This Week in USBP History

ThisWeek In USBP History, 04/24-04/30

4/24/2022

HOUSE KEEPING
This is the section where I correct the mistakes from the last blog.
I found two mistakes from last week's blog.

I forgot to include a link to the memo in the 1970 post:
- On April 20, 1970, Chief of the Border Patrol Donald R. Coppock (photo) wrote a memo related to the change in title from Border Patrol Inspectors to Border Patrol Agents that occurred that year.
To my great embarrassment, I missed including the line of duty death anniversary of Jose D. Barraza. Please see below.

2016
Jose D. Barraza
Date of Birth April 13, 1987
Entered on Duty: August 8, 2008
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: April 18, 2016

Details:
On April 18, 2016, Border Patrol Agent Canine Handler Jose D. Barraza was killed in the line of duty in a two-vehicle accident near Sierra Blanca, Texas.
Agent Barraza entered on duty on August 8, 2008, as a member of U.S. Border Patrol Academy Class 800. He was assigned to the Sierra Blanca Station.
Agent Barraza was 29 years old and is survived by his wife, two children and his mother.

ESPRIT DE CORPS
The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.

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

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

DOCUMENTS/EVENTS

1918

On April 29, 1918, after numerous discussions with the Commissioner-General, Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) submitted a 9-page "Proposal to Establish an Immigration Service on the Land Boundaries." This was his first proposal which recommended that a force of 1,608 men would be necessary to patrol the border. The plan suggested patrolmen should be paid between $900 to $1,500 per year dependent upon whether the government provided a horse and equipment. As the Supervising Inspector of the Mexican Border, his plan did not include staffing estimates for the Northern Border. In addition, no records have been located to indicate a similar Supervising Inspector existed for the Canadian Border.
On April 30, 1918, after having received Berkshire's Proposal to Establish an Immigration Service on the Land Boundaries a day earlier, the Commissioner-General wrote a 5-page letter to the Secretary of the Department of Labor. The letter was to provide the Secretary information should he wish to bring the matter before the cabinet meeting that was scheduled to occur that day. Further, and absent from Berkshire's proposal, the Commissioner-General provided that this initiative may be appropriate in dealing with the threat of German activity originating from Mexico:
- ...Since the United States entered the war, although every government agency has cooperated and worked the best of its ability, it has been impossible adequately to control the passage of persons back and forth across the Mexican boundary. That information of military value has constantly been carried into Mexico and that the various laws having in view the protection of the United States against the machinations of the enemy have been extensively and repeatedly violated in that quarter has been demonstrated in many ways...

1924

On April 30, 1924, the Action Commissioner-General sent a memo to the 11 immigration districts that were adjacent to the borders of the United States. The memo indicated that funding was expected to be approved in the amount "...to effectively put a stop to all smuggling operations along the land boundaries..." The memo instructed to the district heads to respond by telegram with the number of "guards or patrolmen" each district wished to receive. They were instructed to follow the telegram with a written, more detailed response. The memo also contains the telegram responses.
- When I was conducting research at the National Archives, I assumed that there must have been a plan in existence to implement once funding was received to create the USBP. The memo above and the corresponding telegrams clearly demonstrate that no such plan existed a mere three weeks before funding would be received.
- Interestingly, once created and until 1941, the Border Patrol had more inspectors assigned to the northern border than to the southern border. This occurred even though the southern border had requested staffing levels three times greater than that of the northern border. some my say that a greater number of inspectors were placed on the northern border in response to the ratification of the 18th Amendment and the passage of the Volstead Act, Prohibition. Further, many sources cite that the Border Patrol was created in response to Prohibition. However, no official Immigration Service documents have been discovered in the National Archives that support that popular claim.

1927

On April 26, 1927, Acting Commissioner-General George Harris (1876-1941) wrote a memo concerning a change to the uniform of Border Patrol Inspectors and Immigrant Inspectors.
- The USBP's original uniform policy, General Order 42 (December 11, 1924), specified sleeves, "To be fitted with blue cloth cuff, pointed in center, 4" on each side and 6" on point", similar to Harris' memo. However, Harris' memo added blue shoulder straps.
- It should be noted that George Harris was one of two people appointed to be Supervisor, Border Patrol (Chief of the Border Patrol), in 1926 when General Order 61 (GO61) was implemented. Harris worked in the City of El Paso. Ruel Davenport was the other Chief of the Border Patrol and worked in the City of Detroit.

1928

On April 25, 1928, Assistant Superintendent Antonio Bonazzi (1890-1950) wrote a report to the Commissioner of Immigration for Montreal District (Patrol District #1) concerning sub-district #1. Sub-district #, modern day Houlton Sector, contained stations in Calais, Vanceboro, and Houlton. The report also proposed a substation at Van Buren, Maine. This document from December 12, 1929 shows that the Montreal District was comprised of the following sub-districts; Houlton, Rouses Point, Newport, and Messena.
- The position of Assistant Superintendent was created by GO61 in 1926 and was the highest uniformed rank in the USBP. There was one Assistant Superintendent assigned per district. They were the immediate supervisors of Chief Patrol Inspectors.
- The nomenclature of the time may be confusing. The Border Patrol was created in 1924 under the Department of Labor, becoming part of the Bureau of Immigration. Under the Bureau was the Immigration Service which was decentralized and divided the United States into 35 immigration districts. Many districts were divided into sub-districts. In 1924, eleven districts and their 32 sub-districts were located along the international boundaries and received new Border Patrol employees. A district located along the border was also known as a "Patrol District". Throughout the decades, the sub-districts would evolve to become the modern day Sectors. Therefore, the USBP began not with two but with 32 "Sectors."

1930

On April 24, 1930, El Paso District Director Grover Wilmoth (1884-1951) wrote an 11-page memo in response to the Commissioner-General's request to provide his opinion concerning H.R. 11204 Border Patrol Act, 1930.
- H.R. 11204 would have expanded the U.S. Coast Guard by creating a border patrol within it, including enlisted personnel, warrant officers and 60 commissioned officers to lead it. Once created, the President was authorized to discontinue the Customs Border Patrol and the Immigration Border Patrol. Therefore, this proposed USCG border patrol was not going to absorb the other patrols, but was to take their place.
- Wilmoth never writes that he was against H.R. 11204. However, it is clear that he did not support it.
- Wilmoth provided a detailed description of the the sub-districts that comprised the El Paso District, which correspond to modern-day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sectors.
- Additionally, on page 7, Wilmoth indicates that some form official training was being conducted in the El Paso District in 1930 by stating:
  - Classes of instruction are held for the discussion of various questions arising under the several subjects enumerated...

1931

On April 29, 1931, Chief Patrol Inspector Herbert Horsley (1878-1962) of the El Paso Sub-district wrote a report to the District Director of the El Paso District concerning a gunfight in which three Border Patrol Inspectors had been involved on the night of April 24, 1931. The inspectors had intercepted three alcohol smugglers, one of which opened fire on the inspectors. All inspectors returned fire and the smugglers fled to Mexico. Shortly thereafter, the inspectors receive rifle fire from Mexico. All three inspectors returned fire. No injuries were reported in the exchange of gunfire.

1932

On April 25, 1932, the Commissioner-General issued a memo concerning the position of Assistant Superintendents. This memo was most likely related to the short-lived two border district initiative.
- In 1932 GO61 was superseded with two other General Orders which created the two Border Districts and the title of the position of Supervisor of the Border Patrol was changed to Director, Border Patrol:
  - General Order 183 - which created the Director of the Border Patrol for the Mexican Border, Gulf and Florida immigration districts. The district was headquartered in El Paso and George Harris came back to be the "Chief" for a nonconsecutive term.
  - General Order 184 - which created the Director of the Canadian Border District. The district was headquartered in Detroit and Frank Berkshire, the Father of the Border Patrol, became the third person to be "Chief" of the Border Patrol.
  - The two border district approach was very short-lived, beginning in 1932 and ending in 1933 when GO183 and GO184 were superseded with General Order 203 which reinstated GO61 effective June 1, 1933.

1934

On April 26, 1934, a memo was written to the Commissioner-General recommending a change in the USBP uniform, discontinuing riding breeches for pants.
- For the Border Patrol's first decade, riding breaches were the pants of the uniform. That started to change in 1934 when regular pants received authorization. See this 1934 document written by the Chief Patrol Inspector of the Tucson Sub-district. It also includes the earliest photo of which I am aware of a "rough duty" uniform. By the August of 1934, Inspectors on the southwest border would be authorized to wear pants instead of riding breaches (at their own cost).

1952

On April 24, 1952, Chief of the border Patrol Harlon Carter (1913-1991) wrote a memo defining the uniform for the Border Patrol Pistol Team. Two other interesting items in the memo:
- The "4930 Deal Drive" appears to be a location in Oxen Hill, MD, not in Washington DC.
- The bottom of the memo has 9 names which appear to identify the members of the team.

1955

On April 29, 1955, Paul Kester "Bing" Crosby (1910-1965), wrote a paper concerning the USBP recruiting efforts covering March 1953 - December 1954. During that time frame, 43,809 applications were received and only 467 trainees entered on duty (1.065%).

1999

On April 26, 1999, the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry finalized the spec sheets for the design of the U.S. Border Patrol Honor Guard Device.

NEWTON-AZRAK AWARD ACTION ANNIVERSARIES

Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.

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

2015
Fernando Galvan, Jr. - photo
Border Patrol Agent
Edinburg, TX
Arturo Gutierrez - photo
Border Patrol Agent
Edinburg, TX
On April 29, 2015, while patrolling the Rio Grande River near La Paloma, Texas, Border Patrol Agents Fernando Galvan and Arturo Gutierrez received a report of drug smugglers in a minivan moving a large load of narcotics north from the Mexico-United States border.

Gutierrez discovered the minivan at a nearby intersection where it was off the road and wrecked. When the agents approached the scene they observed flames coming from under the vehicle. The agents removed one unresponsive adult male from the wreck and called for emergency medical services and local law enforcement for support. While Galvan and Gutierrez tried to extinguish the fire, now beginning to engulf the minivan, they discovered an unresponsive man inside the smoke-filled van.

Unable to put out the fire, they recognized the person inside the minivan was in imminent danger. Galvan and Gutierrez quickly entered the flaming vehicle, and removed the crash victim just in time. Once the agents pulled the man from the minivan, the front end of the vehicle became completely engulfed in flames. They placed both subjects a safe distance from the burning vehicle who ultimately survived.
2021

Kent L. Carroll
Border Patrol Agent
San Diego, CA
In the early morning hours of April 26, 2020, Border Patrol Agent Kent Carroll was in a carpool travelling on Interstate 15 with two other agents when they witnessed a major two vehicle accident. One car had struck a guardrail and erupted into flames. Without hesitation, the agents jumped into action. Agent Carroll and a third agent jumped over the center divider and ran across the interstate. Agent Carroll utilized his emergency medical technician skills and checked on the driver of one car to evaluate potential injuries. The third agent was at the second vehicle which was completely engulfed in flames. Beyond the call of duty and facing grave danger, Agent Carroll approached the vehicle to assist as one of the victims attempted to escape the inferno. As the victim began to collapse, Agent Carroll and a third agent caught him and assisted him to safety. Agent Carroll’s actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol.

Francisco F. Gonzales
Border Patrol Agent
San Diego, CA
In the early morning hours of April 26, 2020, Border Patrol Agent Francisco Gonzales was in a carpool travelling on Interstate 15 with two other agents when they witnessed a major vehicle accident. One car had struck a guardrail and erupted into flames. Without hesitation, the agents jumped into action. Agent Gonzales instructed another agent to call 911. Agent Gonzales and a third agent then jumped over the center divider and ran across the interstate to the flaming vehicle. Agent Gonzales saw that the driver and passenger were on fire. Beyond the call of duty and facing grave danger, Agent Gonzales approached the vehicle and opened the door. The sudden burst of heat forced Agent Gonzales back but allowed one of the victims to escape the inferno. As the victim began to collapse, Agent Gonzales and a third agent caught him and assisted him to safety. Agent Gonzales’ actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol.

USBP FALLEN

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

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

The names that appear below hold a place of honor. They have made the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to fulfill the oath each officer took to protect and defend the United States of America.
The facts regarding each officer are presented without major editing of the "language of the day" found in the reports detailing the circumstances of each event. This is done to provide the reader an association with historical timeframes.
Employees who died in the line of duty due to being exposed to deadly illnesses will not have the cause of death listed.
*With the exception of two of the fallen immediately below, all names are listed (or in the process of being included) on the official Honor Roll of U.S. Border Patrol Fallen and inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The U.S. Border Patrol should fix these discrepancies. HonorFirst.com honors both of the fallen.

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

There are no line of duty death anniversaries for the week.

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This Week in USBP History, 04/17-04/23

4/17/2022

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ESPRIT DE CORPS

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

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

DOCUMENTS/EVENTS

1918

On April 18, 1918, the Commissioner-General wrote a response to future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire. The Commissioner-General's response referenced a suggestion that Berkshire had made to establish a "border patrol". The Commissioner-General stated that high level discussions identified that such a force could be created as a new branch of the military or as part of the Immigration Service.

1956

On April 18, 1956, Senate Bill S. 3656 was introduced, "To provide for the acquisition of sites and the construction of buildings for a training school and for sector headquarters for the immigration border patrol, and for other purposes."

1970

On April 20, 1970, Chief of the Border Patrol Donald R. Coppock wrote a memo related to the change in title from Border Patrol Inspectors to Border Patrol Agents that occurred that year. Both titles are used in the memo.
- It should be noted that Coppock's title in the memo is Deputy Associate Commissioner, Domestic Control. In that position, he was compensated at the GS-17 level (before the Senior Executive Service was created). He was promoted from the GS-16, Assistant Commissioner, Enforcement to that position on August 25, 1968. Absent other evidence, both positions are considered to be Chief of the Border Patrol.
- Donald R. Coppock is the longest serving Chief of the Border Patrol, holding the position 1960-1973.

2020

On April 18, 2020, Chief Scott signed a memo (that I authored), concerning devices authorized for wear on the Border Patrol uniform. The memo created two classes of devices: Qualification Devices and Specialty Devices. See the memo and the USBP Authorized Devices link for more information
In April 2020, Chief of the Border Patrol Raul Ortiz, by way of verbal order and contrary to established procedures, blocked the worthy USBP Honorary Award nominations for 370 USBP employees. 50 of those 370 employees had been nominated for acts of heroism/valor. Two of the 50 heroism nominations had been recommended to receive Newton-Azrak Awards by a seasoned awards panel comprised of headquarters personnel. Unfortunately, until that decision is reversed, all of those employees' names will not be known, their actions will be forgotten and, they will be forever be unrecognized by the USBP. See this page for more information.
- It is my hope that this decision will be reversed, taking an important and easy step of valuing the workforce by following the comprehensive guidance governing the USBP Honorary Awards. Not only by recognizing those 370 employees, but each employee whose actions cross the threshold of the award criteria.

NEWTON-AZRAK AWARD ACTION ANNIVERSARIES

Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.

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

1992
Johnny Magdaleno
Border Patrol Agent
Yuma Sector
Brendan Manley
Border Patrol Agent
Yuma Sector
Armando Ornelas
Border Patrol Agent
Yuma Sector
Robert Pittenridge
Border Patrol Agent
Yuma Sector
On April 23, 1992, Border Patrol Agents Magdaleno, Ornelas, Pittenridge, and Manley rescued four youths who were trapped in a vehicle that had crashed and become engulfed in flames.

Agents Magdaleno and Ornelas commenced pursuit of a vehicle that ran the traffic checkpoint. The pursuit came to an abrupt end when the driver attempted to exit at an off-ramp, crashed through the guardrail, became airborne off the embankments, and crashed to the desert floor. Upon arrival at the scene, the two Agents observed the engine on fire and the youths in a heap in the back seat, injured and trapped, crying for help. They called for an ambulance, ran to the vehicle, and began attempting to extricate them. The impact of the crash had jammed the doors shut and they were locked into position. The fire was rapidly spreading to the interior of the vehicle. Agent Ornelas physically tore the left front door from the vehicle, thereby exposing the passenger compartment. Two persons were quickly removed and carried a short distance to safety.

When Agent Pittenridge arrived on the scene, he immediately ran to the vehicle to assist in the extrication of the remaining occupants, ignoring the flames that had now engulfed the entire front end of the vehicle.

Agent Manley now arrived at the scene, assessed the situation, radioed for an ambulance and fire truck, grabbed his fire extinguisher, and ran to the vehicle. One more passenger had been removed to safety. Two agents were in the vehicle attempting to remove the fourth passenger and the other agent was reaching into the vehicle trying to undo the tangled seat belts. At this point, the flames were extremely close to the remaining occupant and the three agents. Agent Manley attempted to extinguish the fire and was successful in temporarily beating back the flames as the agents feverishly worked at removing the fourth victim.

After the successful extrication of the victims, the agents removed the victims from the close proximity of the now totally engulfed vehicle and administered first aid until rescue personnel arrived. Without the actions of all four agents, the successful rescue of the youths would not have been accomplished.

2000

Walter M. Davenport
Senior Patrol Agent
Border Patrol Tactical Unit
James D. Goldman - Award Statuette
Assistant District Director of Investigations
Miami District Office
Jonathan P. Miller
Senior Patrol Agent
Border Patrol Tactical Unit
Ruben Miranda
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
Border Patrol Tactical Unit
Charles L. Sachs
Senior Patrol Agent
Border Patrol Tactical Unit
Mickey A. Valdez
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
Border Patrol Tactical Unit
Casey S. Wilson
Immigration Agent (Enforcement)
Miami, Florida
James L. Wolynetz Jr.
Immigration Agent (Enforcement)
Miami, Florida
Betty A. Mills
Special Agent
Miami, Florida
Steven J. Pastor
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
Border Patrol Tactical Unit
Charles C. Whitmire
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
Border Patrol Tactical Unit
Eleven Immigration and Naturalization Service employees were recognized for his involvement in Operation Reunion, the enforcement response that INS/Border Patrol conducted to safely recover Elian Gonzalez and reunite him with his father conducted on April 22, 2000.

USBP FALLEN

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

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

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

1926
William W. McKee
Date of Birth: July 3, 1886
Entered on Duty: February 27, 1926
Title: Patrol Inspector
End of Watch: April 23, 1926
Details:
On April 23, 1926, information was received that a liquor pack train had left Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, for the United States and on that date would be at or near the Alhambre Ranch about 40 miles southwest of Tucson, Arizona. Near the ranch, officers of the Border Patrol saw such a pack train, and in an attempt to capture it, Patrol Inspector McKee was shot and killed at the wheel of a patrol car. The smugglers fired from ambush while being pursued by Inspector McKee. The smuggler responsible for killing Inspector McKee was later convicted of first-degree murder.

Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $49 per month.

1927
Thad Pippin
Date of Birth: October 16, 1889
Entered on Duty: May 17, 1926
Title: Patrol Inspector
End of Watch: April 21, 1927
Details:
Patrol Inspector Thad Pippin, El Paso, Texas, met his death in the mountains near Pelea, New Mexico, on the night of April 21, 1927, during the course of a gunfight in which he and a brother officer were engaged with smugglers. Patrol Inspector Crossett, who was with him, was wounded four times.

On information that contraband was being smuggled into the United States, a number of Patrol Inspectors, including Inspector Pippin, went to Pelea, New Mexico. Just before dark, they discovered a pack train approaching along a trail at some distance. The officers divided into two teams and guarded their respective trails until after dark, when they heard rapid shooting. Officers arrived and found Officer Crossett shot four times and in urgent need of medical attention. Officer Pippin was located and had fallen down an embankment after having been shot and killed. Nineteen gallons of liquor and two burros were seized at the time but none of the smuggling party was apprehended.

1978
Jose P. Gamez, Jr.
Date of Birth: January 3, 1947
Entered on Duty: October 4, 1976
Title: Patrol Agent
End of Watch: April 21, 1978

Details:
Patrol Agent Jose P. Gamez, Jr. was working 4:00 p.m. to 12 midnight in the area of an isolated check gate on the Maverick County Irrigation Canal in the Quemado Valley, 25 miles north of Eagle Pass, Texas.

Patrol Agent Frank J. Lugo, with whom Gamez was working, reported him missing late on April 21, 1978. According to Agent Lugo, he had become separated from Gamez while they were attempting to apprehend four or five undocumented aliens.

Agent Gamez's body was recovered from the canal the next morning and it was presumed he had fallen into the canal and drowned. A few days later, the Bexar County Medical Examiner's report revealed Agent Gamez had been choked, probably with a board, and dragged to the canal by an unknown assailant or assailants. He was dead when he was thrown into the water.

1995
*Joe R. White
Date of Birth: November 19, 1954
Entered on Duty: July 5, 1988
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: April 18, 1995

Details:
On April 18, 1995, Laredo North Border Patrol Agent Joe R. White passed away early in the morning after suffering an apparent heart attack while on duty at the IH-35 checkpoint. Agent White was transported to Doctors Hospital by ambulance, but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Agent White was a 7-year veteran of the U.S. Border Patrol and a graduate of the 223rd Border Patrol Academy class. He was a canine handler assigned K-9 Brutus. Prior to Brutus, Agent White was the handler for Benno, who was one of the original K-9 assigned to the Laredo Sector.

During his 3 1/2 year tenure as a canine handler, Agent White made 155 narcotic seizures worth $8,836,512, seized $126,800 in U.S. currency, and located 1,701 undocumented aliens.
* His name is not inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial

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This Week in USBP History, 04/10-04/16

4/10/2022

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ESPRIT DE CORPS
The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.

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

Esprit de corps is reinforced through the shared goals, mission and values of the organization and its employees.

The definition turns Esprit de Corps into a simple formula and defines parts that comprise organizational pride and employee morale.

Esprit de Corps = Organizational Pride + Employee Morale

Esprit de Corps is the key to a healthy organization and engaged employees.

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

USBP History
1918

On April 11, 1918, the Commissioner-General wrote a letter to the Chief of Military Intelligence in Washington D.C. The referenced document was written on February 5, 1918, by Father and future Chief of the Border Patrol, Frank Berkshire and provides a 10-page summary of the status of the border.

1922

On April 13, 1922, Frank Berkshire wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning the suggestion of merging aspects of the Customs Service with the Immigration Service. Berkshire divided his answer into two parts, administrative and patrolling functions. Berkshire did not support merging customs and immigration inspection functions (which would occur in 2003 under CBP/OFO). However, he did support merging all federal border patrol functions under one organization.

1926

On April 12, 1926, Thomas A. Robinson received a letter of inquiry to ascertain if he would accept a probational appointment as a Patrol Inspector in the Jacksonville District. Although Mr. Robinson indicated he would accept the position, there are no records that would support him ever having become a Border Patrol Inspector.

1931

The document in this file describes a brief gunfight that occurred on April 10, 1931 involving Patrol Inspector Charles Askins, two other Patrol Inspectors and shooters believed to have been Mexican Fiscal Officers. The shooting occurred immediately after the Patrol Inspectors intercepted alcohol smugglers at the river bank in El Paso, TX.

1935

On April 11, 1935, former Chief of the Border Patrol Ruel Davenport wrote a response to the current Chief of the Border Patrol Willard Kelly concerning training newly appointed Patrol Inspectors.
- This response is believed to have been related to a December 22, 1934 memo that Chief Kelly had sent to all of the border districts (except for the El Paso District). The memo shared the El Paso District training plan, requested all other districts to explain how they trained new inspectors and invited them to give suggestions and comments.
On April 11, 1935, District Director Landis of the Montreal District (District #1), sent a telegram to INS headquarters in relations to a visit by Chief of the Border Patrol Willard Kelly. The telegram pertained to the state of the facilities in the district which includes modern day Houlton, Swanton and Buffalo Sectors.
On April 11, 1935, in what would prove to lead to the birth of the USBP Pistol Team, the Tampa Sub-district issued a nationwide shooting challenge to all USBP sub-districts, “We will shoot any course of fire at any distance.” See “How did the USBP Pistol Team begin?” in the HonorFirst History page for the full story and to find out how Tamp placed after issuing the challenge.

1937

On April 13, 1937, Newport District Director Landis sent the Commissioner of the INS a report of all the Colt and Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolvers in their inventory. This was in response to the USBP transitioning to the Colt New Service Model .38 caliber revolver. Interestingly, it is mentioned that Patrol Inspector Charles Askins visited the district in the memo.

1942

On April 10, 1942, the Assistant Chief Supervisor of the Border Patrol wrote a letter, forwarding a request for 20 guard badges to be furnished to the Oak Grove Inn in Asheville, NC. This letter is noteworthy for several reasons:
- It shows that the INS was headquartered in Philadelphia at the time.
- It contains one of the earliest uses of the title “Assistant Chief Supervisor of the Border Patrol” which is believed to have evolved into the modern, “Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol”.
- It shows an early connection between the USBP and the internment of Axis diplomats. The Oak Grove Inn was one of the first places that foreign diplomates from enemy countries were interned.

NEWTON-AZRAK AWARD ACTION ANNIVERSARIES

(Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First)

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

There are no known Newton-Azrak Award anniversaries for the week. However, please see the 1981 recipients for the Newton-Azrak Award. No dates are given for any of their actions. Five of the 26 non-USBP Newton-Azrak Award recipients were from 1981.

George Fernandez Jr.
Border Patrol Agent
San Diego Sector
Border Patrol Agent George Fernandez Jr. was recognized for his courage in jumping into the driver’s seat of a run-away van in time to steer it out of the path of an oncoming truck. As a result, five persons, including two children, were saved from death or certain injury.

John Gallo
Interpreter
New York, New York
John B. Knowles
Investigator
New York, New York
Joseph Occhipinti
Investigator
New York, New York
Reginald D. Ricks
Investigator
New York, New York
Interpreter John Gallo, Investigator John B. Knowles, Investigator Joseph Occhipinti and Investigator Reginald D. Ricks were recognized for their participation in several highly complex and dangerous undercover bribery-corruption investigations resulting in some of the most noteworthy arrests and convictions in the history of the INS.

Edwin Rodriguez
Criminal Investigator
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Investigator Edwin Rodriguez was recognized for aiding local police by capturing an assailant who had mortally wounded a police officer.

USBP FALLEN

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

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

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

1919
Clarence M. Childress
Date of Birth:                     January 21, 1877
Entered on Duty:                February 16, 1918
Title:                                   Mounted Watchman
End of Watch:                    April 16, 1919
Details:
At 3:00 a.m. on April 13, 1919, Mounted Watchman Clarence M. Childress and his partner, Mounted Watchman Leroy D. Straw, were on duty near Monument 9, known as “The Island,” near El Paso, Texas. The officers observed a man come near the line on the Mexican side. A few seconds later, three men ran from the United States side into Mexico and joined the man waiting there. The group then moved several hundred feet into Mexico. A few minutes later, seven men came to the line, which at that point was marked by a barbed wire fence. Two of the seven men held it down with their feet while the other five crossed to the American side with sacks on their backs. The officers made a challenging run at the smugglers and the two who had remained on the line immediately opened fire while the other five dropped the sacks they were carrying and ran toward Mexico. The officers returned fire and all seven of the smugglers ran further into Mexico, disappearing over the mesa. While the officers were pursuing the smugglers, Childress said, “I am hit and going to telephone.” Officer Straw proceeded to the point where the smugglers had abandoned their contraband where he remained, expecting Childress to return.
When Childress failed to return, Mounted Watchman Straw became concerned and proceeded to a house where a telephone was available. There he learned that Childress had been seriously wounded and was being cared for pending the arrival of an ambulance. An emergency operation was performed, but he failed to recover. Death occurred at 9:10 a.m. on the morning of April 16, 1919.
Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $60.50 per month for her and their two children. Then $38.50 per month for her only.

1960
Archie L. Jennings
Date of Birth:                May 6, 1923
Entered on Duty:          October 15, 1956
Title:                              Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:              April 16, 1960
Details:
On April 16, 1960, Patrol Inspectors Robert M. Chaldu, Archie L. Jennings, and Gordon G. Hanks were assigned to duty from midnight to 8:00 a.m. at a traffic checkpoint known as San Mateo Flats, on Highway 101, about 18 miles north of Oceanside, California. The operation was concerned primarily with locating deportable aliens and alien smugglers who were enroute from the border to interior destinations. All vehicular traffic was stopped and inspected with a view to determining the citizenship status of the occupants.
At about 6:40 a.m., an automobile went through the checkpoint without slowing down, whereupon Inspector Chaldu pursued the car in a patrol vehicle. At that time, Inspector Jennings was manning the traffic check at the stop sign where vehicles are halted. A car driven by Mr. Francis J. Defazio approached the stop sign, and his car was struck from behind by a speeding automobile operated by Mr. Gabriel Montoya. On impact, Mr. Defazio's car went out of control and struck Inspector Jennings, knocking him 50 feet away.
Inspector Jennings was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The cause of death was listed as basilar fractures of the skull. In addition, he suffered numerous contusions, fractures and lacerations.

2021
Christopher Shane Simpkins
Date of Birth:                September 23, 1972
Entered on Duty:          July 6, 1997
Title:                             Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:               April 12, 2021
Details:
Border Patrol Agent Christopher Shane Simpkins passed away on April 12, 2021.  The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who agreed that this death occurred in the line of duty.  Agent Simpkins will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.
Agent Simpkins entered on duty on July 6, 1997 at the Falfurrias Station, McAllen Sector, Texas, as part of the 342nd Session of the Border Patrol Academy.  At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Lake Charles Station in the New Orleans Sector.
A native of Selma, Alabama and a graduate of the University of Alabama, Agent Simpkins also honorably served his country in the National Guard as a military police officer.  He is survived by his wife, daughter, parents and two brothers.

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This Week in USBP History, 04/03-04/09

4/3/2022

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All,

For those that have received this by email, thank you very much for signing up! Enjoy the inaugural This Week in USBP History HonorFirst.com email! Make sure explore all of the hyperlinks to documents and pages.

Also, please forward this email to whomever you think may enjoy it.

Have a great week!

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

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

Esprit de corps is reinforced through the shared goals, mission and values of the organization and its employees.

The definition turns Esprit de Corps into a simple formula and defines parts that comprise organizational pride and employee morale.

Esprit de Corps = Organizational Pride + Employee Morale

Esprit de Corps is the key to a healthy organization and engaged employees.

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

USBP History

1904

On April 5, 1904, the Secretary of Commerce and Labor wrote a letter to Marcus A. Smith concerning the appointment of Jeff Milton as a Chinese Inspector. The Secretary’s letter was response to a February 23, 1904 letter of recommendation from Mr. Smith.
- Contrary to Border Patrol lore, 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 lore mistakenly identifying him as the first Border Patrol Inspector.

1922

On April 5, 1932, the Inspector in Charge of in San Diego, California wrote a multipage memo addressing the enforcement cooperation between the U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration Service. He also disagreed with a suggestion that the merging of the two organization could result in efficiencies through the reduction of manpower. The last paragraph in the memo references Frank Berkshire’s “Border Patrol” idea which would be realized about two years after this letter.

1928

On April 7, 1928, the Jacksonville District Director wrote a report to the Commissioner-General concerning the district’s manpower, assignments and locations. The district had three sub-districts, Tallahassee, West Palm Beach and Tampa. (Sub-districts would be renamed sectors in the 1940’s). This is the earliest, most complete report know for the area that is now Miami Sector.

1929

On April 3, 1929, Grover Wilmoth, the El Paso District Director issued a memo concerning the care, condition and operation of motor vehicles. The El Paso District contained three sub-districts that correspond to modern day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sectors.

1935

On April 4, 1935, the District Director of the Jacksonville wrote memo concerning the courses of study in two of the district’s three sub-districts. The Jacksonville memo was in response to a memo written December 22, 1934, by Supervisor (Chief) of the Border Patrol Willard Kelly requesting information concerning the manner in which new Border Patrol Inspectors were trained.

1936

On April 7, 1936, Supervisor (Chief) of the Border Patrol Willard Kelly wrote a clarification memo concerning positions (ranks) within the Border Patrol. The memo makes the unofficial position of “Assistant Chief Patrol Inspector” an official position. It also makes two classes of Chief Patrol Inspectors, a concept that still exists today with GS-15 and SES Chief Patrol Agents (even though they share the same two-star rank insignia). Further, the memo references the position of “District Supervisor of Border Patrol”. Although not defined in the memo, the position of Assistant Superintendent, originally created in General Order 61, was most likely renamed District Supervisor of Border Patrol with this memo.

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

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

1993
John K. Crowther
Border Patrol Agent
Del Rio Sector
Border Patrol Agent John K. Crowther was recognized for his courage in attempting to rescue two men from the Rio Grande River.  On the night of April 6, 1993, Agent Crowther was performing river patrol when he spotted three individuals attempting to illegally enter the U.S. at a weir dam located upriver from the Del Rio, Texas International Bridge.  Two of the subjects tried to get away by diving into the water near the dam.  This part of the river, filled with strong currents and dangerous undertows, had caused numerous drowning deaths.  Knowing the danger involved and putting his own life at risk, Agent Crowther entered the water and attempted to rescue the two men.  He managed to grab one of the men and pull him to safety.  Agent Crowther tried to rescue the other man but could not locate him.  Agent Crowther put his own life at risk to save another person from certain death, exhibiting great courage with his act of heroism.

1994
Jorge Arballo
Border Patrol Agent
El Centro Sector
Forrest J. Mauldin
Border Patrol Agent
El Centro Sector
At approximately 12:15 a.m. on April 8, 1994, Agents Marshall Tjaden and Forrest J. Mauldin observed a group of nine suspected narcotics smugglers approximately one mile west of Drop 4 on the All American Canal.  The nine suspects were ferrying large bundles of contraband, in this case marijuana, across the canal in a rubber raft.  Agents Tjaden and Mauldin advised SBPA Donn Hoberg of the situation, who then instructed Agents Arballo and Lee to respond and assist Agents Mauldin and Tjaden.

At the point on the canal where this activity was taking place, the canal is approximately one hundred yards wide, deep, and had an extremely swift moving current.  It should also be pointed out that on this particular night, the weather conditions were poor.  The wind was strong, gusting up to 30 miles per hour and the temperature was in the forties.

Agents Tjaden and Mauldin maintained surveillance on the group until all nine suspects, with large bundles of contraband and the rubber raft were all out of the canal and on the north side of the north berm of the canal.  Agents Tjaden and Mauldin began to sneak up on the group and got into position less than eight feet from them.  They made their move and apprehended two of the nine suspects and 366.5 pounds of marijuana.

While Agents Tjaden and Mauldin were securing the apprehension scene and checking the immediate area for the seven suspects who had fled, they heard screams coming from the direction of the canal.  Agent Tjaden climbed to the 40-foot berm and saw an individual in the berm.  The person was screaming for help and appeared to be drowning.  Agent Tjaden called for Agent Mauldin to assist him.  Agent Mauldin climbed to the top of the berm while Agent Tjaden ran down to the canal bank.

At this point, Agents Arballo, Lee, and SBPA Hoberg arrived on the scene.  Agent Mauldin guided Agent Arballo to his location on the north side of the canal.  He then directed Agent Lee and SBPA Hoberg to the south side of the canal as the drowning man appeared closer to that side.  Agent Tjaden was telling the man in the water not to fight the current, but to swim with it.

Agents Arballo and Mauldin were preparing to make another rescue attempt.  This time, the drowning man was able to grab onto a small outcropping of brush, which slowed him down considerably.

Without hesitation, Agent Arballo again jumped into the icy water while Agent Mauldin anchored the tow strap.  This time, Agent Arballo was successful in reaching the man.  He grabbed the man and yelled for Agent Mauldin to start pulling.  Agent Mauldin pulled as hard as he could, and after several minutes, managed to pull Agent Arballo and the drowning victim to safety.

Because of the extremely cold water, the distance they had traveled, which was over one mile, and because this entire ordeal had lasted approximately 30 minutes, Agents Arballo and Mauldin were physically exhausted.

Agents Arballo and Mauldin acted on instinct more than anything else. They disregarded the fact that a large load of narcotics had just been apprehended and the fact that the drowning man was probably one of the drug smugglers.  They saw a person in desperate need of help, rushed to his aid, and saved his life.

What Agents Arballo and Mauldin did was extremely dangerous.  However, they acted without hesitation.  They thought about what there were going to do, planned their moves, and executed them to the best of their ability.

2022
Marco A. Perez Jr. - photo, award certificate
Border Patrol Agent
San Diego, CA
On April 6, 2021, at approximately 6:58 A.M., beyond the call of duty, Border Patrol Agent Marco Perez put his own life at great personal risk and acted without hesitation to save a woman from certain death as she attempted to end her life. By leaning over the edge of the 459 foot Pine Valley Bridge and grabbing the suicidal victim that had just let go, Agent Perez placed himself in great personal danger. Agent Perez's conspicuous lifesaving actions brought great credit upon himself and the U.S. Border Patrol.

USBP Fallen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joseph P. Riley
Date of Birth: October 23, 1894
Entered on Duty: October 8, 1924
Title: Patrol Inspector
End of Watch: April 6, 1925

Details:
During the evening of April 4, 1925, Patrol Inspectors William A. Blundell and Joseph P. Riley were patrolling in a government owned car about 1 1/2 miles from Eureka, Montana, when the tie rod broke, causing the automobile to leave the roadway. The vehicle continued over a high bank and then into a ditch and turned over, pinning Inspector Riley under the steering wheel. Patrol Inspector Blundell was not seriously injured.

Patrol Inspector Riley sustained a fractured cervical vertebra and a spinal cord injury. He was conveyed to the Eureka Hospital, which was nearest the scene of the accident. The attending physician advised that Inspector Riley's condition was so serious that facilities were not available for providing proper attention at Eureka and he recommended moving the patient to Spokane, Washington. On April 5, Inspector Riley was transported by train to Spokane, Washington, where he was placed in the Sacred Heart Hospital. He succumbed at 6:00 a.m. on April 6, 1925, from respiratory paralysis.

Survivor benefits - As per this document, his mother received $20 per month for 8 years

Jason C. Panides
Date of Birth: December 27, 1974
Entered on Duty: March 9, 1998
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: April 4, 2001

Details:
On Wednesday, April 4, 2001, at 12:36 a.m., Border Patrol Agent Jason C. Panides was killed after assisting in the apprehension of a group of illegal aliens on Interstate Highway 35, north of Laredo, Texas. Agent Panides was in the southbound lane of the east access road when he was struck by a southbound truck. He was killed instantly.

Agent Panides was a native of Jacksonville, Florida, and was a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in criminal justice and psychology. He was a graduate of the 368th session of the Border Patrol Academy at Glynco, Georgia. At the time of his death, he was stationed at the Laredo North Border Patrol Station.

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