in 1995, and a rare glimpse into the 1929 hierarchy of Border Patrol leadership. Additionally, we revisit the Patrol’s role in the historic 1962 Cold War spy exchange, where agents secretly transported Soviet spy Rudolph Abel ahead of his swap for U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers. Join us as we reflect on these defining moments that shaped the U.S. Border Patrol’s history and legacy. Cliff P.S. - 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 the documents and pages. Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it. THIS WEEK'S USBP ANNIVERSARIES AND MILESTONESFebruary 2
This February 2, 1926, document contains a photograph of an early snowmobile that was in use in Newport, Vermont. On February 2, 1989, of the original “Alabama 500” that began their journey sixteen weeks earlier, 363 Border Patrol trainees graduated with the 226 Session of the Border Patrol Academy at Fort McClellan, Alabama. The attrition rate was high due to resignations, injuries and disciplinary terminations.
...the single most significant change closing the era of the Old Patrol occurred on February 2, 1996, with the graduation of Class 293. Border Patrol Academy Class 293 would become the last class to be issued a revolver, affectionately known as the wheel gun.
Line of Duty Death anniversary Donna M. Doss Date of Birth November 6, 1969 Entered on Duty: November 3, 2003 Title: Border Patrol Resident Agent End of Watch: February 2, 2019 Details: On February 2, 2019, Border Patrol Agent Donna M. Doss responded to a request for assistance from a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper regarding a suspected illegal alien. After affecting the arrest of the subject at mile marker 276 on Interstate 20 near Tye, Texas, Agent Doss was struck by a passing vehicle. She succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Agent Doss entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on November 3, 2003, graduated as a member of the 584th session of the Border Patrol Academy, and was subsequently assigned to the Brackettville Station in Del Rio Sector. On March 6, 2017, Agent Doss transferred to Abilene, Texas, as a Resident Agent responsible for enforcement operations in eight Texas counties. Agent Doss served with the U.S. Border Patrol for more than 15 years. Cremated February 3 ...the U.S. Border Patrol Museum Board of Trustees including Don Coppock (1910-2011), Roger Brandemuehl and Henry McCormack signed a contract with Westar Group for the construction of the 10,000 square foot facility... The construction was completed and a dedication ceremony was held on February 3, 1994. Over 1,000 people attended the ceremony including INS Deputy Commissioner Chris Sales, Chief, U.S. Border Patrol, Michael Williams, several of his predecessors, and state and congressional representatives.
INS Commissioner Doris Meissner would kick off Operation Safeguard on February 3, 1995, in Nogales.
February 4 On February 4, 1929, Assistant Superintendent L. Antonio Bonazzi (1890-1950) of the Montreal District wrote a memo containing several interesting points.
Line of Duty Death anniversary Edwin C. Dennis Date of Birth: March 3, 1912 Entered on Duty: April 17, 1941 Title: Senior Patrol Agent End of Watch: February 4, 1974 Details: At 7:10 p.m. on February 4, 1974, Senior Patrol Agent Edwin C. Dennis was in a van driven by Border Patrol Agent Richard Marroguin with one alien in custody. They were enroute from Ysleta to El Paso, Texas, on the border highway. They were traveling without lights when the vehicle struck some rocks that had been left by a construction crew. The vehicle turned over and Dennis was thrown out of the van and it rolled over him, crushing the upper part of his body. The other occupants in the vehicle were shaken up but not seriously injured. Gravesite February 5 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. February 6 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:
February 7 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. February 8 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.
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.
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Clifford GillBlog author, retired U.S. Border Patrol Assistant Chief and, current U.S. Border Patrol employee advocate. Ray HarrisSite founder and owner, former Supervisory Border Patrol Agent and retired Immigration Special Agent. Joseph BancoU.S. Border Patrol historian and retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent. Archives
February 2025
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