This Week in USBP History, Vol. 51

August 21 - August 27

Good morning!
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!  
 
Every Sunday, I try highlight something that resonates with me and that I hope does with you too.  This week I was inspired by an Instagram post from the Laredo Sector where approximately twenty-five employees received a USBP Honorary Award.  This is a subject of which I am very passionate.  People who know me might caution you about asking me anything about employee recognition, knowing I never give the short answer on the subject!   So, trying to be interesting and informative, I will keep this highlight as brief as I am able.
 
History of the USBP Honorary Awards
 
On August 8, 2002, the Border Patrol implemented its awards/medals program with the presentation of the first two medals.

• Chief Patrol Agent Paul E. Conover, was awarded the Purple Cross Medal for wounds he received in the line of duty during a gun battle with an armed murder suspect on August 17, 1982. He is also a Newton-Azrak Award recipient and was highlighted in last week's history update.
• The Chief’s Commendation Medal (repurposed as the USBP Achievement Medal) was awarded to Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Charles C. Whitmire, for exceptionally meritorious achievement in connection with security operations during the 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City, Utah, while assigned as Commander of the Border Patrol Tactical Unit.

 
Assistant Chief William V. Beaumet, was originally assigned the awards/medals program and designed the medals and ribbons in collaboration with the U.S. Army’s Institute of Heraldry.  When Chief Beaumet transferred to the Border Patrol Academy as the Deputy Chief Patrol Agent, the awards/medals program was assigned to Assistant Chief Randy Gallegos.  Assistant Chief Gallegos continued with the procurement of the first medals.  In June of 2002, the program was again reassigned, this time to Assistant Chief Dan Harris.
 
Although many awards were created and proposed, most were not implemented.  By 2004, the Chief’s Commendation Medal fell into disuse after only having been awarded once leaving only the Newton-Azrak Award and Purple Cross medal sets were presented to employees.  In 2008, the USBP de-authorized the the wearing of the USBP 75th Anniversary Award.
 
In 2018, I was an Assistant Chief at HQ and was able to built on the foundation that began with Chief Beaumet and drafted the policy for the USBP Honorary Awards Program.  Under the program, the USBP 75th Anniversary Award was reauthorized for wear and two of the earlier awards designed by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry were repurposed for use.
 
Today
 
Today, USBP Honorary Awards are still presented but in numbers far less than intended and far less than necessary to have a meaningful impact for the workforce.  In Chief Provost's cover memo introducing the USBP Honorary Awards policy, she indicated the target amount of recipients per year by stating, "Headquarters will provide sectors with sufficient [USBP Achievement] awards sets to recognize approximately 10% of the workforce per year."
 
By the time I had retired in 2020, all sectors had received enough USBP Achievement Award medal sets to recognize nearly 25% of their workforce.  Even with such an abundance of awards, sectors such as El Centro, Ramey, Tucson and the Special Operations Group hadn't recognized even 1% of their workforce with the awards that were readily available in their storage closets.  I am told that Chief Patrol Agents and other supervisory personnel have attempted to maintain the prestige of the award but their efforts have been contrary to guidance and criteria, and to the detriment of the workforce.  Take a look at the USBP Achievement Award's criteria:

• Awarded to an employee or a group for meritorious achievement or service based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature, and shall be of such merit as to warrant more recognition than is possible by non-traditional awards, but which is not significant enough to justify the U.S. Border Patrol Commendation Award
  • A non-traditional award is anything that the government may purchase that costs less than $100 and is meant to be used as a recognition item, such as plaques, coffee mugs, pocket knives, etc... 

 
As a good rule of thumb, Chief Patrol Agents and other supervisory personnel contemplating recognizing their employees should simply follow the guidance and perhaps ask themselves, "Is a coffee mug appropriate for this achievement or act of heroism?"  If the answer is "no", then the employee should receive, at a minimum, a USBP Achievement Medal.  Stated in another way, USBP Achievement Medals are not Medals of Honor. They are the lowest formal recognition that the USBP may present for acts of heroism, valor, achievement and service.  They were designed to be given generously to recognize 10% of the workforce per year. They are awarded to both individuals and as group awards (the USBP does not have unit awards).
 
Ending on a positive note, I have been told that Chief of the Border Patrol Raul Ortiz has reconsidered his position where he blocked recognitions for 370 USBP employees.  Assuming that is true, I commend him for having the strength to change his decision, and for providing an example of valuing the workforce that should be emulated in the sectors.
 
As a final thought, Chief Beaumet never received recognition for his efforts that have benefited so many.  I sure would like to see his name added to the list of 370 that I hope are pending recognition.  I think his actions easily warrant a USBP Commendation Medal.
 
This week's documents start in 1921 when the Departments of Agriculture and Treasury did not concur with a plan to consolidate all federal law enforcement activities under a single administrator.  We have Jacksonville District shooting scores from 1931, Nogales fencing request in 1935, and 1942 is brought to us compliments of Joe Banco.  Finally, the Border Patrol Choir Practice forum turns 24-years old!
 
There are no known Newton-Azrak Award anniversaries this week.  However, I do highlight two recipients whose date of action is unknown.
 
Have a great week!
 
Cliff
PS - 

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

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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.

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Documents/Events

1921

• On August 25, 1921, Secretary of Agriculture Henry Cantwell Wallace (1866-1924) wrote a letter to Secretary of Labor James John Davis (1873-1947).  The letter explained his non-concurrence to a suggestion that the federal agencies performing law enforcement duties along the Mexican operate under a single administrative officer.
  
• On August 26, 1926, Secretary of the Treasury Andrew Mellon (1855-1937) wrote a letter to Secretary of Labor James John Davis (1873-1947).  The letter explained his non-concurrence to a suggestion that the federal agencies performing law enforcement duties along the Mexican operate under a single administrative officer.  Further, this letter identified the six federal agencies that performed law enforcement duties while patrolling the Mexican border:
  

1. Public Health Service
   
2. Coast Guard
   
3. Customs Service
   
4. Prohibition Enforcement Service
   
5. Federal Horticultural Board
   
6. Immigration Service

1931

• On August 21, 1931, Jacksonville District Director Thomas V. Kirk (1862-1947) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General, reporting the shooting scores for the following employees:
  
  • Patrol Inspector Edwin M. Redmond (1901-1968)
    
  • Patrol Inspector Frank Hornyak (1904-1963)
    
  • Patrol Inspector Robert B. Johnson (1900-1973)
    
    • After diligently researching historic records and Ancestry.com, I am confident that the person that typed the memo made an error with Inspector Johnson's middle initial.  It should be a "B", not an "F".

1935

• On August 26, 1935, the Immigration and Naturalization Service drafted a request for $214,227 to build a, "Concrete and steel fence, 5 miles long, at International Boundary, in and adjacent to the town of Nogales, Arizona, to prevent illegal entry and the smuggling of good into the United States."
  
  • My research neither uncovered if the funding was approved nor if the fence built due to the request.

1942 - A special thanks to Joe Banco for sharing the documents for the entries below.

• On August 26, 1942, El Paso District Directer Grover W. Wilmoth (1884-1951) wrote memo to Chief of the Border Patrol Willard F. Kelly (1903-1969) concerning an earlier phone call that they had.  In that phone call, Chief Kelly had suggested that Patrol Inspectors work 12-hour days.  Director Wilmoth did not believe it to be a good idea and forwarded the three documents below with his memo:
  
  • On August 22, 1942, Tucson Chief Patrol Inspector Carson Morrow (1896-1959) wrote a memo against the suggestion that Patrol Inspectors be required to work 12-hour days. He began his memo:
    
    • You are respectfully informed that it seems to me that we might make our personnel situation worse than it is by requiring every officer to perform twelve hours duty each day with no time off.
      
  • On August 23, 1942, El Paso Chief Patrol Inspector Griffith J. McBee (1896-1972) wrote a memo against the suggestion that Patrol Inspectors be required to work 12-hour days. He began his memo:
    
    • You are respectfully advised that I am not in favor of the plan mentioned in your above numbered communication which would require patrol officers of the El Paso Subdistrict to perform a twelve hour tour of duty on each work day and holiday, eliminate all lieu time, and decrease the amount of annual leave permitted, unless the period of time officers will be required to work under these conditions is of short duration and definitely specified.
      
  • On August 24, 1942, Alpine Chief Patrol Agent Earl Fallis (1894-1977) wrote a memo​ supporting the suggestion that Patrol Inspectors be required to work 12-hour days. He began his memo: 
    
    • Referring to your above indicated letter, you are respectfully advised that the shortage of personnel in this subdistrict has reached the point that it is practically impossible to cover the sub-district as it should be, even with longer tours of duty, the elimination of lieu time and to decrease the amount of annual leave, however, by concentrating at the so-called "hot spots", and in following the plan outlined in your letter, it seems to the writer to be the only method which can be pursued at this time.

1956

• As part of the deterrent effort and interior repatriation program, the INS and U.S. Border Patrol implemented a “Boatlift” from Port Isabel, Texas to Tampico and Veracruz, Mexico beginning in 1953. The Boatlift was terminated in part due to a disturbance aboard the S.S. Mercurio on August 23, 1956, when 36 Mexicans jumped overboard as the vessel was anchored three to four miles off-shore of Tampico, Mexico, due to engine trouble.
  
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

1998

• On August 25, 1998, Ray Harris launched the first Delphi forum for Border Patrol Agents and former Agents which would last until February 29, 2020 and grow to more than 7,000 members. It all started with this kick off message by Ray:
  
  • Well, thanks fer showin' up! The more the merrier, so let's get this puppy workin' by passing the word. Feel free to use ccmail. After all, as soon as the brass sees this, they are gonna take the credit for it!  Leave a message whether ya got anything to say or not. Let's just get it rolling!
    
  • I should note, Ray created a new forum immediately after closing the old that has a smaller, more active membership.
    
    • Agent's Forum Password Request​

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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 know Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries for this week.  However, there are several actions that do not have a specific date.  This week, I will highlight two from 1987.
 
1987

Lee R. Prejean
Criminal Investigator
Seattle, Washington
Criminal Investigator Lee R. Prejean conducted undercover activities as part of Operation Castoron, which commenced as a marriage fraud investigation and grew into a visa fraud, smuggling, gunrunning, narcotics and terrorist investigation. Through his devoted and selfless efforts, he was able to infiltrate the large-scale conspiracy organization posing as a corrupt immigration officer. During the period of his undercover activities, he held hundreds of consensually monitored conversations, both telephonic and in person, with criminal elements involved in the investigation. He received pay-offs for alleged misconduct on his part, and was able to elicit the support and fidelity of the criminal principals in the case to such an extent that much valuable information was supplied to him willingly by these individuals which, in effect, led to the successful conclusion of this investigation. His involvement was so thorough that he placed a separate telephone and answering machine in his home in order that he might be available to the principals at any time.

Mr. Prejean demonstrated unusual courage and competence while in the line of duty and under very trying circumstances.
 
​
George E. Evancheck - award statuette, notification letter
Border Patrol Agent 
Del Rio, Texas
No description available.

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USBP Fallen

As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen.
Titles:

• 3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
• 48 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
• 100 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 - He is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. He is remembered by all except his own agency with his name is inscribed on the:
  • National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see this link),
  • Officer Down memorial Page (see this link), and
  • Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (see this link).

There are no line-of-duty death anniversaries this week.