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Picture

this Week in USBP History, Vol. 69

12/25/2022

Comments

 

December 25 - December 31

Good morning!
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!  
 
The last week of 2022 has arrived!  Today is Christmas and the New Year is almost here.
What a year of growth and improvement!  I first sent the newsletter under this format to 117 people on April 3, 2022.  Since then, that list has grown to 249 people!  Every week, I strive to improve the newsletters by including new information and more hyperlinks.  Although, many may be able to read through a newsletter in 10 minutes or so, the hyperlinks lead to volumes of additional information!
 
Speaking of "volumes", some may have noticed that this is the first week that I've included a volume number on the newsletter.  This newsletter is Vol. 69.  Counting the emails that began in September 2021, this is the 69th This Week in USBP History that I've sent without missing a single week.  As a reminder, all of the newsletters are archived in the form of a blog on HonorFirst.com here (<- that is a hyperlink to click).
 
Speaking of HonorFirst.com, Ray and I have been making improvements to the site.  We have changed its appearance (really, I messed up the site's original theme and I'm trying to package the fix as a success).  We also did a bit of restructuring to better present information to USBP applicants, and current and former agents, as well as those who are interested in the Border Patrol. It's our goal to constantly improve HonorFirst, so that the site and newsletters of tomorrow are better than ones of yesterday. 
 
This week we remember three Newton-Azrak Award recipients on the anniversaries of their actions.
 
We also remember three of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths.
 
Have a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a great holiday season!
 
Until next year, have a great week!
 
Cliff
PS - 
  • As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages.  I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just send them to cliff@honorfirst.com).
  • 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.

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
​
1910
  • On December 31, 1910, future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning the posting of a new civil service announcement for the position of “mounted inspector”.  Here is the announcement.
1927
  • On December 27, 1927, two Border Patrol Inspectors engaged in a brief gunfight with approximately six alcohol smugglers.  After an exchange of about four shots, the smugglers abandoned their load of alcohol which was seized.  No injuries were reported.  See the report here.  The Patrol Inspectors involved in the shooting were:
    • Patrol Inspector James W. Walsh
      • Patrol Inspector James W. Metcalfe (1903-1979)
  • On December 30, 1927, see the report of two Border Patrol Inspectors engaged in a brief gunfight with an alcohol smuggler.  The smuggler was apparently wounded.
    • Patrol Inspectors involved in the shooting were:
      • Patrol Inspector Bernard W. Holzman (1894-1972)
      • Patrol Inspector Pedro A. Torres (1880-1958)
    • Two aspects of the report stand out:
      • “This report will indicate how liquor smugglers could very easily be shot from the rear without any reflection upon the officers doing the shooting.”
      • “We captured 24 pints of tequila and six pints of American Straight Whiskey.  Also one mouse-colored overcoat and one Oxford shoe, left foot.”  
  • This undated list of uniform vendors is believed to be from 1927.
1930
  • This undated map of the El Paso District contains tons of historic information for modern day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend sectors.
1933
  • On December 27, 1933, Border Patrol Inspectors Mosely, Smith and Walthall (1900-1933) engaged in a gunfight with smugglers Jose Estrada, Ramon Rice and Fidel Ortega near Cordova Island in El Paso, Texas.  During the exchange of gunfire, Inspector Walthall and smuggler Jose Estrada were killed and, Inspector Smith and smugglers Ramon Rice and Fidel Ortega were wounded. Please see the following historic documents that are related to the incident:
    • El Paso Sub-district Chief Patrol Inspector Herbert Horsley's (1878-1962) report of the shooing.
      • Diagram of the shooting
      • Sworn Statement of Border Patrol Inspector Louis A. Smith
      • Sworn Statement of Border Patrol Inspector Curtis D. Mosley (1897-1981​)
      • Sworn Statement of smuggler Ramon Rico
      • Sworn Statement of Maria Estrada de Lopez, mother of Jose Estrada, who was caught and admitted to tampering with evidence
      • Sworn Statement of Carlotta Montes, girlfriend of Jose Estrada
      • Sworn Statement of Eulalia Gasca, girlfriend of Ramon Rice
1938
  • These five pages of sketches and notes were found at the National Archives surrounded by documents from 1938.  The documents appear to be the notes concerning updating the USBP uniform and includes insignia and “Ernie” associating the silver bar with a “jackass”.  Most importantly is on page five which is believed to be the earliest sketch of what would become the U.S. Border Patrol Patch.  See the HonorFirst History Page for more information.
1944
  • On December 27, 1944, Former Chief Patrol Inspector and then current Chief of the Alien Central Division in El Paso, Aubrey Slaughter Hudson (1896-1965) wrote a memo to the El Paso District Director concerning arguments for and against consolidation of the Customs Border Patrol with the Immigration Border Patrol, and for and against a consolidated Border Patrol.  His closing paragraph is – “I believe the arguments I have set forth against the consolidation of the Customs Border Patrol with the Immigration Border Patrol will apply as reasons against a consolidation of the both agencies under either the Justice or the Treasury Department.”
    • Of course, the USBP would be incorporated with the U.S. Customs Service some 59 years later in 2003 when this public law renamed the Customs to CBP and assigned the U.S. Border Patrol to it (see page 186).
    • On December 29, 1944, El Paso District Director Grover W. Wilmoth (1884-1951) wrote a memo to Assistant Commissioner for Alien Control Willard Kelly (1903-1969) (Chief of the Border Patrol 1933-1943) concerning the “Proposed consolidation of the Border Patrols”.  His last paragraph was:
      • On the whole, a reconsideration of the entire subject after the lapse of several years inclines me to agree with Mr. Hudson that each Service should maintain its own separate patrol. On the other hand, if there must be a consolidation, there is no doubt in my mind that the con­solidated patrol would best operate in the Immigration Service, es­pecially in view of our larger volume of apprehensions, and what I consider to be our better training methods. If the patrols are to be maintained separately I would suggest that there be a conference of responsible officials of the Customs Service and our Service and the Bureau of the Budget, to work out a plan of operation that will prevent conflict such as have occurred in the past
  • At the Tule Lake Segregation Center - Japanese internees calling themselves Hokoku, who shaved their heads and wore sweatshirts emblazed with the rising sun, attempted to militarize the camp population in support of the Japanese war effort. The Hokoku threatened and pressured reluctant internees to become renunciants and pledge allegiance to the emperor and Japan. On December 27, 1944, 41 Patrol Inspectors, reacting to disruptions to camp operations and demonstrations led by Hokoku, arrested and secured 70 men, including 64 Hokuku leaders. They were marched out to the main gate in groups of 10, where they boarded buses and were transferred to the Santa Fe Alien Detention Center.​
    • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco
  • ...the Crystal City Family Internment Camp reached its peak population of 3,374, which consisted of 2,371 Japanese, 997 Germans, and five Italians on December 29, 1944. As reported by the initial Camp Commander Nick Collaer (1896-1977), “many of the camp’s residents were not ordered interned, but had requested voluntary internment in order that the family unit might not be split up.​​
    • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco
​1964
  • On December 31, 1964, the Bracero Program was terminated due to pressure from labor unions and congressional members.
    • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco​
1975
  • On December 31, 1975, a memo was sent describing aspects to celebrate to the Bicentennial of the United States.  Mention in the memo is using the Bicentennial logo on uniforms.  
    • A special thank you to Joe Banco for proving the photograph of the patch below.
1999
  • On December 28, 1999, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Alejandro N. Mayorkas (who would later become the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security in the Obama Administration and the first DHS Secretary in the Biden Administration) recommended not seeking further review of the Ninth Circuit’s adverse panel decision. The DOJ Criminal Division Assistant Attorney General concurred with “No Rehearing and No Certiorari” thereby keeping Bono a free man.
    • On October 12, 1967, Victor Jerald Bono pled guilty to two counts of first- degree murder and to two counts of robbery for the theft of Newton and Azrak’s weapons, badges, credentials, and the government vehicles.
    • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco​
Bicentennial patch authorized for wearing the right sleeve of the U.S. Border Patrol uniform in 1976.
Bicentennial patch authorized for wearing the right sleeve of the U.S. Border Patrol uniform in 1976. A special thanks to Joe Banco for the use of the photograph.

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
The USBP Newton-Azrak Award
The USBP Newton-Azrak Award
1999

Mark M. Jones
Border Patrol Agent
McAllen Sector

Sevin K. Neufner
Border Patrol Agent
McAllen Sector

On December 30, 1998, Border Patrol Agents Mark M. Jones and Sevin Neufner were assigned boat patrol duties in the McAllen area of responsibility.  While patrolling and area known for alien and narcotic smuggling activities, Agent Neufner, using night vision equipment, observed what appeared to be an individual in distress in the middle of the river.  He informed his partner, Agent Jones, who was operating the boat and directed him to the person, who was struggling to stay afloat.  While attempting to close the distance between the boat and the person, Agent Neufner observed him slip beneath the surface for several seconds and then reappear still struggling to stay afloat.  Upon reaching this person, Agent Neufner observed him go underwater for a second time and acting instinctively, jumped into the river and grasped him by his shoulders, rotating his body to a position where his face was out of the water.  Agent Jones assisted his partner by throwing in a line and pulling Agent Neufner and the person into the boat.  Once safe inside the boat, the person began coughing out water he had swallowed and regained consciousness.


2021


​Michael G. Linder
 - photo
Border Patrol Agent
New Orleans, LA

On December 31, 2020, while off duty, Agent Linder witnessed a vehicle skid to a stop after impacting a highway center-divider at high speed.  Agent Linder immediately stopped and ran to the scene to render aid.  Upon arrival at the vehicle, Agent Linder found it teetering precariously on the divider, still running, and with the engine compartment smoldering.  Without regard for his own safety, Agent Linder took charge of the scene, supervising rescue effort and personally extracting the single male occupant from the burning vehicle.  Agent Linder directed efforts to call 911 and extinguish the fire.  Agent Linder's quick, decisive, and selfless actions ensured that the driver lived to fully recover from this harrowing event.  Agent Linder's actions reflect great credit upon himself, New Orleans Sector, and the United States Border Patrol.

U.s. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning BandU.s. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning Band
USBP Fallen

As of December 7, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 153* fallen.
Titles:
  • 3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
  • 48 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
  • 101 Border Patrol Agents have fallen since 1970
  • 1 Enforcement Analysis Specialist
 
The names that appear below hold a place of honor. They have made the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to fulfill the oath each officer took to protect and defend the United States of America.
 
The facts regarding each officer are presented without major editing of the "language of the day" found in the reports detailing the circumstances of each event. This is done to provide the reader an association with historical timeframes.
 
Employees who died in the line of duty due to being exposed to deadly illnesses will not have the cause of death listed.
 
I will note that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. The Border Patrol Foundation and the Border Patrol Museum also fail to recognize him. He is remembered by all except organizations containing "Border Patrol" in their title. He is remembered by the:
  • National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see this link),
  • Officer Down memorial Page (see this link), and
  • Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (see this link).
 
The U.S. Border Patrol, the Border Patrol Foundation, and the Border Patrol Museum should fix their oversight. 
 
HonorFirst.com remembers and lists Agent Gigax among the fallen.

Picture
Fallen Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax's tombstone. Fallen Border Patrol Agent Jason C. Panides' tombstone in is the background.
1928​

Robert H. Lobdell
Date of Birth:                     May 15, 1898
Entered on Duty:              June 16, 1928
Title:                                  Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                    December 25, 1928

Details:
Patrol Inspector Lobdell was shot and killed instantly on the night of December 25, 1928, near Roseau, Minnesota, by an individual who was suspected of being an alien entering the United States illegally. Inspector Lobdell was shot while he was attempting to get the individual into the patrol car for transportation to Warroad, Minnesota. The murderer was apprehended the following day, but he denied his guilt and steadfastly refused to make any statement that would reveal his past history. He was later convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in the state penitentiary at Stillwater, Minnesota. Reportedly, he subsequently corresponded with the judge of the court in which he was tried, confessing that he had killed Patrol Inspector Lobdell.

Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $52.50 per month.

​Gravesite
 

1933

Bert G. Walthall

Date of Birth:                      February 27, 1900
Entered on Duty:               July 31, 1931
Title:                                       Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                     December 27, 1933
​Historical documents of the shooting - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Details:
On the evening of December 27, 1933, Patrol Inspectors Bert G. Walthall, Louis A. Smith, and Curtis D. Mosely were patrolling the international boundary near Cordova Island at El Paso, Texas. Cordova Island is not in fact an island, but Mexican territory left on the north side of the Rio Grande River when the river changed its course. The boundary here was an imaginary line and a person could step across from one country to another.
 
At about 8:45 p.m., the officers noticed two men cross the line with sacks on their backs and depart in a waiting automobile. The officers attempted to stop the car by blowing their horn but the smugglers only increased their speed. After a chase of a couple of blocks, the patrol car overtook the smugglers, who pulled over to the side of the road. Before the patrol car could be stopped, it had arrived alongside the smugglers' car, about ten feet to the left of it. Inspector Mosely was driving, Inspector Walthall was sitting beside him, and Inspector Smith was in the back seat. When the patrol car stopped, Officers Walthall and Smith alighted from the right side. They were met by a blast of rifle fire from the smugglers that instantly killed Inspector Walthall and wounded Inspector Smith. Inspector Mosely had gotten out of the car on the left side and opened fire on the smugglers, whose car was then in motion. Inspector Mosely continued shooting with his rifle and pistol until his weapons were empty and then turned his attention to his fellow officers.

​Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $67.50 per month for her and their child.

Gravesite
 

​1940

George E. Pringle
Date of Birth:                       August 24, 1896
Entered on Duty:                June 5, 1936
Title:                                        Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                      December 28, 1940

​Details:       
During the evening of December 25, 1940, Patrol Inspector George E. Pringle was working alone near Parker, Arizona.  He was engaged in conversation with a Special Agent for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, when he indicated he was going to follow a car that had just passed.  The vehicle was known to both men as belonging to a group of aliens suspected of illegal activities in connection with the Parker Dam.
 
Inspector Pringle was next observed driving south on Parker Road.  Two witnesses indicated the government vehicle being driven by Inspector Pringle veered toward the center of the road and swerved to the right off the roadway overturning several times.  Inspector Pringle sustained multiple injuries including contusions of the upper frontal region of the skull and a fracture at the base of the skull.  He died of injuries received in the accident on December 28, 1940.  
 
Subsequent investigation revealed that the accident occurred as a result of a blow out of the right front tire that was caused by the tire passing over a broken bottle in the roadway.

​Gravesite
Comments

This Week in USBP History, Vol. 68

12/18/2022

Comments

 

December 18 - December 24

A patch showing one person kicking the other in the crotch with the caption This should reflect dark humor, not workforce reality
​Good morning!
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!  
 
Each week I try to share a story or an idea in this intro section that I hope will lead to changes beneficial to the workforce.  This week is no different. But, for those beneficial changes to occur, individuals (usually current USBP leadership) must have the strength to be self-critical.
 
All of us have heard many different definitions of leadership and management. When I think of the concepts, I try to look at them through the lens of the USBP and its workforce.  
 
Here's my take, and it's neither absolute or all-encompassing:
  • If a person has a bias toward the workforce, they have a higher propensity of being a good leader.  A leader of people!
  • If a person has a bias toward profits, programs or mission, they have a higher propensity of being a good manager. A manager of mission!
 
Notice what I did there? Running operations is absolutely not synonymous with being a leader! Maybe that's Border Patrol blasphemy... Nevertheless, if a person in a position of authority has a bias toward the mission (over the workforce), then they have a higher propensity of being a good manager of the mission.  Remember, that person is measured by those in their charge, not by what they say, but by what they do!  Actions and inactions speak louder than words.
 
I've said it before, there is a reason that CBP and the USBP constantly do horribly on the annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Surveys (FEVS).  This year is no different.  Less than 16% of the USBP workforce responded to this year's FEVS invitation, very clearly indicating a lack of confidence that their participation will make any difference, and recent history shows that they are correct.
 
It is easy to blame poor FEVS scores on one Presidential Administration or other, but know this, the USBP's FEVS scores have ranked in the bottom 10% of the entire federal government for over a decade. So, I'll say this...
 
It's past time for those in positions of authority in CBP and the USBP to have a bias toward their workforce. I believe that slogans such as Mission First, People Always, are horrible because that promote a bias toward managing the mission, usually a the expense of the workforce. Thus, creating not leaders of people but managers of mission.
 
Remember, as Simon Sinek said, "It's not about being in charge, it's about taking care of those in your charge!"  In other words, take care of the workforce and let them take care of the mission!
 
To alleviate any doubts, if you wear one of the insignia below in dress uniform or are a professional staff equivalent, I'm speaking to you!

USBP Station Shoulder Ornament
USBP Station Shoulder Ornament
USBP Sector Shoulder Ornament
USBP Sector Shoulder Ornament
USBP Headquarter Shoulder Ornament
USBP Headquarter Shoulder Ornament
Clifford Gill in a kilt and on a horse, with LeAlan Pinkerton at the 2008 Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade.
​This week starts with a 1908 memo by which Mounted Inspector Jeff Milton requests and extension of his leave. We have another El Paso Sub-district gunfight in 1928.  And we finish the Documents/Events Section with three references from Joe Banco's books.
 
There are no known Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries this week.  As is the cousin in the newsletter, I will highlight a recipient of which we do not know their action's anniversary.  This week's highlight is LeAlan L. Pinkerton. He is a recipient from 1998.  I have no additional information.  However, I was able to contact LeAlan last week and I hope to be able to update the Newton-Azrak Award page with his information and maybe a few photos.  Until then, enjoy the photo to the right.  LeAlan and I were in the 2008 Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade.  He let me get on his horse Bullet.  Much to the discomfort of all who witnessed me mounting and dismounting (not to mention Bullet), I was wearing a kilt.
 
We also remember three of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths.
 
Have a great week!
 
Cliff
PS - 
  • As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages.  I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just send them to cliff@honorfirst.com).
  • 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.


​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

1908
  • Although written about 16 years before the creation of the Border Patrol, this request for an extension of leave without pay contains two names of Border Patrol significance.  On December 20, 1908, Jeff Milton (1861-1947) was on annual leave and requested an extension without pay.  The memo was to be route through channels to the Secretary of Labor but was approved by Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934).
    • It should be noted, as per documents that supported Jeff Milton's retirement in 1932, he neither had been a Border Patrol Inspector nor a member of the Border Patrol.  However, he was a well-known law enforcement officer in the El Paso District, which encompasses modern day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sectors.  It is thought that the leaders of the newly formed Border Patrol used Jeff Milton's rugged independence as an example for new inspectors to follow.  This led to him mistakenly being considered the first Border Patrol Inspector.  Concerning a first Border Patrol Inspector, evidence indicates that there was not a "first" Border Patrol Inspector that hirings were conducted simultaneously throughout the nation.
1919
  • On December 19, 1919, future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) submitted an application for a passport.
    • A great find by Joe Banco!
1928
  • On December 21, 1928, three Border Patrol Inspectors were involved in a close-quarters gunfight with four alcohol smugglers in El Paso, Texas.  This document which contains several cover memos and sworn statements, describes the encounter where one smuggler was killed, two incapacitated with strikes to the head and one apprehended without injury. Concerning the action, Acting Commissioner-General (and former “Chief” of the Border Patrol) George Harris wrote: The Bureau is satisfied that the shooting was justified in every way and the officers involved are hereby commended for their good judgement, coolness and self-restraint under most trying conditions.  The Patrol Inspectors involves were:
    • Senior Patrol Inspector Egbert N. Crossett (1888-1967)
    • Patrol Inspector Harrison C. Pugh (1897-1982)
    • Patrol Inspector Melton R. Rogers (1905-1986​)
1934
  • Earliest known reference to create a Border Patrol Academy
    • On December 22, 1934, Chief of the Border Patrol Willard Kelly (1903-1969) wrote a memo to the Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.  The memo is significant in that it demonstrates that the Border Patrol did not have a national training school and it identifies that the training plan developed by the El Paso District was, “… extensive, the subjects well chosen, and the plan of instruction excellent.”
    • Later that same day (December 22, 1934), under the direction of the Commissioner, Chief Kelly sent a memo 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.
    • It should be noted, a photograph (courtesy of the  Border Patrol Museum) of a Border Patrol training class that was in session December 3, 1934 - March 17, 1935, is used as the birthdate of the USBP Academy.  It is unknown if Camp Chigas had been used by the El Paso District (Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sub-districts) to train district employees before that photo. However, the concept of creating a national academy had been discussed and researched in 1934 (see this document and this document).  Records were not kept that identified the date that Camp Chigas began training all Border Patrol new hires and therefore became the national Academy. Nevertheless, 1936 is the year that documents support that having occurred.
1944
  • On December 23, 1944, Patrol Inspectors Bucky Newsome, Salty Shreve, and Rex Holgerson were alerted to an escape from the Papago Park POW Camp in Arizona.  It was the largest POW escape in the U.S. and became known as the Great Papago Escape, drawing attention of the FBI to the lack security at Army-controlled POW camps. Twenty-five German POWs had dug a 178- foot tunnel from a bathhouse that extended under the two barbed wire fences, a road, and into the Arizona Crosscut Canal. The Patrol Inspectors assisted the U.S. Army and tracked several of the escaping Germans, finding them in the desert near Sells, 60 miles west of Nogales. Two more were found by Patrol Inspectors within 10 miles of the border with Mexico. All 25 POWs were eventually captured, the last of whom were caught 35 days after leaving the camp.
    • ​​From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco
    • Bucky Newsome - Carter Monroe Newsome (1913-1999)
    • Salty Shreve - Floyd D. Shreve (1916-1974)
1952
  • On December 24, 1952, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (P.L. 414, 66 Stat. 163) became effective. The new statute, simply referred to as the INA, was crafted to be an all-inclusive immigration and naturalization law by combining, updating, and codifying all previous laws pertaining to “Aliens and Nationality” under Title 8 of the U.S. Code. 
    • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco
1962
  • Patrol Inspector David Smith was one of a dozen Border Patrolmen, primarily from Miami Sector, who flew to San Antonio de los Baños Airfield, Cuba, on December 21, 1962, to pre-screen 1,113 Cuban Freedom Fighters who had been captured by the Castro government after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion.
    • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco​

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
The image of the USBP Newton-Azrak Award the is place on the top of the award certificate.
The USBP Newton-Azrak Award
There are no known Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries this week.  However, I will highlight 1998 recipient:
 
LeAlan L. Pinkerton
 
Nothing is known about the action that led to his selection to receive the award.  Recently, I was able to locate and speak with LeAlan.  It's my hope that I will be able to share new information with you soon and use it to update the Newton-Azrak Award page.

U.S. Border Patrol Badge with Mourning BandU.S. Border Patrol Badge with Mourning Band
USBP Fallen

As of December 7, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 153* fallen.
Titles:
  • 3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
  • 48 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
  • 101 Border Patrol Agents have fallen since 1970
  • 1 Enforcement Analysis Specialist
 
The names that appear below hold a place of honor. They have made the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to fulfill the oath each officer took to protect and defend the United States of America.
 
The facts regarding each officer are presented without major editing of the "language of the day" found in the reports detailing the circumstances of each event. This is done to provide the reader an association with historical timeframes.
 
Employees who died in the line of duty due to being exposed to deadly illnesses will not have the cause of death listed.
 
I will note that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. The Border Patrol Foundation and the Border Patrol Museum also fail to recognize him. He is remembered by all except organizations containing "Border Patrol" in their title. He is remembered by the:
  • National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see this link),
  • Officer Down memorial Page (see this link), and
  • Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (see this link).
 
The U.S. Border Patrol, the Border Patrol Foundation, and the Border Patrol Museum should fix their oversight. 
 
HonorFirst.com remembers and lists Agent Gigax among the fallen.

Fallen Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax's tombstone. Fallen Border Patrol Agent Jason C. Panides' tombstone in is the background.
Fallen Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax's tombstone. Fallen Border Patrol Agent Jason C. Panides' tombstone in is the background.
1950
 
Richard D. Clarke
Date of Birth:                      December 6, 1926
Entered on Duty:                February 23, 1949
Title:                                   Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                    December 18, 1950

​Details:
At about 1:00 p.m. on December 18, 1950, Patrol Inspector Richard D. Clarke and his teammate, Patrol Inspector Ralph L. Trantor, took Eulalio Cordero, an illegal alien, into custody in south El Paso. They were bringing him to headquarters by automobile for further questioning when the alien suddenly stabbed Inspector Clarke in the heart. His death was instantaneous. The alien then seized Inspector Trantor's gun. Patrol Inspector Trantor slammed on the car's brakes, held on to the gun and threw himself into the back seat where he grappled with the alien and succeeded in holding him until police officers arrived. During the struggle, Trantor's gun was discharged once, the bullet passing through a car seat. Inspector Trantor was badly bitten on the face and arms.
 
The incident began as a routine immigration procedure. Inspector Clarke questioned Cordero on a street in El Paso, Texas. First claiming to be a citizen of the United States, he later admitted he was an illegal alien. Cordero was charged with murder.​

​Gravesite

 
 
2004
 
George R. DeBates
Date of Birth:                November 19, 1972
Entered on Duty:          April 25, 1999
Title:                              Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:               December 19, 2004
 
Details:
On December 19, 2004, Agent George R. DeBates was involved in a single-vehicle accident while on patrol near Pisinimo, Arizona. He died as a result of his injuries.
 
Agent DeBates was working on a camp detail while assigned to the Casa Grande Station.  Agent DeBates is the fourth Department of Homeland Security employee to die in the line of duty since the Department was created in March 2003.
 
Originally, from Wisconsin, Agent DeBates was a graduate of the 403rd session of the Border Patrol Academy. A four-year veteran of the Border Patrol, Agent DeBates was assigned to the Casa Grande Station, on detail to the Ajo Station.

​Gravesite

 
 
2019
 
Luis O. Peña Jr. 
Date of Birth:                July 16, 1977 
Entered on Duty:          January 27, 2003 
Title:                              Border Patrol Agent 
End of Watch:               December 23, 2019 
 
Details: 
On December 23, 2019, Border Patrol Agent Luis O. Peña Jr. succumbed to complications related to significant injuries he received from a vehicle accident (roll over) on the Tohono O’odham Nation on October 18, 2007.  BPA Peña was medically retired on October 8, 2010. 
    
Agent Peña entered on duty with the United States Border Patrol on January 27, 2003, as a member of the 538th session of the Border Patrol Academy.  He was assigned to the Casa Grande Border Patrol Station in the Tucson Sector following his graduation.  Agent Peña served with the United States Border Patrol for over seven years.

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This Week in USBP History, Vol. 67

12/11/2022

Comments

 

December 11 - December 17

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

 
My father is a subscriber to this newsletter and last week he shared with me that the Border Patrol should hire me to do this HonorFirst.com stuff as a contractor.  That gave me quite a chuckle. I told him that the Patrol had me on their payroll less than two years ago but that my chain-of-command stifled me to the point I had to retire.  Plus, now they're getting all of this for free, but with the risk of me being unrestrained.
 
As a quick sidenote, in my last three years in the Patrol, I was performing a job that I absolutely loved, Awards and History.  I retired because of my chain-of-command, in perfect example of, "people don't quit jobs, people quit people."  My retirement was a retention failure and could be a leadership case study of what not to do.  Getting back on track...
 
I try to use my powers for good, just like I always have.  That is to say to the benefit of the workforce.  I avoid the turbulence of politics, and of voicing any opinions I may have on strategic and tactical approaches to patrolling the border.  I like to stay in the realm of my passion, organizational pride and employee morale. Highlighting the good, shining the light on areas of improvement, and attempting to influence beneficial change.
 
As a retiree, I have been known to send emails to Border Patrol leadership of all levels.  Sometimes a note of congratulations, and sometimes sharp suggestions to benefit the workforce. 
 
Every day, I engage with 100's of current and former employee's in the Agents' Forum.  I want to highlight one of my recent posts to the forum concerning someone who left a significant impression, someone I consider to be a great leader, Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeff Denise:
In your career, I hope that you have the occasion to encounter a person that you considered a true leader.  I'm going to share a story that Jeff probably wouldn't want me to share, but I'm retired and can do pretty much what I want...
 
It was around the time of Police Week in 2018, and I had made a significant series of mistakes that caused the Chief of the Border Patrol, the Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol, and the Executive Director to have to change travel plans, as well as a bunch of other fails.  It was unpleasant and shit was rolling downhill like an avalanche!  But, it never reached my coworkers or me.
 
Through several weeks of incredible stress, Jeff Dinise stood fast under constant negative criticism and scrutiny from "leadership", while also juggling the complexity of taking care of the Police Week (ceremonies, agents, survivors).
 
I'm not going into details, but I'll say this...  To me, Jeff embodied the sentiment of, "It's not about being in charge.  It's about taking care of those in your charge."
 
He took care of us while taking a barrage none stop hits, never allowing any of us to take any of the hits.
 
He earned my respect, like no other, while others permanently lost my respect.
 ​
Picture
2018 Agent Support Division. (Jeff Dinise in the center, me on the far right) Our professional staff team member is missing from the photo.
PictureGeneral Order 42
​Too often, we only hear of negative leadership stories.  Jeff's is a positive one, where a person in a position of authority valued those in his charge in a manner will always impress me.  
 
Thank you, Jeff!
 
This week (like last week, ha!), starts of BIG with the Patrol's first uniform policy, General Order 42 from 1924!  We have the earliest, most complete roster of Patrol Inspectors of which I am aware from 1929. Surprise, there was a gunfight in El Paso in 1930!  The Patrol and Customs didn't really get along in 1944 (who would have guessed we would be one big happy family in beginning in 2003?).
 
We remember two Newton-Azrak Award recipients, both given posthumously, on the anniversary of their actions.
 
Also, we remember five of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths.
 
Before I forget, make sure you visit the Border Patrol Stories page​.  I've received several that are pretty good!  If you want to submit a story, please sent to me at cliff@honorfirst.com.
 
Have a great week!
 
Cliff
PS - 
  • As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages.  I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just send them to cliff@honorfirst.com).
  • 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.


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

1924
  • On December 11, 1924, General Order 42, Uniforms – Border Patrol was implemented, laying the foundation of the uniform that exists today.  ​
    • Some of the interesting items in that 4-page order:
      • All Patrol Inspectors wore silver hat insignia, collar discs, shoulder ornaments and buttons.
      • Patrol Inspectors in Charge (now called CPAs) wore the aforementioned in gold.
      • All items were controlled by HQ.
      • The color of the uniform was forest green.
      • Two hats authorized, the Pershing hat and the campaign hat. Campaign hats were considered a summer variant.
      • Pants were riding crops with leather wraps called puttees (not boots)
    • 1926-1936 General Order 42 would be amended many times:
      • 1926 – 
        • Boots first authorized
      • 1928 – 
        • First official rank insignia (fabric) for Senior Patrol Inspectors, Chief Patrol Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents
        • Fabric controlled by HQ
        • All metal on the uniform must match based on rank.  Oxidized for BPIs and SPIs and gilt for CPIs and above.
        • Cross strap worn over left shoulder
        • White shirt authorized under jackets for dress occasions
        • Insignia discontinued on the campaign hat.
      • 1929 – 
        • Long overcoat authorized
      • 1930 –
        • Pith helmet authorized
1929
  • On December 12, 1929, the Commissioner of Prohibition sent a request to the Commissioner-General of Immigration asking for a list of all employees conducting “immigration border patrol” work.  The response to that request, included in this document, is the earliest, most complete roster of Border Patrol employees known to exist.
1930
  • On December 13, 1930, in El Paso, Texas, three Border Patrol Inspectors encountered three alcohol smugglers.  Upon seeing the Border Patrol Inspectors, the smugglers abandoned their load of alcohol and retreated across the river to Mexico.  Once in Mexico, the smugglers fired on the Inspectors with a pistol and a rifle.  The Border Patrol Inspectors fired back.  In total, approximately 35 rounds were exchanged with no injuries being reported.  See this cover memo and sworn statement. The Inspectors involved in the shooting were
    • Patrol Inspector Pedro A. Torres (1880-1958)
    • Patrol Inspector John W. Colbert (1894-1968​)
    • Patrol Inspector Curtis D. Mosley (1897-1981​)
1944
  • On December 14, 1944, El Paso Chief Patrol Inspector Griffith J. McBee (1896-1972) sent his boss, El Paso District Director Grover W. Wilmoth (1884-1951), a memo describing the toxic relationship between the Customs Border Patrol and the Immigration Border Patrol.  That poor relationship and lack of coordination was evident by this quote:
    • A number of clashes, some of them resulting in an exchange of shots, have taken place between officers of the two patrols in the El Paso Sector in the past several years.​​

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
Picture
Newton-Azrak Award
2004
 
James P. Epling
Border Patrol Agent
Yuma Sector
Posthumously Awarded

Border Patrol Agent James P. Epling was honored posthumously for his courage and bravery in rescuing a female alien in distress in the swift cold waters of the Colorado River and attempting to apprehend a group of illegal aliens along the riverbanks.  On the evening of December 16, 2003, Agent Epling was assigned to the Yuma Border Patrol Sector in Yuma, Arizona.  He was working near Andrade, California, when he was last seen attempting to apprehend a group of illegal aliens along the banks of the Colorado River.  Moments prior to his disappearance, Agent Epling entered the swift, cold waters of the Colorado River to rescue a female alien in distress.  Once the woman was safe, Agent Epling pursued four other individuals he observed running south toward Mexico along the riverbank in an attempt to escape arrest.  This was the last time Agent Epling was seen alive.  Agent Epling’s body was recovered from the river after a three-day search.

 
 
2011
 
Brian A. Terry - photo
Border Patrol Agent
Tucson Sector/BORTAC
Posthumously Awarded

On December 14, 2010, Border Patrol Agent Brian A. Terry was conducting operations as a member of the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) in the Nogales, Arizona area of operations.  Agent Terry’s team encountered five individuals, at least two of whom were armed with rifles, in the “Peck Well” area near Rio Rico, Arizona.  During the attempt to arrest these individuals, the agents and suspects fired shots.  Agent Terry was mortally wounded during the exchange of gunfire and succumbed to his injuries on December 15, 2010.

PictureU.S. Border Patrol Badge with Mourning Band
USBP Fallen

As of December 7, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 153* fallen.
Titles:
  • 3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
  • 48 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
  • 101 Border Patrol Agents have fallen since 1970
  • 1 Enforcement Analysis Specialist
 
The names that appear below hold a place of honor. They have made the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to fulfill the oath each officer took to protect and defend the United States of America.
 
The facts regarding each officer are presented without major editing of the "language of the day" found in the reports detailing the circumstances of each event. This is done to provide the reader an association with historical timeframes.
 
Employees who died in the line of duty due to being exposed to deadly illnesses will not have the cause of death listed.
 
I will note that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. The Border Patrol Foundation and the Border Patrol Museum also fail to recognize him. He is remembered by all except organizations containing "Border Patrol" in their title. He is remembered by the:
  • National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see this link),
  • Officer Down memorial Page (see this link), and
  • Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (see this link).
 
The U.S. Border Patrol, the Border Patrol Foundation, and the Border Patrol Museum should fix their oversight. 
 
HonorFirst.com remembers and lists Agent Gigax among the fallen.

Picture
Fallen Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax's tombstone. Fallen Border Patrol Agent Jason C. Panides' tombstone in is the background.
​1924
 
Frank H. Clark
Date of Birth:                    January 4, 1879
Entered on Duty:              August 5, 1924
Title:                                 Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                   December 13, 1924

Details:
While patrolling in company with another officer near Cordova Island, El Paso, Texas, on the evening of December 13, 1924, Patrol Inspector Clark was shot and killed by smuggler's spotters. They had concealed themselves at a strategic point on the American side of the international boundary line for the purpose of warning and protecting the smugglers should the presence of officers be detected. When the smugglers were challenged by the Patrol Inspectors, the spotters opened fire from ambush, and one of the shots hit Patrol Inspector Clark.  His death was instantaneous. Other officers quickly took positions in concealment surrounding the scene of the action and remained there through the night. They found sacks containing illegal liquor, and they took into custody a Mexican family found on the scene searching the premises in the early morning. One of these Mexicans, Eulalio Aguilar, was subsequently indicted on charge of murder, convicted and given a 10-year sentence.

Survivor benefits - As per this document, Wife received $65 per month until their two children turned 18, then $49 per month.

​Gravesite
 
 
1927
 
Franklin P. Wood
Date of Birth:                     September 22, 1894
Entered on Duty:               March 11, 1926
Title:                                   Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                    December 15, 1927

​Details:
Patrol Inspector Franklin P. Wood stationed at Sibley, Michigan, disappeared in the early morning of December 15, 1927. On the Detroit River near Wyandotte, Michigan, under cover of darkness, Patrol Inspectors Wood, James W. Oliver, and Chief Patrol Inspector Ivan A. Hall patrolled in search of smugglers expected in the area. Two boats containing contraband liquor had been seized and were being guarded when Inspector Wood left to pursue another boat operating in the vicinity of Wyandotte. He left in pursuit of one boat loaded with aliens, while his fellow officers pursued another. His wrecked boat, rammed by the smugglers, was found on the river sometime after Patrol Inspector Wood was last seen. Patrol Inspector Wood either drowned or was killed by the smugglers and thrown into the river. His body was never found.
​
Survivor benefits - As per this document, his mother received $22.50 per month until her death in 1931.

​Body not recovered.
 
 
1996
 
Michael W. Barnes
Date of Birth:                April 7, 1951
Entered on Duty:          March 14, 1976
Title:                              Patrol Agent in Charge
End of Watch:               December 12, 1996
 
Details:
On December 12, 1996, about 4:00 p.m., Border Patrol Agents were working on a trail on the Chittum Ranch in Carrizo Springs, Texas, assisted by a Del Rio Sector pilot.  They spotted a group of about 13 illegal aliens, who ran when the agents approached them. Agents Barnes apprehended five of the aliens and turned them over to Agent Tapia.  He began trying to apprehend the remainder of the group. The pilot spotted the group running along a creek bottom and was guiding agents toward the area. Agent Barnes was within about 50 yards of them when the pilot stated over the radio that Agent Barnes had gone down. He radioed Agent Barnes, but there was no response. When he notified the other agents in the area of the situation, they started making their way to assist him.
 
About 4:32 p.m., Agent Tapia found Agent Barnes face down. Agents determined that he was not breathing and had no pulse. They immediately started performing CPR. Pilot Snyder radioed for an ambulance and a helicopter. Agent Barnes was placed in an INS Bronco and transported to the ambulance. About 5:38 p.m., a helicopter took off with Agents Barnes and Guzman for a hospital in San Antonio, arriving at 6:13 p.m.  At 6:25 p.m., a doctor advised Agent Barnes had died. The medical examiner’s office determined he had suffered a massive heart attack. Agent Barnes was born in San Antonio and grew up in Pearsall, Texas. He served as a Supervisor, Assistant Patrol Agent in Charge and Patrol Agent in Charge at the Carrizo Springs Station.

​Gravesite
 
 
2003
 
James P. Epling
Date of Birth:                March 9, 1979
Entered on Duty:          January 13, 2003
Title:                             Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:               December 16, 2003
 
 
Details:
On December 16, 2003, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Border Patrol Agent James P. Epling was reported missing after responding to sensor activity along the Colorado River near Andrade, California. Agent Epling had apprehended two Chinese illegal immigrants and had rescued another from drowning in the Colorado River. He was attempting to apprehend other illegal immigrants along the river when he suddenly disappeared.
 
A massive rescue operation by Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue teams, as well as multiple local, State, Federal, tribal, and foreign agencies, was immediately initiated. The response and coordinated rescue effort continued for three days. On December 19, 2003, at approximately 7:15 p.m., with the aid of an underwater camera, Agent Epling’s body was located 29 feet deep in the Colorado River. He was approximately 200 yards from where it was believed he initially disappeared. The investigation revealed that Agent Epling had died as a result of accidental drowning.
 
Agent Epling was 24 years old and was a graduate of the 537th session of the Border Patrol Academy. On January 28, 2004, his son, James Paul Epling II, was born.

​Gravesite
 
 
2010
 
Brian A. Terry
Date of Birth                 August 11, 1970
Entered on Duty:          July 23, 2007
Title:                             Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:               December 15, 2010
 
Details:
On December 14, 2010, Agent Brian A. Terry was shot while conducting a Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) operation in the area of ‘Peck Wells’. This area is near Rio Rico, Arizona and about 15 miles north of Nogales, Arizona. At 11:15pm, Agent Terry and his team spotted a group of individuals approaching their position. An encounter ensued and gunfire was exchanged. Agent Terry succumbed to his injuries on December 15, 2010.
 
Agent Terry was a native of Flat Rock, Michigan. He served our country proudly with the United States Marine Corps and continued his service as a Police Officer with the cities of Ecorse and Lincoln Park prior to joining the United States Border Patrol. Agent Terry was a member of the 699th Session of the Border Patrol Academy assigned to the Naco Border Patrol Station within the Tucson Sector.
 
Agent Terry is survived by his mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, brother and two sisters. The Naco Border Patrol Station was later renamed in his honor.

​Gravesite
 
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This Week in USBP History, Vol. 66

12/4/2022

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December 4 - December 10

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

Just this week I shared with fellow Border Patrol Historian, Joe Banco, the feeling of melancholy I sometimes experience as I spend so much time with so many that have been gone for so long.  Every week, I reread every document that I reference in the Documents/Events section of the newsletter.  Every time that I mention a name of a person who has died, I research and attempt to find their gravestone and give a link in their years of life.  Sometimes, it's quite an investment of time to find and confirm their gravesites.  I commonly find myself thinking that I'm the only person on the planet that is thinking of that person.

Relatedly, I was recently having a conversation with my wife about the recent loss of her mother and the death of my great-grandmother many years ago.  We agreed that I was the last generation in my family that would remember my great-grandmother and my wife's children would be the last generation that would remember her mother.  After those generations are gone, they'll only be remembered as an image in photographs, or names written in documents or on grave markers. Our conversation led to who might be the last to remember us.  Quite a sobering thought of our mortality.

Back to USBP history, I tend to concentrate on official documents.  That's what is found in National Archives.  They comprise the official history of the Patrol.  But since I've been authoring these emails, I've received incredible stories from Ron Colburn, Joe Banco, John Burgmeier and others.  Stories of big personalities, heroism, tragedies, and humanity.  Some have been funny or sad, but all are the building blocks that create the foundation of Patrol's culture.

Embarrassingly, I have missed the organizational importance of the stories of the individual as I have presented USBP history.

All of us have so many incredible experiences that may never see the light of day.  Many of them may involve acts of heroism or the terror of being shot at.  Some may be stories of humanity, or the lack thereof.  Maybe great law enforcement actions, big personalities or whatever...  We've heard of people wanting to collect PA stories to write a book, but it never seems to happen...

Well, it turns out that Ray and I have a website.  Now, I've tried to highlight the good works of the workforce with the pages of Upholding Honor First.  And now I have built another section of the site devoted true PA stories, Border Patrol Stories.  There are a few stories there and I hope that you'll email me some more so that they and the individuals that lived them aren't lost in time. 
Picture
Link to U.S. Border Patrol Stories
PictureGeneral Order 42
​I know that we have to protect the identities of the innocent, so the author can be anonymous and names changed, but I'd like to keep the sectors and years accurate. I see this as a way to preserve soul of the Patrol.

​If you have something to share, please email me the story at cliff@honorfirst.com.  I can even put photos in them.

This week starts BIG!  The first document is General Order 42 from 1924, the Patrol's first uniform policy!  We have three gunfights from the late 1920's from El Paso (they seemed to be the only sub-district reporting shootings).  We end in 1998 with the approval of the USBP flag.
 
There are no Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries for the week, so I'll present you a mystery.  Border Patrol Agent Carlos Martinez is listed as having been a recipient from 1993 while he was assigned to San Diego Sector.  That is the extent of the information that I have on his action and I have exhausted my sources.  I have records that show "Carlos Martinez" being a member of Class 231 in 1988-1989.  If any of you have additional information, I'd love to receive it!
 
We also remember two of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths.
 
Have a great week!
 
Cliff
PS - 
  • As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages.  I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just send them to cliff@honorfirst.com).
  • 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.


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

1924
  • On December 11, 1924, General Order 42, Uniforms – Border Patrol was implemented, laying the foundation of the uniform that exists today.  
    • Some of the interesting items in that 4-page order:
      • All Patrol Inspectors wore silver hat insignia, collar discs, shoulder ornaments and buttons. Patrol Inspectors in Charge (now called CPAs) wore the aforementioned in gold.
      • All items were controlled by HQ.
      • The color of the uniform was forest green.
      • Two hats authorized, the Pershing hat and the campaign hat. Campaign hats were considered a summer variant.
      • Pants were riding crops with leather wraps called puttees (not boots)
    • 1926-1936 General Order 42 would be amended many times:
      • 1926 – 
        • Boots first authorized
      • 1928 – 
        • First official rank insignia (fabric) for Senior Patrol Inspectors, Chief Patrol Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents
        • Fabric controlled by HQ
        • All metal on the uniform must match based on rank.  Oxidized for BPIs and SPIs and gilt for CPIs and above.
        • First time-in-service insignia (fabric). Fabric controlled by HQ
        • Cross strap worn over left shoulder
        • White shirt authorized under jackets for dress occasions
        • Insignia discontinued on the campaign hat.
      • 1929 – 
        • Long overcoat authorized
      • 1930 – 
        • Pith helmet authorized
1927
  • This document contains two separate gunfights that occurred on December 9, 1927, in El Paso between Border Patrol Inspectors and smugglers.  No injuries were reported in either gunfight. 
    • One gunfight #1 lasted seconds and involved:
      • Patrol Inspector Roland A. Fisher (1891-?)
      • Patrol Inspector Sam G. Lucy (1904-1986)
    • Gunfight #2 lasted between 30-40 minutes and involved the Border Patrol Inspectors and at least one member of the Mexican Fiscal Guards (inferring that the local Mexican authorities were involved in alcohol smuggling):​
      • Patrol Inspector James S. Hale (1900-?)
      • Patrol Inspector Max S. Gleason (1899-1952)
1929
  • This document contains a cover memo and three sworn statements concerning a gunfight that occurred on December 6, 1929.  The cover memo is from El Paso Sub-district Chief Patrol Inspector Herbert Horsley (1878-1962) to his boss, El Paso District Director Grover Wilmoth (1884-1951).  The three sworn statements were taken from the following Border Patrol Inspectors that had engaged in the gunfight:
    • Patrol Inspector Pedro A. Torres (1880-1958)
    • Patrol Inspector Charles S. Williams (1902-1953)
    • Patrol Inspector William T. Feland (1898-1951)
1931
  • On December 7 , 1931, Assistant Superintendent L. Antonio Bonazzi (1890-1950) wrote a memo to his boss, the Commission of Immigration for the Montreal District of the competitive shooting score of the Border Patrol Inspectors assigned to the district.  The Commission of Immigration for the Montreal District forwarded the memo to his boss, the Commissioner-General of the Bureau of Immigration. The memo is interesting for several reasons:
    • It shows that the USBP as long valued marksmanship, and
    • Shows three levels of Immigration Service hierarchy in a single memo,
      • Assistant Superintendent - highest ranking USBP uniformed position and USBP leader over the Chief Patrol Inspectors in a district
      • Commissioner of Immigration – The head of a district.  Also, known as a District Director in some districts.
      • Commissioner-General – The head of the agency, the Bureau of Immigration.
1933
  • This incredibly informative collection of documents from December 1933, shows the locations and manpower of the nine-year old USBP
1937
  • On December 7, 1937, El Paso District Director Grover Wilmoth (1884-1951) wrote a memo to three of his subordinates, the Chief Patrol Inspectors of the Tucson, El Paso and Alpine Sub-districts.  Evidently, Border Patrol Inspectors in the district had doubts concerning their authority to stop vehicles.  Wilmoth provided a quote from a federal case from the Southern District of Texas that shows the support from the judiciary for the USBP to stop vehicles.  It’s a long quote, below is the last sentence:
    • The law has a practical purpose, and it must have a practical application, and if you limit the right of search to the point of entry, it would be a foolish construction.
1940
  • On December 5, 1940, a memo was written describing the urgent need for space for the Rouses Point Sub-district headquarters.  Evidently, the proposed improvements in this memo from April 1, 1935 were not implemented.
1998
  • The official U.S. Border Patrol flag, pennant, and streamers were designed with the assistance of the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry under the direction of Assistant Chief Beaumet. Chief Gustavo De La Vina made the following request of the INS Commissioner:
    • “The flag, the pennant, and the flag streamers are important symbols of honor, service, and sacrifice that build pride and enhance morale and esprit de corps within the organization. I request that you authorize them as official INS items so that my staff may proceed with procurements. I would like to have them available nationwide for 75th Anniversary ceremonies on May 28.”  The flag was approved on December 5, 1998.
    • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco
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U.S. Border Patrol Flag

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
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USBP Newton-Azrak Award
There are no Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries for the week.

PictureU.S. Border Patrol Badge with Mourning Band
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. The Border Patrol Foundation and the Border Patrol Museum also fail to recognize him. He is remembered by all except organizations containing "Border Patrol" in their title. He is remembered by the:
    • National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see this link),
    • Officer Down memorial Page (see this link), and
    • Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (see this link).​

​1933

Doyne C. Melton
Date of Birth:                      January 17, 1902
Entered on Duty:                October 29, 1927
Title:                                    Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                     December 7, 1933

Details:
Patrol Inspector Doyne C. Melton was shot and killed in a battle with Mexican smugglers at El Paso, on December 7, 1933. Six Patrol Inspectors were moving up in the darkness on seventeen Mexican smugglers who were wading across the river with packs of liquor. One of three smugglers acting as spotters who had preceded the main body of the smugglers over the river, concealed beneath a platform on the American side, opened hostilities by shooting Inspector Melton. The opening shot was fired without warning and before any challenge had been given. Inspector Melton was shot through the heart, dying instantly. The bitterness of the fight was evidenced by the fact that in addition to the slaying of Inspector Melton, four smugglers were killed and another was wounded.

Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $54.25 per month.

​Gravesite
 
 
1968
 
James G. Burns
Date of Birth:                July 31, 1924
Entered on Duty:          June 8, 1955
Title:                             Senior Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:               December 8, 1968
 
Details:
Official reports covering the death of Senior Patrol Inspector James G. Burns indicated he was performing line watch operations, looking for evidence of illegal aliens in a river bottom near Calexico, California, on Sunday, December 8, 1968. He was searching places of concealment in heavy undergrowth, which was exceptionally strenuous activity and required considerable physical exertion. At 6:30 a.m., he began to suffer pains in the chest area, which prompted him to immediately return to the office. He was taken home by another officer and was then conveyed to the El Centro Community Hospital by his wife. He passed away at 8:25 a.m., less than two hours after being stricken. Death was caused by an occlusion of the left coronary artery due to arteriosclerosis.

​Gravesite
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    Clifford Gill

    Blog author, retired U.S. Border Patrol Assistant Chief and, current U.S. Border Patrol employee advocate.

    ​Read more about Cliff here.


    Ray Harris

    Site founder and owner, former Supervisory Border Patrol Agent and retired Immigration Special Agent.

    ​Read more about Ray here.


    Joseph Banco

    U.S. Border Patrol historian and retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent.

    ​Read more about Joe here.


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