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 -
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.
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.
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.
1938 Sketch of the idea that led to the U.S. Border Patrol patch Documents/Events
1910
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.
- 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)
- Patrol Inspector James W. Walsh
- 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:
- 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.
- This undated map of the El Paso District contains tons of historic information for modern day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend sectors.
- 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
- El Paso Sub-district Chief Patrol Inspector Herbert Horsley's (1878-1962) report of the shooing.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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. 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.
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
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.
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 Band USBP Fallen
As of December 7, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 153* fallen.
Titles:
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:
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.
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.
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
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