This Week in USBP History, vol. 55

September 18 - September 24

Good morning!
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!  
 
A couple of weeks ago I wrote of the Patrol's culture.  Here's a web version of that email.  In that email I describe those aspects of the Patrol that I think make the it special.
 
For the Patrol to maintain its unique culture, it's important to attract applicants that posses or can assimilate the characteristics of the Patrol's culture.  I would expect a recruitment announcement to be something along the lines of:
Are you the kind of person that:

• Has the initiative to step forward in the absence of guidance,
• Isn't afraid to be ruggedly independent, to go outside of lanes to do right,
• Is respectful of higher authority,
• Values administrative excellence, heroism and valor, law enforcement actions, lifesavings efforts, and service, and
• Will steadfastly pursue goals?

If you answered "yes", then you embody the characteristics to be an outstanding Border Patrol Agent.  Apply today!
 
That is type of announcement attracts people because of who they are.  It attracts people who will be a good fit in the Patrol.
 
I did a quick internet search to see what recruitment announcements are out there.  Here are the two main ones:
 
First - Current Openings - U.S. Border Patrol

• **Effective Immediately** Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents who meet the criteria defined 5 CFR 575.102 for new federal employees will be offered a $5,000 recruitment incentive upon successful completion of the academy. Additionally, new agents assigned to a hard-to-fill duty location will be eligible for an additional $5,000 recruitment incentive (for a total of $10,000)...

Not very inspiring.  It has the hook of offering of money.
 
Second - Join Our Team

• Are you looking for an exciting, challenging and rewarding career? U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees protect our nation’s borders from terrorism, human and drug smuggling, illegal migration and agricultural pests while simultaneously facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel.  If you are interested in protecting the American people from dangerous threats and material attempting to cross the border between the ports of entry, then apply today to become a Border Patrol Agent. Typical assignments include...

That is better than the first.  It speaks of job functions and pings on higher purposes.  But, this message was buried in the page and a bit difficult to find.
 
Here's another approach...  And I'm not going to give the answer(s), I'm only going to ask questions...

• Why would anyone want to be a Border Patrol Agent?  
• What is special about the Patrol?  
• Why join the Patrol over another federal, state or local department?

 
It is the answers to those questions that will provide the best material to attract the best candidates.  BUT, the Patrol must first know thy self.  If the Patrol has not defined its culture and values, then it will not be able to attract fitting candidate.  Further, it will miss a great opportunity to instill organizational pride into the workforce.
 
Now to this week's update!
 
We start with a memo from 1918 that refers to the Passport Act of 1918 and regulations of August 8, 1918 concerning passports and permits.  It was those that really caused the first dominos to fall that would lead to the formation of the Patrol.  We have a brief account from retired Senior Patrol Inspector Edwin M. Reeves first day on the job in 1924.  We finish the documents with the fourth anniversary of the USBP Honorary Awards!
 
We celebrate the 30th anniversary of ​William C. Spencer's Newton-Azrak Award action.
 
We also remember the loss of three of our fallen, including two that fell in the same event.  Travis W. Attaway and Jeremy M. Wilson fell due in the same incident in 2004.  A sad fact is that the USBP has lost two Agents/Inspectors due to the same event nine times (18 fallen).  Their names are listed below:

1. Donald Kee and William F. Buckelew in 1954
2. Douglas C. Shute and James M. Carter in 1956
3. Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak in 1967
4. Friedrich Karl and John S. Blue in 1973
5. Susan L. Rodriguez and Ricardo G. Salinas in 1998
6. Jesus de la Ossa and Thomas J. Williams in 1998​
7. Travis W. Attaway and Jeremy M. Wilson in 2004
8. Ramon Nevarez, Jr. and David J. Tourscher in 2007
9. Hector R. Clark and Eduardo Rojas,  Jr. in 2011

 
Daniel P. Cox and Edgardo Acosta-Feliciano both fell on July 31, 2021.  However, their causes of death were not related.
 
Enjoy the update and have a great week!
 
Cliff
PS - 

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

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

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

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

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

Esprit de Corps = Organizational Pride + Employee Morale

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

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

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Documents/Events

1918

• On September 20, 1918, a memo was written summarizing a meeting where the enforcement of the Passport Act of 1918 and regulations of August 8, 1918 concerning passports and permits were discussed, as well as an increase the amount of employees available to patrol the border.  This meeting is part of the evolution that would lead to the creation of the Voluntary Return and the U.S. Border Patrol.  By the time this memo was written, future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) had already submitted at least two proposals to create a Border Patrol.  The following organizations were present in the meeting:
  
  • State Department Secret Service
    
  • State Department Foreign Permits Office
    
  • Department of Justice Bureau of Investigation
    
  • War Department Military Intelligence Office
    
  • Department of Labor Bureau of Immigration

1925

• From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco
  
  • In his personal diary, portions of which were chronicled for the 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol in 1974 by the El Paso Times, retired Senior Patrol Inspector Edwin M. Reeves, describes his first day on duty as a Patrol Inspector in El Paso, Texas. The following describes the events of September 24, 1925, in Edwin Reeves’ own words.
    
    • 9-24-25. Reported to Border Patrol Headquarters 1 p.m. Filled out forms. Received equipment, Badge #214, 45- D.A. Revolver #130916. 1 Web Belt and Holster. When dark came, I had time to do to get in my 8 hours. Bud Perry, Assistant Chief Patrol Inspector took me out to the wooden and steel railroad bridge from Mexico. Was instructing me to apprehend and bring in anyone that crossed either bridge from Mexico. Just at that moment hell broke loose at Park Street. Both rifle and pistol fire. Tracers were being used by both officers and the smugglers. Perry said, “Come on, let’s go, the boys are in trouble at Park Street. We ran to Headquarters, got in a Ford touring car and headed for Park Street. When we arrived, the main battle was over and there was only an occasional shot from Mexico. While the officers working there kept me covered, I was detailed to pick up the loads of liquor and carry them over the levee to the car. I had to wade out in the river for some of the loads. When I arrived home after work I was up for a reprimand from the wife as my white shirt and my blue serge Sunday pants were nearly ruined with river mud and fuzz from the sacks. Next day I bought brown ducking trousers and jacket (the rough- duty uniform of the day).

1929

• See this 6 page PDF to see a cover memo and two sworn statements take from Border Patrol Inspectors concerning a gunfight that occurred on September 19, 1929.  No injuries were reported.
  
  • Such was the case on September 20, 1929, when “six Border Patrolmen narrowly escaped being slain” by liquor smugglers waiting to ambush them from the west side of Cordova Island near the Peyton Packing Plant.326 The Patrol Inspectors were attempting to intercept a load of contraband liquor being carried across the border by eight men to be loaded into an automobile on the road leading into the packing plant when they were fired upon from the rear with high-powered rifles. As the Patrol Inspectors attempted to seek cover, eight smugglers in two additional vehicles blocked their path with the occupants firing upon the Patrolmen with pistols. The Patrol Inspectors were able to gain cover, returning fire from behind a telephone pole and other structures near the packing plant yard. After forcing the retreat of the smugglers shooting at them from behind, the Patrolmen made a stand against the smugglers in the two cars, who quickly “lost their nerve” and also retreated into Mexico.327 The Patrol Inspectors were able to apprehend one of the smugglers and recover seven of twenty kegs of liquor and a sack of whiskey. Noting the ferocity of the estimated twenty smugglers shooting at them, Chief Patrol Inspector Horsley is quoted by the El Paso Times as stating, “The battle was one of the hardest we have ever fought and it is miraculous that our men got out alive.”
    
    • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco
      
  • The shooters involved:
    
    • Patrol Inspector Francis A. Scott (1904-?)
      
    • Patrol Inspector Richard A. Bush - He would leave the Patrol to become a motorcycle officer with the El Paso Police Department in 1935.
      
    • Patrol Inspector Irvin H. Cone (1902-1977)
      
    • Senior Patrol Inspector Charles T. Birchfield (1888-1964),
      
    • Senior Patrol Inspector Ammon M. Tenney (1897-1961),

1931

• On September 21, 1931, eleven days after the implementation of the Border Patrol's second uniform policy (GO179), Chief of the Border Patrol Ruel E. Davenport (1878-1961)  wrote this memo to the Commissioner-General concerning delays in the delivery of silver bullion or silver braid which was used as the rank insignia for Senior Patrol Inspectors.  
  
  • See this gif for the rank and time-in-service insignia of the time (the images change @ every 5-7 seconds).

​1953

• On September 18, 1953, the Los Angeles District Director issued a comprehensive 8-page memo covering the 242 miles of border of the Chula Vista ad El Centro Sector.  The memo began, "...this report and recommendations is submitted on the proposed plan of operation following the construction of fences along certain designated portions of the Mexican border in this District."

1954

• In early September 1954, Commissioner Swing used his military connections to secure three 50-passenger C-46 cargo planes from the U.S. Air Force considered military surplus for transport and repatriation operations for the Border Patrol. Two of the C-46s were assigned to Brownsville, TX, and one to El Centro, CA. Six Border Patrol pilots with previous experience flying multi-engine aircraft were recruited for the new “Airlift”. The pilots were John Landry, James “Ed” Parker, Alva Pilliod, Philip Pring, William Turner, and John Wright. Al Pilliod was designated as Chief Pilot and oversaw training and operations. The pilots received orientation and “refresher” training in Miami, Florida, with the U.S. Air Force Reserve. The inaugural flight of the Border Patrol Air Transport Arm was on September 18, 1954, from Chicago, Illinois, to Brownsville, Texas.
  
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

2016

• On September 20, 2016, the death of Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega, Jr. was re-determined to have been in the line of duty.  In light of information identified during the intensive investigation completed by the Willacy County Sheriff s Department, Agent Vega's actions were indicative of his law enforcement training and that he instinctively reacted, placing himself in harm's way to stop a criminal act and protect the lives of others. 

2018

• On September 19, 2018, the USBP Honorary Awards and Recognition Program was implemented when Chief of the Border Patrol Carla Provost sent the IOP and cover memo to the field.​
  
  • From the HonorFirst USBP Honorary Awards page:
    
    • In 2018, U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) Headquarters realized the need to better recognize employees.  Assistant Chief Clifford Gill built on the foundation that began with Chief Beaumet and drafted the policy for the USBP Honorary Awards Program.  Under the program, the USBP 75th Anniversary Award was reauthorized for wear and two of the earlier awards designed by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry were repurposed for use.
      
      • USBP Honorary Awards and Recognitions IOP
        
      • 2018 Honorary Award Narrative Guidance
        
      • Updated Purple Cross Criteria
        
      • Interim Wear Guidance for USBP Honorary Awards

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Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries

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

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

​1992
 
​William C. Spencer Jr.
Senior Patrol Agent
Buffalo Sector
On September 19, 1992, Senior Patrol Agent William C. Spencer Jr. performed a truly remarkable feat of strength, endurance, and bravery to rescue a woman who was seconds from drowning in the swift currents of the Niagara River at Buffalo.  After noting the woman’s lack of effort to save herself, and when she slipped beneath the surface and returned in a face down position, Agent Spencer dove into the river, without a floatation device.  He swam about 30 yards to her, raised her head out of the water, and administered resuscitation.  Agent Spencer then had to support himself and the woman while ladders could be rigged by the Buffalo Fire Department for removal from the water.

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USBP Fallen

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Joe R. White - He is recognized as officially fallen by the U.S. Border Patrol but his name is not inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial.
• John Charles Gigax - He is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. He is remembered by all except his own agency with his name is inscribed on the:
  • National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see this link),
  • Officer Down memorial Page (see this link), and
  • Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (see this link).

1988
 
Josiah B. Mahar
Date of Birth:                August 29, 1948
Entered on Duty:          February 22, 1983
Title:                             Senior Patrol Agent
End of Watch:               September 23, 1988
 
Details:
At about 3:15 p.m. on September 23, 1988, Senior Border Patrol Agent Josiah B. Mahar was involved in an automobile accident on Star Route #27 near Eustis, Maine. Agent Mahar was driving a Service vehicle and was patrolling in a southbound direction when an oncoming vehicle crossed over the centerline and struck his vehicle head-on as he rounded a bend in the road. The impact to Agent Mahar's vehicle was directed along the driver’s door and front fender area. Senior Patrol Agent Mahar died at the scene from massive head injuries sustained in the accident.

Burial Details Unknown
 
​2004
 
​Travis W. Attaway
Date of Birth:                May 3, 1973
Entered on Duty:          December 1, 1997
Title:                              Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:               September 19, 2004
 
Details:
On September 19, 2004, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Border Patrol Agent Travis W. Attaway was part of a three-man team conducting marine Border Patrol Operations on the Rio Grande River near the Free Trade Bridge at Los Indios, Texas when their boat capsized. Agents Attaway, Wilson, and Sandoval were ejected from the boat into the fast moving waters of the Rio Grande. Agents in a nearby boat responded to the distress calls and were able to rescue Agent Sandoval, but they could not locate Agent Attaway or Agent Wilson. An intensive multi-agency search and rescue operation that included the Government of Mexico was initiated, and on September 21, 2004, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the body of Agent Attaway was recovered. At approximately 3:05 a.m., the body of Agent Jeremy Wilson was also recovered. Both agents were located within 150 yards of where their boat initially capsized.
 
Agent Attaway was 31 years old and was a graduate of the 359th session of the Border Patrol Academy.

​Gravesite
 
 
Jeremy M. Wilson
Date of Birth:                July 31, 1975
Entered on Duty:          November 3, 1997
Title:                              Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:               September 19, 2004
 
Details:
On September 19, 2004, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Border Patrol Agent Jeremy M. Wilson was part of a three-man team conducting marine Border Patrol Operations on the Rio Grande River near the Free Trade Bridge at Los Indios, Texas when their boat capsized. Agents Wilson, Attaway, and Sandoval were ejected from the boat into the fast moving waters of the Rio Grande. Agents in a nearby boat responded to the distress calls and were able to rescue Agent Sandoval, but they could not locate Agent Wilson and Agent Attaway. An intensive multi-agency search and rescue operation that included the Government of Mexico was initiated, and on September 21, 2004, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the body of Agent Attaway was recovered. At approximately 3:05 a.m., the body of Agent Jeremy Wilson was recovered. Both agents were located within 150 yards of where their boat initially capsized.
 
Agent Wilson was 29 years old and was a graduate of the 356th session of the Border Patrol Academy.

​Gravesite