Good morning!

Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! ​​​​​

This week we reflect on a series of pivotal moments that have shaped the U.S. Border Patrol and underscored our commitment to duty, valor, and integrity.

We begin our historical journey on April 29, 1918, when Frank Berkshire submitted his visionary "Proposal to Establish an Immigration Patrol Service on the Land Boundaries." This seminal document proposed a substantial force to secure the nation’s borders, laying the groundwork for what would evolve into today's Border Patrol.

Moving to the mid-20th century, on April 28, 1942, amidst global conflict, the INS issued Instruction No. 5, consolidating directives concerning the treatment of alien enemy detainees according to the Geneva Convention. This adherence to international standards highlights our foundational principles of honor and humane treatment.

Fast forward to April 29, 2015, we honor the bravery of Border Patrol Agents Fernando Galvan and Arturo Gutierrez, who demonstrated exceptional courage near the Rio Grande by rescuing individuals from a flaming vehicle, showcasing the quick thinking and valor that define our agents.

This week, we also commemorate the end of watch for Agent Nathaniel A. Afolayan, who tragically passed on May 1, 2009. His passing during training activities is a somber reminder of the personal risks our agents face and the sacrifices made by those who serve.

​Join us as we explore these narratives that span from regulatory frameworks to heroic rescues and profound sacrifices. These stories not only honor the past but also reinforce the enduring values and steadfast commitment of the U.S. Border Patrol.

Enjoy and have a great week!

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

April 28

• On April 28, 1942, the INS issued Instruction No. 5, Instructions Concerning the Treatment of Alien Enemy Detainees. The purpose of this directive was to consolidate all previous instructions on treatment of enemy aliens into a comprehensive order and to ensure that all Service employees were aware of them. A key provision of this directive was stated as:
  • ​The minimum standards of treatment which have been established and which must prevail throughout the Service are based upon the provisions of the Convention Between the United States of America and forty-six other Powers (including those with whom this nation is now at war) Relating to the Treatment of Prisoners of War (Treaty Series No. 846), known generally as the Geneva Convention of 1929. The Government of the United States has agreed with the belligerent powers to apply these provisions to civilian alien enemy internees wherever applicable. Copies of the Geneva Convention have heretofore been supplied to the various districts.
  • In this connection it should be kept in mind that the basis underlying our treatment of alien enemy detainees is reciprocity, and that nothing must be done or permitted to be done whereby any ground may exist for the charge that the Geneva Convention has been violated or ignored, thereby providing an excuse under the guise of retaliation for harsh treatment and cruel abuse of nationals of this country in the hands of our enemies.
  • ​From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco

 
April 29

• On April 29, 1918, after numerous discussions with the Commissioner-General, future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) submitted a 9-page "Proposal to Establish an Immigration Patrol 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 29, 1918, after numerous discussions with the Commissioner-General, future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) submitted a 9-page "Proposal to Establish an Immigration Patrol 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 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.
• 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%).
• Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary
  • 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.
    
    

April 30

• On April 30, 1918, after having received Berkshire's Proposal to Establish an Immigration Patrol 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...
• 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.

 
May 1

• On May 1, 1926, Chief of the Border Patrol George Harris (1876-1941) wrote a memo concerning the importance of the "oral examination".  The most telling part of the memo is the following sentence:
  • The writer is sure the Bureau will thoroughly agree with him that the oral examination should be uniformly accorded to all patrol inspector candidates who have successfully passed the written test. In no other way is it possible so effectively to weed out obvious misfits and save the Service later trouble and expense.
• On May 1, 1931, Assistant Commissioner-General George Harris wrote one of the earliest memos found concerning Border Patrol Inspectors participating in shooting competitions.
  • An interesting aspect about this memo is that Harris had been one of the Chiefs of the Border 1926-1927 before he had promoted out of the position.  He would return to the Border Patrol as Chief 1932-1933 coming the first and only person to have served as Chief of the Border Patrol in non-consecutive terms.  Finally, it should be noted that when he first became "Chief", the position was called "Supervisor, Border Patrol".  His second time as "Chief" the position was called "Director of Border Patrol".
• May 1, 1955 was the last day that suntan rough duty uniforms were authorized as per this memo.
• On May 1, 2003, Chief of the Border Patrol Gustavo De La Viña (1939-2009) signed a memo changing the criteria of the Newton-Azrak Award. This would be the award's second criteria.
  • In 2003, the INS was dissolved and the U.S. Border Patrol was transferred to the newly created U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The Newton-Azrak Award was carried over into CBP.  However, instead of providing the award criteria that had been in place since 1973 as implemented in the INS Administrative Manual the U.S. Border Patrol drafted a new criteria in the form of a memorandum from the Chief of the Border Patrol. Had the original INS criteria been implemented in CBP, all CBP law enforcement employees would have been eligible to receive the award.  However, with the change in criteria, only Border Patrol Agents could be recipients and only for acts of bravery or heroism.  Under the new criteria, CBP carried the Newton-Azrak Award as a Commissioner's award that could only be presented to Border Patrol Agents.
• Line of Duty Death anniversary
  • ​Nathaniel A. Afolayan
    Date of Birth:                     March 26, 1980
    Entered on Duty:                February 16, 2009
    Title:                                   Border Patrol Agent (Trainee)
    End of Watch:                    May 1, 2009
     
    Details:
    On April 30, 2009, newly hired Agent Nathaniel A. Afolayan collapsed during a physical training exam. Agent Afolayan had just completed the 1.5-mile run portion of his physical techniques final exam. After his collapse, he was transported via ambulance to Artesia General Hospital. Later that day, his condition worsened and he was taken via life-flight to Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. Agent Afolayan died May 1, 2009. An autopsy concluded his death was accidental due to heat illness.
     
    Agent Afolayan was a native of Nigeria. He was a member of the 856th Session of the Border Patrol Academy and was to be assigned to the Newton-Azrak Station in the San Diego Sector.
    
    ​Gravesite

 
May 2

• On May 2, 1931, this collection of documents describes a gunfight that occurred between Border Patrol Inspectors and alcohol smugglers in which suspect, Guillermo Rodriguez was killed.  The documents include a diagram and photographs of the international boundary between Cordova Island and the United States.  Patrol Inspectors involved in the shooting were:
  • Patrol Inspector Raymond M. Dudley (1906-1983)
  • Patrol Inspector Richard L. Martin (1902-1996)
  • Patrol Inspector Henry Waxstock (1904-1995)

 
May 3

• On May 3, 1926, a memo providing very general guidance for the position of Senior Patrol Inspector was issued by the Assistant Commissioner-General.  The position was newly created with the signing of General Order 61 on March 18, 1926.
• On May 3, 1929, General Order 132 was enacted.  This General Order was anchored to the March 4, 1929, "Act Making it a felony with penalty for certain aliens to enter the United States of America under certain conditions in violation of law."  That Act would be superseded in 1952, becoming 8 U.S.C. 1326, Reentry of removed aliens.
• On May 3, 1956, a multipage document was drafted to compare costs to build a border fence or to increase manpower (and associated costs) to address illegal entries. The proposed location for the fences were, Chula Vista, El Centro, Yuma, El Paso and Brownsville.  Spoil alert, it was projected to be less expensive to build fences.

 
May 4

• Today marks a quiet day in USBP history.

This week also marks significant historical actions and milestones that have shaped the operational and cultural fabric of the U.S. Border Patrol. From the harrowing pursuits and gunfights of the early 20th century to the valiant rescue efforts by Agents in 1992 and 2020, earning them the prestigious Newton-Azrak Award for heroic action, these moments underscore the unyielding spirit and dedication of our agents.

Additionally, we explore pivotal administrative milestones, such as the discussions and directives that led to significant uniform changes over the decades, enhancing both the functionality and identity of our force. These developments showcase the evolution of the Border Patrol through careful consideration of both operational needs and external perceptions.

​Join us as we explore these poignant narratives, honoring those who have fallen and celebrating the enduring legacy and integrity of the U.S. Border Patrol. These stories not only honor the past but also inspire our current and future agents with a legacy of valor, dedication, and commitment.

Enjoy and have a great week!

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

April 21

• Line of Duty Death anniversary
  • 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.
    
    Gravesite
• Line of Duty Death anniversary
  • ​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.
    
    ​Gravesite

 
April 22

• On April 22, 2000, the Immigration and Naturalization Service carried out Operation Reunion, an enforcement action by the INS/Border Patrol designed to securely retrieve Elian Gonzalez and reunify him with his father.

 
April 23

• Line of Duty Death anniversary
  • 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.
    
    Gravesite
• Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary
  • 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.
    
    

April 24

• 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...​
• Line of Duty Death anniversary
  • Garvis Field Harrell - Unrecognized but Unforgotten
    Date of Birth:                         September 1, 1907
    Entered on Duty:                    March 1944
    Title:                                        Patrol Inspector
    End of Watch:                        April 24, 1944
    
    Details:
    On April 24, 1944, Border Patrol Inspector Garvis Field Harrell of the Harlingen Border Patrol Station, McAllen Texas Sector, was on a foot pursuit of an illegal alien in the heavy brush outside the town of Rangerville near the Rio Grande River, when he collapsed and suffered a heart attack.   His fellow Patrol Inspectors found him shortly afterwards and he was rushed to the Valley Baptist Hospital where he died a few hours later.  The subject Harrell was pursuing was apprehended and taken to the Harlingen City Jail.  Patrol Inspector Garvis Field Harrell was 36 years old and had only been with the U.S. Border Patrol for a month.  Patrol Inspector Harrell was a veteran of World War II having seen combat with the U.S. Marines.
    
    Gravesite
    • While there was no official LODD criteria at the time, Patrol Inspector Garvis Field Harrell's death, akin to others later recognized, has not been officially acknowledged as a Line of Duty Death by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol.
• 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.

April 25

• On April 25, 1928, Assistant Superintendent L. Antonio Bonazzi (1890-1950) wrote a report to the Commissioner of Immigration for Montreal District (Patrol District #1) concerning sub-district #1.  Sub-district #1, 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."​ 
• 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  future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934), 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. 
• Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary
  • Douglas G. Roy
    Border Patrol Agent
    El Centro Sector
    Border Patrol Agent Douglas G. Roy was recognized for his courageous actions in saving the lives of persons involved in a fiery collision of a tractor-trailer and a parked Border Patrol vehicle.  On April 25, 1983, he personally extricated the driver of the overturned tractor-trailer and moved him to safety.  He also extinguished the flames that engulfed a passenger in the Border Patrol vehicle, at risk to his own safety.

 
April 26

• 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.
• 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).
• 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 anniversary
  • Kent L. Carroll
    Border Patrol Agent
    San Diego, CA
    Francisco F. Gonzales
    Border Patrol Agent
    San Diego, CA
    In the early morning hours of April 26, 2020, Border Patrol Agents Kent Carroll and Francisco Gonzales were carpooling on Interstate 15 with two other agents when they witnessed a major vehicle accident involving two cars. One of the cars had struck a guardrail and erupted into flames. Without hesitation, the agents sprung into action, demonstrating remarkable bravery and quick thinking.
     
    Agents Carroll and Gonzales, along with a third agent, jumped over the center divider and ran across the interstate. Agent Carroll, who is trained as an emergency medical technician, immediately went to check on the driver of the first car to evaluate his injuries. Meanwhile, Agent Gonzales instructed another agent to call 911 and then focused on the second vehicle, which was completely engulfed in flames.
     
    Despite the grave danger, Agent Gonzales approached the flaming vehicle and managed to open the door, which allowed a burst of heat to escape and enabled one of the victims to make their way out of the inferno. At the same time, Agent Carroll approached as the victim began to collapse; together with the third agent, they caught him and assisted him to safety.
     
    The actions of Agents Carroll and Gonzales that morning went beyond the call of duty. They not only ensured the safety of the victims but also brought great credit upon themselves and the United States Border Patrol. Their heroic efforts underscore their commitment to service and their willingness to face danger to save others.

April 27

• Today marks a quiet day in USBP history.

Good morning!

Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! ​​​​​

This week we honor the courage and sacrifice of our fallen whose anniversaries we commemorate. On April 16, we remember Mounted Watchman Clarence M. Childress and Patrol Inspector Archie L. Jennings. We also pay tribute to Border Patrol Agent Joe R. White and Border Patrol Agent Jose D. Barraza, whose end of watch fell on April 18, in 1995 and 2016 respectively. These anniversaries are poignant reminders of the risks inherent in protecting our nation’s borders.

This week also brings to light significant milestones in the evolution of the U.S. Border Patrol. From the early discussions in 1918 that suggested the creation of a border patrol, to the critical policy implementations and reintegration of the U.S. Border Patrol Canine Program in 1987. Each event underscores the dynamic history and continuous development of our agency.

We also explore changes in uniforms and operational equipment, reflecting the agency's adaptability and commitment to the safety and professionalism of its officers. These changes, from the adoption of protective helmets in 1930 to the detailed uniform policy updates in 2020, illustrate the thoughtful evolution of the Border Patrol's presentation and readiness.

Join us as we delve into these compelling stories, from moments of loss to significant advancements, all of which contribute to the rich tapestry of the U.S. Border Patrol’s legacy of integrity, valor, and commitment.

Enjoy and have a great week!

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

April 14

• Today marks a quiet day in USBP history.

 
April 15

• Today marks a quiet day in USBP history.

 
April 16

• Line of Duty Death anniversary
  • 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.
    ​
    ​Gravesite
• Line of Duty Death anniversary
  • 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.
    
    ​Gravesite

 
April 17

• Today marks a quiet day in USBP history.

 
April 18

• On April 18, 1918, the Commissioner-General wrote a response to future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934).  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.
• 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."
• Reimplementation of the U.S. Border Patrol Canine Program - On April 18, 1987, Canine Rocky and Handler Kent Banks and Canine Barco with Handler Thomas Slowinski entered on duty at the McAllen Sector. At the same time Canine Duko with Handler Randy Salazar and Canine Benno with Handler Roberto Cantu entered on duty in Laredo Sector.​
  • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco 
  • Thomas Slowinski is a 1989 Newton-Azrak Award recipient.
• Line of Duty Death anniversary
  • 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.
    
    Burial Details Unknown
• On April 18, 2020, Chief Rodney Scott signed a memo, concerning devices authorized for wear on the Border Patrol uniform.  The memo created two classes of devices: Qualification Devices and Specialty Devices.  See the USBP Authorized Devices page for more information.  This memo was incorporated into the Patrol's most recent uniform policy which came into effect in 2021.
• Line of Duty Death anniversary
  • 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.
    
    ​Gravesite

 
April 19

• On April 19, 1930, the Tenth Supplement to and Amendment of General Order 42 authorized the wearing of a “cork or pith helmet (forestry green)” in the southern border districts when "...when weather conditions render it suitable in the discretion of the district officer in charge."
  • ​A 1951 memo describes Patrol Inspectors' attitude concerning the hat, “…A certain segment of the public was prone to jest at them and their “lion-tamer” hats”.
• On April 19, 1977, the inaugural Border Patrol Academy Class at FLETC Glynco would be Session 114, graduating 30 Border Patrol Trainees on August 10, 1977.
  • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco 

 
April 20

• On April 20, 1970, Chief of the Border Patrol Donald R. Coppock (1910-2011) 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.

Good morning!

Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! ​​​​​

In this week's "This Week in USBP History," we explore pivotal moments that have shaped the U.S. Border Patrol. Our journey begins on April 7, 1928, with a foundational report from the Jacksonville District Director, detailing the structure of what would become the Miami Sector. This period also saw Supervisor Willard Kelly, on April 7, 1936, formalizing ranks within the Patrol, a structure still relevant today. Additionally, we mark the establishment of the first Border Patrol Intelligence Training School in El Paso on April 7, 1955, emphasizing early strategic intelligence training.

April 8, 1975, marked a historic change with six women joining the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, a significant stride towards gender inclusivity. That same day, we remember the courageous rescue efforts of Agents Jorge Arballo and Forrest J. Mauldin in 1994, exemplifying the Patrol's commitment to duty and humanity.

The week also includes quieter days, like April 9th, juxtaposed against April 10, 1931, when Patrol Inspector Charles Askins and his team engaged in a critical operation, reflecting the inherent dangers of patrol duties.

We pay tribute to Agent Christopher Shane Simpkins on April 12, 2021, honoring his sacrifice and service. The week's reflection concludes with a look back at April 13 across various years, highlighting key administrative decisions and milestones that have influenced the Border Patrol's operational framework.

These stories, from administrative strides to acts of bravery, embody the U.S. Border Patrol's enduring legacy of integrity, valor, and commitment. They continue to inspire and guide the men and women dedicated to protecting our nation's borders.

Enjoy and have a great week!

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

April 7

• 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 report is the earliest and most comprehensive one known for the area now comprising the Miami Sector.
• 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, may have been renamed District Supervisor of Border Patrol with this memo.
• In recognition of the importance of intelligence and the need for trained officers functioning in a systematic, uniform manner, the first Border Patrol Intelligence Training School was convened in El Paso, Texas, on April 7, 1955. Seasoned officers who had demonstrated an aptitude for this type of activity were selected and attended a course which included organizational structure, aims, responsibilities and techniques.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

 
April 8

• The new era for the U.S. Border Patrol began on April 8, 1975, when for the first time in its fifty-one-year history, six women were among the trainees who would undergo training to become Border Patrol Agents as part of U.S. Border Patrol Academy Session 107 held April 8 to July 31, 1975 at Los Fresnos, Texas. At the time, Session 107 was the largest Academy class ever held, with 223 trainees.​​
  • ​From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco​
  • ​On April 8, 1975, six trailblazing women began their training at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, Session 107 in Los Fresnos, Texas.  On July 31, 1975, the following four made history by successfully completing their training and becoming Border Patrol Agents:
    • Christine G. Davis (Gee) - Chula Vista Sector
    • Gail Durand - Yuma Sector
    • Doris H. Griffin - Yuma Sector
    • Leslie A. Mullins - Yuma Sector
  • See this document.
• Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary
  • 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. 

 
April 9

• Today marks a quiet day in USBP history.

 
April 10

• 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 on the riverbank in El Paso, TX. Patrol Inspectors involved in the shooting:
  • Patrol Inspector Charles Askins, Jr.​ (1907-1999)
  • Patrol Inspector Brett Burgett Hurff (1897-1952)
  • Patrol Inspector Chloe John McNatt (1898-1977)
• On April 10, 1942, Assistant Chief Supervisor of the Border Patrol Walter Frederick Miller (1893-1967) 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.

 
April 11

• 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 future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934), and provides a 10-page summary of the status of the border. 
• On April 11, 1935, former Chief of the Border Patrol Ruel Davenport (1878-1961)wrote a response to the current Chief of the Border Patrol Willard Kelly (1903-1969) 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 Harry R. Landis (1880-1950) 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 T​eam begin?” in the HonorFirst History page for the full story and to find out how Tampa placed after issuing the challenge. 
• On April 11, 2011, “U.S. Border Patrol launches the Mobile Response Team (MRT) initiative.  The MRT is a national group of organized, trained, and equipped Border Patrol Agents capable of rapid movement to regional and national incidents of event in support of priority CBP operations across the United States.”
  • From - HONOR FIRST - United States Border Patrol Centennial Timeline 1924-2024 by Joseph Banco

 
April 12

• 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 support him ever having become a Border Patrol Inspector.
• On April 12, 1970, the Van Horn Station and its area of operation covering 3,775 square miles including 31.1 miles of border, was transferred from the El Paso Sector to the Marfa Sector. Previously, Van Horn was a substation of the Sierra Blanca Station. Two decades later, its parent station would also be transferred.​
  • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco 
• Line of Duty Death anniversary
  • 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.
     
    Gravesite

 
April 13

• On April 13, 1904, Milton was appointed as a Chinese Inspector with the Immigration Service at the age of 43 and posted at the Tucson District, covering the territory from Yuma, Arizona, to the New Mexico line.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco
• 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 when the U.S. Customs Service was renamed and absorbed the Patrol and Immigration Inspectors).  However, he did support merging all federal border patrol functions under one organization.
• 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.