As the midnight shift commenced, Border Patrol Agents Cary Scott and Pedro “Pete” Saldivar, engaged in roving patrol near Hebbronville, Texas, encountered what appeared to be a stranded motorist. Agent Scott approached the driver while Agent Saldivar conducted a vehicle registration check.

Simultaneously, Agent Ruben Mendoza arrived at the scene, strategically positioning his marked SUV in front of the suspect's sedan. The agents had previously planned to meet at this crossroad, but the situation rapidly escalated.

While Agent Scott conversed with the driver near the car's rear quarter panel, Dispatch KAK-940 crackled with the alarming news: the vehicle was reported stolen.

In a swift reaction, the driver lunged into the backseat, presumably reaching for a weapon. Agent Scott instinctively followed, grappling with the suspect in a confined and precarious position. Agent Saldivar rushed to aid, attempting to extract both men from the vehicle. Agent Mendoza, hindered by space, stood by to assist as soon as the suspect was pulled out.

Trapped on the floorboard, Agent Scott struggled fiercely, soon realizing the suspect was reaching for an item in a backpack. He alerted his partners of the imminent danger.
Then, terror struck – Agent Scott glimpsed a pistol in the suspect's grip. The situation intensified as Agent Scott shouted "gun!" In a chaotic sequence, Agent Saldivar yanked both men out by their pant legs as the suspect fired twice, critically injuring Agent Saldivar. Agent Mendoza, drawing his weapon, prepared for a precise engagement.

​Agent Saldivar's severe leg wound necessitated emergency airlift and a long road to recovery, from which he thankfully emerged fully healed.

Despite being down, Agent Scott valiantly continued the struggle on his knees, preventing the assailant from firing accurately. His tenacious fight, however, couldn't restrain the shooter indefinitely.

In a tense and dark roadside showdown, Agent Mendoza, faced with extraordinary pressure, fired eight shots, each hitting the suspect, decisively ending the altercation.

In light of their heroic deeds, the Laredo Sector nominated Agents Ruben, Pete, and Cary for the prestigious Newton-Azrak Award, the Patrol's highest accolade. Historically, this award recognized teams or groups, but by 2018, it shifted to honoring individual actions only.

The nomination, however, hit a snag in Washington DC. The refusal, originating ambiguously from USBP Workforce Management or CBP HRM, cited a policy against recognizing more than two agents in a single action, contradicting established precedents.

​Confronted with this dilemma, Laredo Sector honored Agent Ruben with the Newton-Azrak Award for neutralizing the threat. Agent Saldivar, wounded in the line of duty, received the Commissioner’s Meritorious Service Award for Valor and the USBP Purple Cross. Regrettably, Agent Scott's gallantry went unrecognized.

In 2017, I assumed the role of the Patrol’s historian and awards coordinator, driven by a passion to ensure that our workforce's outstanding deeds receive the recognition they deserve.

Soon after, inquiries about Agent Scott's overlooked valor reached my desk. Delving into the case, I uncovered the true extent of his heroism, corroborated by the Texas DPS report which credited him with saving lives through his unyielding resistance.

This revelation propelled a campaign across the USBP Senior Executive ranks and up to the Commissioner, emphasizing the critical importance of employee recognition and the glaring oversight in Agent Scott's case.

Finally, justice was served. Years after his courageous act, Agent Scott was awarded the USBP Commendation Medal with a “V” device, the Patrol’s second-highest honor for heroism. This long-awaited acknowledgment not only honored his exceptional bravery but also set a precedent for honoring many more agents with meritorious past actions, with hundreds still awaiting their due recognition.

​In commemorating Agent Scott's valor, we recommit to ensuring every act of courage and sacrifice within our ranks is duly honored. The journey continues.

1994

Robert S. Herrera     
Border Patrol Agent 
Yuma Sector
On March 29, 1994, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Border Patrol Agent Robert S. Herrera responded to an intrusion device that had indicated activity near the Sanchez Canal, west of San Luis, Arizona.  Upon Arrival, Agent Herrera observed a subject who appeared to be a male juvenile swimming to the east bank of the canal.  While watching the subject swim to the other side, BPA Herrera’s attention was caught by a disturbance in the water just to the south of where the first subject was swimming.
 
Looking to the south, Agent Herrera saw a person’s head break the surface of the water and then go back under. Continuing to watch, Agent Herrera saw the person pop up again, flail the water, and gasp for air before disappearing beneath the surface again.
 
By the time the individual went under for the third time, Agent Herrera was on the bank of the canal, dropping his leather as he jumped into the water.  In the middle of the canal, Agent Herrera was able to grab and eight-year-old child and bring him safely back to shore where BPA Matthew Sutton pulled him up onto dry land.
 
Robert Herrera’s actions on the morning of March 29, 1994, were above and beyond what is normally expected of an agent.  He imperiled his own safety by leaping into a polluted canal to save the life of a child. 


1999

William T. Veal
Chief Patrol Agent
San Diego Sector
On the night of April 1, 1999, eastern San Diego County experienced very low temperatures and unexpected snow during a fierce overnight storm, which left many illegal entrant aliens stranded and lost in the rugged mountainous terrain of the area.  Many of these people were in great peril of imminent death and at least seven others had already succumbed.
 
After ensuring that Sector resources were mobilized to cope with this emergency, Chief Patrol Agent William T. Veal, in the early morning hours of April 2, responded by flying into service the Border Patrol’s heavy lift UH-1 helicopter.  Joined by the Patrol Agent in Charge of Air Operations, John D. Pool and Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Harold R. Beasley, he flew into very hazardous weather conditions to effect the rescue of stranded and hypothermic aliens.  During this time, Chief Veal rescued eight aliens who were hypothermic and in imminent danger of death.  The attending physician stated to rescue personnel that one of these individuals would have died had he not received medical attention within the hour.  Additionally, by flying through treacherous terrain in deteriorating weather conditions, while fighting low ceilings, clouds, and fog, Chief Veal inserted Border Patrol and San Diego County Search and Rescue teams into accessible areas to search for stranded aliens.  This included making landings in the same rugged terrain, at times with only one tip of a skid touching the ground.
 
With no regard for his personal safety, Chief Veal continued search and rescue activities until he was assured that no additional aliens were in peril.  He flew a total of 6.9 hours with the only breaks being three brief refueling stops.

As of March 6, 2023 the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 154* fallen.
Titles

• 3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
• 49 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.

1974

Lee L. Bounds
Date of Birth:                   November 24, 1936
Entered on Duty:             June 22, 1970
Title:                                  Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                  March 29, 1974
 
Details:
Border Patrol Agent Lee L. Bounds of the Lordsburg Station, El Paso Sector, was killed in a jeep accident on March 29, 1974. He was traveling alone on a road between Animas and Rodeo, New Mexico, southwest of Lordsburg, and ran the jeep off the right shoulder of the road. He lost control when he attempted to steer the vehicle back onto the road and the jeep overturned. Bounds was thrown from the vehicle, which rolled over him before stopping in an upright position, Mr. Bounds’ head was crushed. The jeep, which was equipped with seat belts and roll bar, was damaged extensively.

​Gravesite


1995

Luis A. Santiago
Date of Birth:                   November 9, 1964
Entered on Duty:             June 6, 1994
Title:                                  Border Patrol Agent (Trainee)
End of Watch:                  March 28, 1995
 
Details:
At approximately 11:45 p.m., Agent Santiago was working in a canyon near Lower Otay Reservoir when he and other agents saw a group of about 20 illegal aliens.  The agents identified themselves as Border Patrol and ordered the aliens to stop. The group scattered and the agents followed.  Agent Santiago gave chase along the rim of the canyon, taking a narrow trail that leads to the edge of a cliff. He lost his footing on loose rock and slippery grass and fell approximately 120 feet to his death.
 
On June 6, 1994, Luis Santiago joined the U.S. Border Patrol as a BPA (Trainee) at the San Diego Sector/Brown Field Station in San Diego, California. After entering on duty, he was sent to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. On October 18, 1994, he graduated from the 267th Session and returned to San Diego.  Agent Santiago was one week short of taking his ten-month examination.

Gravesite


1999

Stephen M. Sullivan
Date of Birth:                    July 6, 1971
Entered on Duty:              August 4, 1996
Title:                                   Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                   March 27, 1999
 
Details:
On Saturday, March 27, 1999, Border Patrol Agent Stephen M. Sullivan was transporting a group of aliens on the Otay Truck Trail when his vehicle overturned and rolled down an embankment. Three of the aliens, who had been thrown from the vehicle, climbed up out of the embankment and approached another Border Patrol Agent, stating that others were still inside the vehicle and had been injured. Four people, including Agent Sullivan, were killed in the accident.
 
Agent Sullivan began his career with the INS as an Adjudications Officer in Los Angeles. He was hired by the Border Patrol in September 1997. At the time of his death, he was assigned to the El Cajon Station of the San Diego Sector.

​Gravesite


2008

Jarod C. Dittman
Date of Birth:                      September 9, 1979
Entered on Duty:                March 5, 2007
Title:                                     Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                     March 30, 2008
 
Details:
Border Patrol Agent Jarod C. Dittman was killed in a single-vehicle accident near Jamul, California in the early morning hours of March 30, 2008.
 
Agent Dittman was driving from the Brown Field Border Patrol Station to his assigned patrol area, when his service vehicle rolled over, ejecting Agent Dittman from the vehicle. Another Border Patrol agent drove up on the scene and immediately called for emergency assistance. Due to the heavy fog, an airlift helicopter could not respond. Agent Dittman was pronounced dead while enroute to the hospital.
 
Agent Dittman entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on March 5, 2007, as a member of the 660th session of the Border Patrol Academy.  He was assigned to the Brown Field Station immediately after graduation from the Academy. Prior to joining the Border Patrol, Agent Dittman served in the Pennsylvania National Guard. 

​Gravesite

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

Last week, we spoke about the Patrol (and CBP) righting a 96-year-old wrong by finally recognizing the death of Patrol Inspector Orin F. Hush as having occurred in the line of duty—a shining example of valuing the workforce. That discussion naturally led me to point out the 23-year-old wrong, in which the Patrol submitted the paperwork to have Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax honored by having his name inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial (NLEOM), but has refused to add his name to their Honor Roll and the CBP Valor Memorial (utterly unsatisfactory and easily remedied). After that post, and to my surprise, I received a phone call and an email from USBP HQ, which left me with the impression that the Patrol has no plans to honor Agent Gigax. It's astounding that they would have his name put on the NLEOM but not honor him themselves!

Moving along, last week I promised to continue discussing the importance of valuing the workforce, with a focus on the individual primarily responsible for Patrol Inspector Orin F. Hush's death receiving its proper recognition—retired Acting Watch Commander Mark Hall.

Mark graduated with Class 167 and EOD'd in 1984. He spent a few years on the southern border and the rest of his career (over 30 years) in Detroit Sector.   He had been a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent for 15 years (2003-2018) and loved being a in the field with the troops.  Mark stayed in the Patrol until the mandatory age of 57 and retired February 28, 2018. Little do most people know, Mark is a bona fide Border Patrol hero, having been in four harrowing lifesaving situations. Instead of recounting them all, I'll focus on one particular incident...

​After Mark had retired from the Border Patrol he became a non-uniformed rehired annuitant (02/2019-02/2022). During that time, one of his coworkers discovered a conspicuous act of heroism in which he and his partner had participated in 1990. Allow me to share the story with you.

On August 27, 1990, Border Patrol Agents Mark Hall and Albert Ornelas demonstrated exceptional bravery while assisting Detroit Police Officers in apprehending a dangerous criminal in Detroit, Michigan. The suspect, Pedro Herrera, had previously fired upon officers and was intent on causing further harm to law enforcement.

During the pursuit, Herrera lost control of his stolen vehicle and started firing at the officers. Agents Hall and Ornelas, without hesitation, engaged the gunman in a firefight, risking their lives to protect their fellow officers and the community. Notably, both agents faced great peril without cover or concealment as they courageously engaged Herrera, showcasing their unwavering commitment to the safety of others.

Their swift and decisive actions ultimately led to Herrera's arrest and the prevention of further harm. Their courage and selflessness in the face of imminent danger not only saved the lives of their fellow officers but also fostered a strong bond of trust and mutual admiration between the U.S. Border Patrol and the Detroit Police Department. Despite their heroic actions, Agents Hall and Ornelas have not yet received formal recognition from the U.S. Border Patrol.

​Mark's coworker, familiar with the USBP Honorary Awards program and its ability to recognize past acts, began collecting evidence of his heroism, such as the 2019 letter below written by Robert B. Dunlap, Chief, Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Robert was one of the two Detroit police officers that Mark and his partner saved in 1990.

Once enough information was gathered, nominations for Newton-Azrak Awards were submitted for Mark and Albert. However, by April 2020, Chief Ortiz had prohibited the consideration of any event occurring more than two years prior unless he granted a waiver. Detroit Sector submitted the waiver, and it was promptly denied.

In August 2022, Chief Ortiz reevaluated his previous decision to disallow recognition of past acts and subsequently directed the revival of all previously disapproved nominations, affecting 370 employees (see This Week in USBP History, Vol. 52). This decision ensures that these acts will undergo the appropriate process to receive the recognition they deserve. However, Mark's and Ornelas' nominations were never entered into the nomination system (BPETS), because their waivers were denied. They were not part of the revived nominations affecting 370 employees.

As the 33rd anniversary of this event approaches, it is vital to acknowledge the outstanding acts of bravery displayed by Agents Mark Hall and Albert Ornelas, whose actions have left a lasting impact on the law enforcement community and the city of Detroit.

I should mention that Mark and Robert developed a lasting friendship and talk to each other regularly.

​Albert left the Patrol in 1992 and worked as a criminal investigator with the Drug Enforcement Administration.  He would later move on and become a Federal Air Marshall where he retired in 2008.

This week's update starts in 1907 when Jeff Milton accidentally shot a man in the foot while breaking up a dog fight. We have a 17-page outline penned by Charlie Askins "for a course of Instruction (pistol) for future Border Patrol Training Schools". We have a 7-page document from 1953 discussing the importance of fencing in the modern-day Rio Grande Valley Sector. And much more!

We celebrate nine Newton-Azrak Award recipients on the anniversaries of their actions, including the first two female recipients from 1994.

We remember three of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths.

​Enjoy and have a fantastic 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.

1979

Kenneth D. Crockett - ​group photo
Border Patrol Agent
Yuma Sector
Larry M. Herbert
Investigator
Yuma, Arizona
William A. McIver - award documents, photo 1, photo 2
Border Patrol Agent
Houlton Sector
On March 25, 1978 at approximately 6:30 PM, Agent Larry Herbert was near a construction bridge that spans the Andrade and Morales area near Yuma, Arizona.  The water which flows under the bridge is constricted which creates an extremely dangerous and turbulent whirlpool.

As Agent Herbert approached the bridge, he saw three people in a small boat.  The operator of the boat was frantically attempting and failing to start the boat's motor.  Agent Herbert immediately radioed for help. 

Agent Herbert attempted unsuccessfully to reach the people with a tow strap before it was pulled into the turbulent waters where it capsized spilling the occupants into the water.  All of the occupants were having difficulty keeping their heads above water.  Agent Herbert was able to quickly pull two of the victims from the water.  Keeping the third person in sight, he instructed one of the people he had just saved to use his Service vehicle's radio to advise that more help was needed.

Upon seeing that the third victim had been pulled into the whirlpool, Agent Herbert jumped into the water to rescue him.  Becoming exhausted and unable to save the victim, Agent Herbert swam to shore.

As Agent Herbert swam to shore, Agent William McIver and Agent Kenneth Crockett arrived at the scene.  Agent McIver immediately jumped into the water and entered the whirlpool with the victim.  After a tremendous struggle, Agent McIver was able to escape the whirlpool with the victim. 

Having become exhausted, Agent McIver couldn't get himself and the victim out of the water.  Agent Crockett then reach out and was able to pull both Agent McIver and the third victim to shore.


1992

Theo D. Hudson - nomination memo, 1992 commissioner's awards pamphlet
Senior Patrol Agent 
Tucson Sector
Presented on March 19, 1992, to Senior Border Patrol Agent Theo D, Hudson for his outstanding and innovative contributions to the Intelligence Program in the Tucson Sector of the United States Border Patrol. His innovations have greatly enhanced the law enforcement efforts of this Sector in combatting narcotic and undocumented alien smuggling. During the period April 1, 1990 to March 31, 1991, while assigned to duties as Intelligence Agent, Theo D, Hudson designed and developed a "situation board" for tracking and documenting narcotic and undocumented alien entries into the United States which successfully evaded our apprehension. This system now enables the Tucson Sector to identify the trends, patterns and methods used by smugglers to avoid detection. It has been directly linked to the detection of three (3) major air smuggling routes through southeastern Arizona, the-seizure of numerous tons of marijuana and the apprehension of hundreds of undocumented aliens and their smugglers. Smugglers are now forced to resort to more radical and unconventional methods of smuggling, such as the recently discovered "Cocaine Tunnel" in Douglas, Arizona. Due to the proven value of this system of intelligence gathering in the Tucson Sector, Agent Hudson's system is currently being considered for service wide implementation.


1994 
*First female Newton-Azrak Award recipients

Christina M. Carnes*
Border Patrol Agent 
El Paso Sector
David Hinojosa Jr.
Border Patrol Agent
El Paso Sector
Cheryl R. Smith*
Border Patrol Agent
El Paso Sector
Bruce L. Cooke
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
El Paso Sector
On March 20, 1994, Rose Johnson-Navarro was involved in a one-vehicle accident on Paisano Avenue in El Paso, Texas.  Her vehicle had gone out of control, crashed through a fence and guard rail, and came to rest on its wheels with the front end slanted down towards a deep canal.
 
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Bruce L. Cooke, Border Patrol Agents Cheryl Smith, Christina M. Carnes, and David Hinjosa Jr. of the El Paso Border Patrol Station responded to the scene.  The entire front part of the vehicle was engulfed in flames that swept back over the front half of the vehicle.  The inside of the vehicle was completely obscured with smoke.  A bystander informed the agents that no one had escaped from the vehicle.
 
With the knowledge that someone was still inside the burning vehicle and at great personal risk, the agents attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher.  They managed to suppress the fire enough to open the driver side door.  They then entered the burning vehicle and extricated Ms. Johnson, who was injured and unable to escape.
 
After being carried to a safe distance, Ms. Johnson advised the agents that her two children were still inside the vehicle.
 
Agents Smith, Carnes, and Hinjosa then returned to the vehicle that was almost fully engulfed in flames and managed to search for the missing children to no avail.  It was later determined that the children had not been in the vehicle.
 
Agents Cooke, Smith, Carnes, and Hinjosa, at their own personal life risk, saved the life of Rose Johnson-Navarro by exercising unusual courage and bravery. 


2013

Ruben Mendoza - ​photo 
Border Patrol Agent
Hebbronville, Texas
For his heroic actions to save a wounded agent under extreme duress. On March 21, 2013, Agent Ruben Mendoza was involved in a lethal force incident near Hebbronville, Texas. Two agents on roving patrol stopped to assist an individual they initially believed to be a stranded motorist. During the course of the encounter, the agents discovered the motorist was a violent felon, driving a stolen vehicle. When one of the agents attempted to search the subject before arrest, the subject resisted. As the two other agents struggled with the subject, Agent Mendoza moved to a position of tactical advantage and drew his service weapon. The subject gained access to a hidden handgun, and fired at the two agents, wounding one of them. At that time, BPA Mendoza fired several rounds, incapacitating the subject. Agent Mendoza then rendered first aid to the wounded agent. Agent Mendoza’s composure and professionalism under extreme pressure prevented further harm to his colleagues.

• Border Patrol Agent Pedro Saldivar was the agent wounded during this action.  He was recognized with the Commissioner’s Meritorious Service Award for Valor and the USBP Purple Cross.  
  • ​​Agent Saldivar should also have received a USBP Commendation Medal with “V” device.  
• As per the Texas DPS investigator, Border Patrol Agent Cary Scott saved all three agents by physically engaging the shooter.  His tenacious grappling with the shooter preventing the shooter from delivering accurate fire.  At the time, Agent Scott received no recognition. Cary Scott became the first person whose past acts of unrecognized heroism/valor was recognized under the USBP Honorary Awards.  He received a USBP Commendation Medal with “V” device for extraordinary heroism.  Cary’s action was a major catalyst in the development of the USBP Honorary Awards policy, specifically authorizing past actions to be considered and recognized.

As of March 6, 2023 the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 154* fallen.
Titles

• 3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
• 49 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! 

This past week marks the foruth time that the Border Patrol has reviewed the circumstances surrounding an employee's death and subsequently ruled it to be a line of duty death (LODD).  This week, the 1927 death of Patrol Inspector Orin F. Hush was reviewed by an HQ panel who determined his death to be a LODD. 

How did this happen?  Why did it take 96 years for Orin's death to receive this somber recognition?  Why is this important?  Well, let me answer those questions for you, one at a time.

What happened? 
When Inspector Hush was killed in 1927, he was not in a paid status.  He was off-duty.  At the time, off-duty deaths and accidental deaths were not considered to be LODDs.  Therefore, his death was never included in any Honor Roll and faded from the Patrol's memory.  Similarly, it would be several years before Inspector James F. Mankin's 1924 death was carried in the rolls of the Immigration Service's honored fallen.  This is evident by his name being omitted in the 1927 Commissioner-General's Annual Report to the Secretary of Labor (pg 18).

Why did it take 96 years for Orin's death to receive this somber recognition? 
Fast forward to 2021...  A police officer in the Detroit area was researching old newspapers from the 1920's and stumbled across Inspector Hush's death.  After reading several different articles, he was surprised to find that Inspector Hush's death was not an LODD.  The officer took his research and gave it to Mark Hall, a USBP employee..  

Mark was a rehired annuitant at Detroit Sector, having graduated with Class 167 and EOD'd in 1984 and retired a year or two earlier.  Mark had spent over 30 years in Detroit Sector and had attained the rank of Watch Commander.  He was known and respected.  

Mark presented the research to the Chief Patrol Agent and requested permission to continue investigating Inspector Hush's death while on duty. Without hesitation, permission was given. Mark's interest blossomed into passion as he followed every lead that he could uncover, and explored every path he could find.  For instance, Mark found out that the Detroit District gave Inspector Orin a funeral with full honors and that Inspector Orin was buried in his uniform.

Mark's incredible research was given to USBP HQ where it was repackaged in the form a Line of Duty Death Determination packet and presented before a panel of standing Chief Patrol Agents for consideration.  They determined Inspector Orin had been killed while performing a law enforcement action and thus, he died in the line of duty.

Inspector Orin's name will be inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Memorial and the CBP Valor Memorial.  He will forevermore be remembered as one of the Border Patrol's fallen.

Why is this important?
Why is honoring and remembering the fallen important?  Why is it important to recognize employee achievements, service, and heroism?  Why is it important to have USBP Chaplains and Peer Support members?

There is a duality in the answer.  The first is that we are all United States citizens.  And with all of the diversity and differences, we still have a sense of right and wrong that is pretty common.  In this case, people who die in the line of duty should be remembered... 

The second, to me, relates to the definition of Esprit de Corps that is included in every blog post, and has to do with valuing the workforce.  The Patrol honoring of the fallen conveys that it values its employees.  It says, through action, if you get killed in the line of duty, we will honor and remember you.  Similarly to recognitions...  If you achieve, serve, or perform acts of heroism, the Patrol will recognize and value you.  Similarly to the reason that the USBP Chaplains and Peer Support teams exist...  If you need support during a crisis, we value you and will support you!

Going on a quick tangent, I have the same view concerning employee deaths as I do employee recognitions...  If doubt exists, choose the path most beneficial to the employee.  That is showing value and a bias toward the workforce, a la Simon Sinek.  It is for that very reason that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax's death is highlighted every week, with the reminder that he is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Border Patrol, or our friends at the Border Patrol Foundation, or the Border Patrol Museum, even though 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).

 
Where is the bias for Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax?  How could his name be inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial but not on the Honor Rolls of the U.S. Border Patrol, or our friends at the Border Patrol Foundation, or the Border Patrol Museum?  For more information, read This Week in USBP History, Vol. 62.

Next week, I'll continue discussing having a bias toward and valuing the workforce with a focus on the person who is primarily responsible for Patrol Inspector Orin F. Hush's death receiving it's proper recognition, retired Watch Commander Mark Hall. 

This week begins in 1918 as Frank Berkshire's plan to create the Border Patrol starts to gain traction.  We have the signing of General Order 61 in 1926, what I consider to be the single, most influential document in USBP history. We have the earliest reference to a rough duty uniform (Class C for you old patrollers) from 1934 and much more!

We remember four Newton-Azrak Award recipients on the anniversaries of their heroic actions.

We also remember the loss of four of our fallen, including two that fell in the same event.  Ramon Nevarez, Jr. and David J. Tourscher fell due in the same incident in 2007.  A sad fact is that the USBP has lost two Agents/Inspectors due to the same event nine times (18 fallen).  Their names are listed below:

1. Donald Kee and William F. Buckelew in 1954
2. Douglas C. Shute and James M. Carter in 1956
3. Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak in 1967
4. Friedrich Karl and John S. Blue in 1973
5. Susan L. Rodriguez and Ricardo G. Salinas in 1998
6. Jesus de la Ossa and Thomas J. Williams in 1998​
7. Travis W. Attaway and Jeremy M. Wilson in 2004
8. Ramon Nevarez, Jr. and David J. Tourscher in 2007
9. Hector R. Clark and Eduardo Rojas,  Jr. in 2011

 
Daniel P. Cox and Edgardo Acosta-Feliciano both fell on July 31, 2021.  However, their causes of death were not related.

​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.

1918

• On March 15, 1918, and unknown person wrote a response to the status of the southern border presented by future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) a month earlier.  These two documents are some of the first documents that would lead to Berkshire’s proposals to create the U.S. Border Patrol.  Visit this page if you haven’t already - The Father of the Border Patrol

1925

• On March 14, 1925, The District Director of the Jacksonville district forwarded a uniform related request to the Commissioner-General from the Patrol Inspector in Charge of the Jacksonville Sub-district. Several things of interest are present in the memo:
  • This document (page 2) inarguably proves that Border Patrol employees were assigned to Florida in 1924 staring with 3 sub-districts (called sectors in the 1940’s); Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami.
  • This memo was written a mere 3 months after the implementation of the USBP’s first uniform policy, General Order 42.
  • It includes the coolest name of any Border Patrol Inspector or Agent, ever!  Jesse M. Sixkiller (1899-1959)!

1926

• On March 18, 1926, General Order 61 (GO 61) was signed.  It is a foundational document in Border Patrol history and, perhaps, the single most influential document in Border Patrol history for the following reasons;
  • It contains one of the earliest known descriptions of the functions of the Border Patrol (GO 63 expanded on this) - The Border Patrol is an auxiliary branch of the regular Immigration Service.  The Patrol is established primarily to prevent and detect the surreptitious entry of aliens into the United States. It will however, aid in the enforcement of all federal laws designed to safeguard our country against the introduction of contraband. The Patrol will, in general, operate along and in the vicinity of the international and maritime borders of the United States. 
  • It created the hierarchal naming convention of calling a sub-district (modern-day sector) by both a number, and the city in which it was located. It is believed that this document’s concept was also used for stations and is the genesis for El Paso Station being called “Station One” and Laredo Sector calling all of their stations “Base #” to name two.  See the USBP History page, “Why is the El Paso Station called Station One?” section for more information - Each Patrol district will in turn be appropriately divided into subdistricts numbered consecutively, beginning with No. 1 in each district. 
  • It created an organizational framework that is recognizable today.
    • Supervisors (Border Patrol) – This is what we call Chief of the Border Patrol today.  This was a non-uniformed position.
    • Officers in charge of districts – This was an extra title added on to the 11 heads of districts that had Border Patrol employees.  They were not Border Patrol employees but were in their chains of command.  Their official titles were either “District Director” or “Commissioner of Immigration”.
    • Assistant Superintendents, who shall be qualified immigrant inspectors – These were the ranking Border Patrol employees in a district.  There was only one per district.  Remember, a district was comprised of multiple sub-districts, modern-day sectors.  They were also the highest-ranking uniformed position in the USBP.
    • Chief Patrol Inspectors, who shall be qualified immigrant inspectors – They led sub-districts and the title is still used today with “Agent” instead of “Inspector”
    • Senior Patrol Inspectors – This was a supervisory position between the Chief Patrol Inspector and Patrol Inspectors. The position had a one sentence position description (below) until this guidance was issued.  It is also the launching point of the 10-15 positions that exist between the modern-day Border Patrol Agent and Chief Patrol Agent - Senior Patrol Inspectors will perform such duties as may be assigned to them by the respective Chief Patrol Inspectors under whom they serve. 
    • Patrol Inspectors – The heart of the organization - Patrol Inspectors will be expected to familiarize themselves with all federal statutes designed to prevent the unlawful entry of aliens and introduction of contraband. Law violators apprehended, together with any contraband seized by patrol inspectors, will be turned over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, and proper receipt therefore, on Form 644, secured when delivery is made to other than immigration officers. They will be charged with the proper use and care of all Government equipment entrusted to them.
    • Clerks, and Motor Mechanics – USBP support personnel have been there since the beginning.
  • It created reports that both one and two patch agents may recognize
    • The Daily Report – Form 650
    • Receipts for Persons and Contraband – Form 644.  They evolved to become the I-44 in the 1940’s
    • Weekly Reports – Form 643
    • Monthly Reports

1933 

• On March 13, 1931, George Harris (1876-1941), wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General requesting fabric that was used for rank and time-in-service insignia.  This short memo is full of interesting items:
  • Harris’ title is “Director”.  That was the title used for “Chief of the Border Patrol” from 1932-1933.  This would mark the second time that Harris was the “Chief of the Border Patrol”.  He is the only person to have been Chief in non-consecutive terms. See the USBP History page, “What were the two Border Districts?” for more information.
  • The insignia are described in General Order 179, the USBP’s second uniform policy.  The silver fabric was for Border Patrol Inspectors and Senior Patrol Inspectors.  The gold fabric was for Chief Patrol Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents.  The stars and 1/4” width fabric were used for time-in-service insignia and the 3/8” width fabric was used for the rank insignia for Senior Patrol Inspectors, Chief Patrol Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents.  See this pagefor more information on the USBP’s early rank and time-in-service insignia.

1934

• On March 16, 1934, the Chief Patrol Inspector of the El Paso Sub-district, Herbert Horsley (1878-1962)  recommended the adoption on a rough duty uniform to his boss, El Paso District Director Grover Wilmoth (1884-1951).  This is the earliest document concerning a rough duty uniform of which I am aware.

1939

• On January 18, 1939, the Central Office (HQ for you newbies) 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.  The Spokane District sent their response on March 14, 1939.

1942

• On March 18, 1942, the Assistant Chief Supervisor of the Border Patrol wrote a letter to the National Park Service request their building designs.  The Border Patrol was going to use them in assisting to design USBP buildings in El Centro, Tucson, El Paso, Alpine, and other unnamed areas.  
  • The position of “Assistant Chief Supervisor of the Border” would evolve to be the Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol.  This document from October 18, 1940, is he earliest document of which I am aware that speaks to the position (coincidentally, the document concerned facilities and the position was held by H.J. Walls then).  By 1950, H.J. Walls would be a Supervising Engineer.

1992

Alan W. Marshall
Border Patrol Agent
Buffalo Sector
During the evening shift on March 15, 1992, Border Patrol Agent Alan W. Marshall made a winter water rescue of an alien he was pursuing, who broke through an ice-covered pond.  In trying to reach the man, Agent Marshall was plunged into the same water as the ice gave way beneath him.  Agent Marshall’s strength, endurance, and bravery saved not only himself, but also the alien twice that night.  After having to physically lift the man from the water, Agent Marshall had to force the man to stay on his feet and walk to reach shelter in 17-degree weather.

Christopher M. Jacobs
Detention Enforcement Officer
Buffalo, New York
On March 16, 1992, Detention Enforcement Officer Christopher M. Jacobs saved a passenger from a burning vehicle.  He and another officer were escorting a detained alien on the New York State Thruway.  They were at a tollbooth when a vehicle traveling at a high speed plowed into the rear of another vehicle in the booth adjacent to the D & D vehicle.  There was an instantaneous explosion that pushed the vehicle forward about 200 feet, engulfing the car into a fireball.  Officer Jacobs exited his vehicle, obtained a fire extinguisher, and ran to the vehicle.  The driver was able to exit on his own but the passenger was semi-conscious and unable to get out.  Officer Jacobs entered through the driver’s door, ignoring the real danger for himself, and got the passenger out.  He administered first aid until the ambulance arrived.


1998

​Richard L. Ashlaw
Patrol Agent In Charge
Swanton Sector
For his heroic actions and unselfish disregard of his own personal safety to come to the rescue of James Baker, who otherwise had no chance of surviving the New Albion Hotel fire March 16, 1998.  Patrol Agent in Charge Ashlaw’s actions certainly went above and beyond the responsibilities and duties of a Border Patrol Agent.


1999

Floyd Southerland III 
Border Patrol Agent
Del Rio Sector
On March 18, 1999, at approximately 12 noon, Border Patrol Agent Floyd “Buddy” Southerland III and his partner responded to sensor activity three miles up river from the Port of Entry at Del Rio, Texas.  Upon arrival at the location of the sensors, Agent Southerland and his partner observed four subjects on the United States side of the Rio Grande River.  When the four subjects saw the Border Patrol vehicle, three of the four jumped into the river and began to swim to an island in mid-river.  The fourth hesitated, looked at the agents, then jumped.  The fourth man could not swim.
 
The Rio Grande River flow down river from Amistad Dam is controlled through water release monitored by the International Boundary and Water Commission.  The commission had increased water release from the dam to supplement irrigation needs in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas to a level that brought the river to a very high and swift current.
 
As Agent Southerland arrived and observed the scene, the fourth man was floundering in the water away from the shore and near the mid-river island.  Agent Southerland shouted to the three men on the island to help their friend, but they refused.  The Rio Grande, due to high water, was a mass of floating debris of cane stalks and other flotsam.  Thinking quickly as he watched the river drag the man down and away from the shore and island, Buddy told his partner to get the spare tire from the government vehicle as he began to remove his gun belt and boots.  Without hesitation and with total disregard for his own safety, Agent Southerland dove into the muddy river to search for the man.  Agent Southerland’s partner cast the spare tire into the river, Agent Southerland used the tire as a floatation device, swam out, located the floundering man, pulled his head out of the water and with monumental effort, brought the man back to the safety of the river bank.  The man was a 29-year-old Mexican national.
 
Agent Southerland’s act of selfless heroism and life-saving actions of commendable efficiency and skill draw upon his training and experience acquired throughout his career with the U.S. Border Patrol.  He displayed great physical courage, as well as moral courage, to do the right thing. 
 
This was the second act of heroism that Agent Southerland had been involved in during that Fiscal Year.
 
In October of 1998, Buddy was cited by the office of the District Attorney, 63rd Judicial District of Texas, for his apprehension and arrest of a man who had kidnapped a teenaged girl, terrorized, and sexually assaulted her.  It was the opinion of the District Attorney that Buddy saved her life by rescuing the girl from the man who was holding this young victim.

As of March 6, 2023 the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 154* fallen.
Titles

• 3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
• 49 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.

2006

Nicholas D. Greenig
Date of Birth:                     February 20, 1978
Entered on Duty:               December 1, 2002
Title:                                    Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                    March 14, 2006
 
Details:
On March 14, 2006, Agent Nicholas Greenig was killed in a vehicle accident on the Tohono O'odham Nation in Pima County, Arizona, when the department vehicle he was riding in struck a bull walking across the highway. He and his partner were working a plainclothes detail when the accident occurred at approximately 8:00 pm.
 
Agent Greenig had served with the Border Patrol for three years and was assigned to Ajo Station in Tucson Sector. He was raised in Laurel, Montana, where he attended public schools before he transferred to a private high school in Billings. He graduated with honors from Utah Valley State College in Provo and joined the Border Patrol in 2002. Agent Greenig was a graduate of the 535th session of the Border Patrol Academy. He was a senior patrol agent and a member of a special unit that targeted violent criminal organizations, which smuggled people and drugs.

​Gravesite


2007

Ramon Nevarez, Jr.
Date of Birth:                     March 27, 1983
Entered on Duty:               August 15, 2005
Title:                                    Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                    March 15, 2007
 
Details:
On March 15, 2007, Agents Ramon Nevarez and David Tourscher were involved in a single vehicle accident on NM Highway 338 near Cotton City, New Mexico.  At approximately 9:00 p.m., Agent Nevarez succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
 
Agent Tourscher was flown to a hospital in El Paso, Texas, where he died. Agent Nevarez had served with the Border Patrol for two years.

Burial Details Unknown

David J. Tourscher
Date of Birth:                      November 22, 1982
Entered on Duty:                June 26, 2006
Title:                                     Border Patrol Agent (trainee)
End of Watch:                     March 16, 2007
 
Details:
On March 15, 2007, Agents David Tourscher and Ramon Nevarez were involved in a single vehicle accident on NM Highway 338 near Cotton City, New Mexico.
 
Agent Nevarez succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Agent Tourscher was flown to a hospital in El Paso, Texas, where he died early the following morning.  Agent Tourscher had served with the Border Patrol for nine months.

Burial Details Unknown


2021

Alejandro Flores-Bañuelos
Date of Birth:                       November 4, 1985                              
Entered on Duty:                 March 5, 2009
Title:                                      Border Patrol Agent 
End of Watch:                      March 15, 2021
 
Details: 
Border Patrol Agent Alejandro Flores-Bañuelos was struck by a vehicle and killed on March 15, 2021.  Agent Flores-Bañuelos had responded to reports of a crash on state Route 86, a four-lane divided highway north of Marina, California.  The traffic accident occurred during a dust storm that caused low visibility in the area.   Flores-Bañuelos was the first to arrive on the scene and began assisting a 75-year-old woman whose vehicle had become disabled in the roadway.  A second northbound vehicle struck Agent Flores-Bañuelos who was transported to Pioneers Memorial Hospital and later succumbed to his injuries.
 
BPA Flores-Bañuelos started his CBP career on March 5, 2009 and spent his entire Border Patrol career at the Indio, California Border Patrol Station in the El Centro Sector.  Prior to joining the Border Patrol, Agent Flores-Bañuelos honorably served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps.  He was born and raised in Richgrove, California and graduated from McFarland High School in McFarland, California.  He is survived by his wife, his three children and his mother.
 
Gravesite

Good morning, 
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! 
 
The U.S. Border Patrol's Values (Part 3)

In the last two blog posts, we explored the U.S. Border Patrol's values. We began by discussing the Patrol's motto, "Honor First," its origins, and the values it might represent (remember, the Patrol has not defined its meaning). We then moved on to examine the Patrol's formal awards system, the USBP Honorary Awards, which were created in 2018. We discussed how an organization's values are codified in its awards system and how the USBP's Honorary Awards demonstrate the values that the Patrol holds in high regard.
 
In this blog we will look at the historic actions of the Patrol to extrapolate its values.  Remember, actions and inactions speak louder than words.  
 
The work I’m going to present was compiled years ago by retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joseph Banco.  I’ve said before and its worth mentioning again, I give a constant trickle of USBP history with this blog, but Joe authors incredible books full of verified and well referenced history.  His books are the authority on USBP history.  Please take the time and read more about Joe and find out how to buy his books. They are absolutely must reads for current and former USBP personnel, and anyone curious about the Patrol.
 
The following is Joe Banco’s work that I have lightly edited.  
 
U.S. Border Patrol History – Historic Deployments                                          
 
National Security

• 1941 – The U.S. Border Patrol is placed in charge of Axis Enemy Detention Camps in Fort Stanton NM, Fort Missoula MT, and Fort Lincoln ND.
• 1942 – The U.S. Border Patrol is detailed to guard enemy diplomats and their families at the Greenbrier Hotel at White Sulphur Springs, WV, the Homestead Hotel at Hot Springs, VA, and Asheville NC.
• 1942 – The U.S. Border Patrol is assigned control of additional Axis Enemy Detention Camps in Tuna Canyon CA, Sharp Park CA, Santa Fe NM, Seagoville TX and Kennedy TX.
• 1960 – U.S. Border Patrol Inspectors are deployed to the Florida Keys and participate in the transfer of food and drugs in exchange for Bay of Pigs prisoners.
• 1961, August 10 - President Kennedy announced to the nation that U.S. Border Patrol Inspectors would be assigned to protect a number of flights in order to prevent hijack attempts. Twelve hours later, our officers were riding and safeguarding commercial flights. The operation was coordinated by the Miami Sector for the entire United States. The operation ends on October 23, 1961 with 355 USBP Inspectors guarding 1,310 commercial flights.
• 1969, January 21 – U.S. Border Patrol Agents are deployed to Washington DC to support the USSS with the Presidential Inauguration.
• 1980, February – U.S. Border Patrol Agents are deployed to help provide security at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY.
• 1984, July/August – U.S. Border Patrol Agents are deployed to provide security at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, CA
• 1985 – First BORTAC foreign deployment – Operation Cadence in Guatemala
• 1990/1991 – U.S. Border Patrol Agents are deployed to various U.S. international airports on Counter-Terrorism Security Detail in support of Operation Desert Storm.
• 1996, July/August – U.S. Border Patrol Agent are deployed to provide security at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, GA.
• 2001, September/October – U.S. Border Patrol deploys 318 agents to nine U.S. international airports for security within 48 hours following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
• 2002, February – U.S. Border Patrol deploys 261 Agents to help provide security at the Winter Olympics in Sal Lake City, UT.
• 2005, January - U.S. Border Patrol Agents are deployed to Washington DC to support the USSS and Capitol Police with the Presidential Inauguration.
• 2009, January - U.S. Border Patrol Agents are deployed to Washington DC to support the USSS and Capitol Police with the Presidential Inauguration.
• 2013, January - U.S. Border Patrol Agents are deployed to Washington DC to support the USSS and Capitol Police with the Presidential Inauguration.
• 2015, September - U.S. Border Patrol Agents are deployed to Washington DC and Philadelphia PA to support the USSS in protecting Pope Francis during the papal visit to the U.S.
• 2016, July - U.S. Border Patrol Agents are Cleveland OH and Philadelphia PA to support the USSS in protecting the Republican and Democrat National Conventions.
• 2017, January - U.S. Border Patrol Agents are deployed to Washington DC to support the USSS and Capitol Police with the Presidential Inauguration.

 
Civil Disturbances

• 1961, May – 349 Patrol Inspectors are detailed to assist U.S. marshals in quelling racial disturbances at Montgomery, Alabama. Subsequently, Patrol Inspectors have assisted U.S. Marshals in riot control at Oxford, Mississippi, Selma-Montgomery, Alabama, at the Pentagon and Resurrection City in Washington, D.C
• 1961, September – 250 U.S. Border Patrol Inspectors assist U.S. Marshals in riot control at the University of Mississippi to protect the first black student during desegregation, Oxford, MS. 
• 1963 – U.S. Border Patrol Inspectors are deployed to Washington, DC to support other federal agencies during protests against the House of Representatives meeting on un-American activities and the March on Washington.
• 1973, February/March – Fifty U.S. Border Patrol Agents are deployed to assist U.S. Marshals during the Native American uprising at Wounded Knee, SD.
• 1982 – U.S. Border Patrol Agents are deployed to control inmate uprising at the Krome Detention Center in Florida.
• 1987, November – U.S. Border Patrol Agents are deployed to control inmate uprisings at the Marana Detention Facility in Arizona, Atlanta Federal Penitentiary in Georgia, and the Oakdale Detention Facility in Louisiana.
• 1992, April-May – U.S. Border Patrol Agents are deployed to provide security and quell civil disturbances after the Rodney King verdict in Los Angeles, CA.
• 1996 – U.S. Border Patrol Agent are deployed to provide security at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, GA.
• 2000, April – U.S. Border Patrol Agents are deployed to Washington DC to guard Department of Justice facilities and assist in riot control during the World Trade Organization protects.

 
Natural Disasters
U.S. Border Patrol Agents have supported security, law enforcement and humanitarian assistance efforts in the aftermath of numerous natural disaster such as:

• 1989 - U.S. Border Patrol Agents are deployed to provide security and humanitarian assistance after the San Francisco earthquake.
• 1992 – Hurricane Andrew, South Florida
• 1995 - Hurricane Marilyn, Virgin Islands
• 1998 - Hurricane Georges, Puerto Rico
• 1999 – Hurricane Bret, Laredo Texas
• 2005 – Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans Louisiana

 
Significant Border Security Operations

• 1952 – Operation Wetback
• 1957 – Operation Intrepid
• 1961 – Operation Skyward (Miami Sector)
• 1961 – Operation Seaward (Puerto Rico)
• 1961 – Operation Freeway (Civil Rights Deployments)
• 1969 - Operation Intercept/Cooperation (SW Border and Interior checkpoints)
• 1985 – Operation Snow Cap (South America)
• 1993 – Operation Blockade (El Paso)
• 1994-1995: Operation Hold The Line (El Paso)
• 1994-1996:  Operation Gatekeeper (San Diego Sector)
• 1996- Operation Spring Plan (Tucson Sector)
• 1996-1997: Operation Rio Grande (McAllen Sector)
• 1997-1999 – El Centro Initiative (El Centro Sector)
• 1997-2000: Operation Safeguard (Tucson Sector)
• 2000, April – Operation Reunion (Elian Gonzalez)
• 2001 – Operation Safe Passage (airport security)
• 2002 – Operation Northern Vigilance (US-Canada border)
• 2002 – Operation Northern Shield (US-Canada border POEs)  

That’s a lot of stuff and I’m sure we could find more.  But what do all those occurrences tell us about the Patrol’s values? 
 
I’m reminded of the definition of Esprit de Corps that was drafted for the Patrol.  When I look at all of those occurrences, I know that I was part of an organization that is rich in history, has a tradition of performing meaningful work, and a culture of making a difference.  It fills me with pride!

And it is easy to see the Patrol's values, making a difference through action.  And the Patrol has made a difference for decades.  Those differences can be generally categorized as enforcing the laws of the United States, and providing humanitarian assistance to those in need.  It is a very impressive organizational resume.  

This week starts in 1904 with a letter of recommendation from the Governor of the Territory of Arizona for Jeff Milton to be a Chinese Inspector.  In 1925, the Detroit District Director wanted Patrol Inspectors to be ​designated as special agents of the Prohibition Department.  There were gunfights in El Paso, and much more!

We remember Adam Ruiz on his Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary.

​We remember four of our fallen on the anniversary of their deaths.

​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.

1904

• On March 9, 1904, the Governor of Arizona wrote a letter of recommendation for Jeff Milton (1861-1947) to be a Chinese Immigrant Inspector.  The letter gives a brief outline of Milton’s various jobs.
  • As per documents that supported Jeff Milton's retirement in 1932, he was neither a Border Patrol Inspector nor a member of the Border Patrol.  He was a well-known law enforcement officer in the El Paso District, which encompasses modern day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sectors.  It is thought that the leaders of the newly formed Border Patrol used Jeff Milton's rugged independence as an example for new inspectors to follow.  This led to him mistakenly being considered the first Border Patrol Inspector.?

1925

• On March 11, 1925, the Detroit District Director wrote a memo requesting that Border Patrol Inspectors be “designated special agents of the Prohibition Department”.  Interesting in this memo:
  • Three “Patrol Inspectors in Charge” are mentioned.  That title would be changed to “Chief Patrol Inspector” with the implementation of General Order 61 in 1926.
    • Walter R. Brooks (1880-1954)
    • Ruel E. Davenport (1878-1961)
    • George T. Montague - I could not locate the gravesite of George T. Montague.  However, I did find newspaper articles that showed he was transferred to Baltimore as an Immigrant Inspector in 1927.  He resigned from the Immigration Service approximately two months after that transfer.  In 1929, he was detained and subsequently release for suspicion of bootlegging while he was assigned to Detroit.  Although, I could locate other people with the same name, I could not confirm any of them were this George T. Montague.
  • Also with the implementation of General Order 61, Ruel Davenport, would become one of the first two Chiefs of the Border Patrol.  
  • On March 29, 1926, about a year after this memo, General Order 63 would be implemented giving Border Patrol Inspectors and Immigrant Inspectors clear authority to enforce laws other than immigration laws.

1928

• This document describes a March 7, 1928, gunfight that occurred between Border Patrol Inspectors and alcohol smugglers in San Elizardio, Texas.  Interestingly, Border Patrol Inspector Bogel, who wrote the initial report stated that no smugglers were shot/injured while failing to mention that he had suffered a grazing bullet wound to his face.​  Patrol Inspectors involved in the shooting:
  • Patrol Inspector Galitzen N. Bogel (1886-1973)
  • Patrol Inspector Henry W. Busch
• ​On March 5, 1928, H.R. 11755 was introduced which would have had the USBP be a separate agency under the Department of Labor.

1929

• On March 11, 1929, while investigating suspicious activity on Cordova Island, August Steinburn (1893-1952) and Francis Albert Scott (1903-1979) were ambushed and fired upon by Mexican rebel arms and ammunition smugglers protecting a load of ammunition they were crossing into Mexico.329 Even though wounded, Steinburn and Scott returned fire and were able to seek cover until reinforcements could arrive. Both Patrol Inspectors were hospitalized and made full recoveries from their wounds.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco

1931

• On March 11, 1931, a letter requesting information about wearing military and state decorations was written.  This letter is the earliest document concerning the wearing of awards of which I am aware.  However, there are photos of early Border Patrol Inspectors wearing awards as is in this photo (white shirts were first authorized under the jacket in 1928 as per the amendments to General Order 42).
  • USBP Honorary Awards are authorized for wear.  Unfortunately, the majority of leaders do not support the USBP’s formal recognition system by wearing their awards. 

​
1935

• On March 7, 1935, Border Patrol Inspector Charles Askins, Jr. (1907-1999) wrote a memo concerning a national rifle and pistol shooting competition that occurred every August or September at Camp Perry, Ohio.  He further wrote about his progress at developing a course of fire for Border Patrol Inspectors and a handbook, Manual of the Pistol.
  • On a related note, the Border Patrol would form a team and compete at Camp Perry later that year.  "…in its first appearance in the National Pistol Match finished fourth with a score only three points below the three teams tied for first place."  See this document (pg 6).  See the HonorFirst USBP History page for more information on the beginnings of the USBP Pistol Team.

1937

• With "...the issuance of Border Patrol Circular No. 8, issued by Deputy Commissioner Irving F. Wixon (1884-1962) on March 10, 1937, all Senior Patrol Inspectors and Patrol Inspectors were designated as Immigration Inspectors."
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco

1949

• By the late 1940, discussions of moving the USBP Training School (Academy) away from the Camp Chigas location were occurring. This March 7, 1949 document discusses moving the USBP Training School to Santa Fe, New Mexico.  
  • The document mentions that the USBP Training School’s director, Harlon Carter, helped design the buildings.  By this time, Carter would have been in the USBP only 13 years (since 1936) and had already been the Chief Patrol Inspector of the New Orleans Sub-district (1942-1944).  He would later become the 8th Chief of the Border Patrol (1950-1957), and the first “Chief” to have graduated from the “Academy”.
  • It should be noted, 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.  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.

1995

• On March 10, 1995, the House Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims, Committee on the Judiciary, held a hearing on border security and more specifically, to address Operation Blockade/Operation Hold the Line in El Paso Sector andOperation Gatekeeper in California. Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX) was the chairman and in his opening remarks, he took the opportunity to acknowledge Chief Reyes and how his vision changed the border enforcement strategy of the INS and drove the drafting of the National Border Patrol Strategy.​
  • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco

1998

• With the success of Operation Rio Grande in the Brownsville area, INS Commissioner Meissner had a press conference on March 10, 1998, with Senator Kay Baily Hutchison (R-TX) in Washington, DC to announce the continuation of the initiative, expansion into McAllen and Laredo, as well as additional manpower,​
  • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco

2003

• ...the U.S. Border Patrol Flag was the first and only organizational flag officially transferred to the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection upon its standup in March 2003. This was during a ceremony with Chief De La Vina, BCBP Commissioner Bonner, and BICE Director Garcia on March 5, 2003.​
  • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco

2008

Adam R. Ruiz
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
Rio Grande Valley Sector
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Adam R. Ruiz was recognized for demonstrating unusual courage during an extremely dangerous and stressful situation. On March 11, 2008, while performing his assigned duties on U.S. Highway 281 near San Manuel, Texas, Agent Ruiz encountered a vehicle traveling northbound he suspected of being involved in human trafficking. After initiating a vehicle stop, he observed the vehicle pull over on the shoulder and into the grass off the highway. The driver absconded and the vehicle continued to travel forward and back onto the highway.
 
While taking immediate action to prevent the vehicle from rolling into the oncoming traffic, Agent Ruiz discovered the brakes were not functioning and maneuvered the vehicle off the northbound lanes, avoiding a major collision with other traffic including a semi-tractor trailer. After finally bringing the vehicle to a stop, he discovered that there were 10 undocumented aliens in the vehicle. With the assistance of Rio Grande Valley CBP air assets, the driver was located.

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.

1933

Philip D. Strobridge
Date of Birth:                      December 28, 1904
Entered on Duty:                October 1, 1930
Title:                                     Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                     March 7, 1933

Details:
In the early morning hours of March 2, 1933, Patrol Inspectors Philip D. Strobridge and Harold W. Brown were injured when the government automobile in which they were riding left the highway in a fog near Fallbrook, California. The officers, accompanied by Senior Patrol Inspector Irvin J. Curtis of Elsinore, California, had been detailed to Los Angeles to appear before a Federal Grand Jury and to work information relative to smuggling in aircraft.
 
The three officers left Los Angeles at approximately 11:00 p.m., enroute to Elsinore and then on to Chula Vista. They encountered heavy fog, which hampered the driver's vision and prompted very slow driving. Near Puente, they came upon an accident on the highway in which several persons had been severely injured. The Patrol Inspectors spent about 45 minutes at the scene of the wreck directing traffic to keep the road clear and to prevent further accidents.They were relieved on arrival of Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriffs and resumed their return trip to Elsinore where Inspector Curtis lived.

Reports of the accident revealed the government automobile left the highway on an "S" turn and crashed into a concrete abutment. Patrol Inspector Strobridge suffered a frontal fracture of the skull. He was transported to the U.S. Naval Hospital, San Diego, where he passed away at 1:35 p.m. on March 7, 1933.​

​Gravesite


1947

Anthony L. Oneto
Date of Birth:                       December 29, 1916
Entered on Duty:                 October 24, 1940
Title:                                      Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                      March 11, 1947

Details:
On March 11, 1947, while conducting routine traffic checks near Indio, California, Patrol Inspectors Anthony L. Oneto and John L. Fouquette arrested Carlos Ochoa Romero in the act of hauling four smuggled aliens. The aliens were placed in the back seat of the government car and Ochoa was instructed to drive his car to the Border Patrol Office. After a short time, Ochoa stopped his car, which was being followed by the government car, walked back, said something about his car stalling, pulled a.32 caliber pistol from his pocket, and began firing at the officers. Inspector Oneto was struck four times in the head and died instantly. Patrol Inspector Fouquette was wounded but returned the fire, wounding Ochoa, who escaped in the darkness. In spite of this activity, Inspector Fouquette was able to retain custody of the smuggled aliens until help arrived.

Gravesite


1983

Victor C. Ochoa
Date of Birth:                   March 16, 1947
Entered on Duty:             June 17, 1978
Title:                                  Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                  March 11, 1983
 
Details:
On March 11, 1983, Victor E. Ochoa, a U.S. Border Patrol Agent stationed in the Tucson Sector, Casa Grande Station, was involved in a fatal traffic accident when the van in which he was transporting prisoners collided with a dump truck at the intersection of Ralston and Papago Roads about 22 miles southwest of Maricopa in Pinal County. The accident occurred at approximately 10:45 a.m. He was transported by helicopter to St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, where he died of multiple head injuries sustained in the accident.

​Gravesite


1997

Miguel J. Maldonado
Date of Birth:                    September 29, 1952
Entered on Duty:              May 12, 1980
Title:                                   Senior Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                   March 10, 1997
 
Details:
At approximately 11:24 a.m., Senior Patrol Agent Miguel Maldonado of the Port Isabel Station was performing sensor response patrol duties alone in a Service vehicle, traveling on Alton Gloor Road in Brownsville, Texas. An eyewitness stated that Agent Maldonado’s vehicle turned left across the centerline of the road, sliding across the roadway and into the ditch adjacent to the road. It then struck an earthen berm with its passenger side tires and rolled over one complete turn, landing on its wheels. At the time of the accident, Agent Maldonado was driving in an emergency response mode with his vehicle’s emergency lights and siren activated.
 
Supervisory Patrol Agent Herbert J. Monette of the Brownsville Station was notified of the accident and arrived at the scene soon afterward as EMS personnel were trying to save Agent Maldonado. They then decided to transport Agent Maldonado to Brownsville Medical Center, where emergency room personnel also tried to save him. But about 12:15 p.m., Agent Monette was informed that Agent Maldonado had died from wounds sustained in the accident. The likely cause of the accident was the wet condition of the roadway.
 
Agent Maldonado began his Border Patrol career with the Laredo Sector. He was reassigned in August 1988 as Senior Border Patrol Agent at the Port Isabel Station under the McAllen Sector, the position he held at the time of his death.

​Gravesite