This Week in USBP History, Vol. 65

November 27 - December 3

Good morning!
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!  
 
It’s that time of the year again…  Thanksgiving is over and it’s time to buy gifts for friends and loved ones.
 
Do you have a special Border Patrol employee in your life?  Maybe a special Border Patrol retiree? For you supervisors and managers, it's time for end-of-the-year performance awards, perhaps you would like to to recognize your folks while promoting organizational pride?
 
Let me suggest that you visit the Border Patrol Museum Gift Shop.  They have everything from coins, patches, apparel, etc...  And they have USBP history books!  As you have seen, there is only one author that I reference in these newsletters, retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joseph Banco.  His books are the finest and best referenced available and are without competition!  I recommend buying the set of three as a gift:

• HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I - $15.99 
• HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II - $15.99
• HONOR FIRST:  The Unsung Heroes of Oxford - $14.99

 
For less than $50 you can purchase a great gift for a friend or a loved one or a meaningful non-traditional award for an employee.

Also, Joe is finalizing Volume III.  As soon as it's for sale, I'll let you know!  I'm sure that I'll be one of the first to but it!
 
Going on a tangent, please remember that the Border Patrol Museum is a non-profit organization.  Donations and gift sales are crucial to its continuing existence.  The majority of its funding comes from private donations.  They need gift sales!
 
If you're not already, please consider membership with the Museum for $40 per year.  Visit this page for more information.  I'm a continuing member and I love the calendar that I receive each year!
 
Take a look at the Museum's newsletter, The Green Zone.
 
Are you an agent, retiree of a collector that would enjoy purchasing a USBP Authorized Device or a USBP Honorary Award?  Maybe you're a recipient and want an extra medal or device for wear.  Or maybe you need them to a make a personal shadowbox or display.  I'm sorry to inform you that there isn't a mechanism for you or anyone else to obtain or purchase USBP devices or Honorary Awards.  You are 100% out-of-luck!

• U.S. Border Patrol HQ has not entered into an agreement following the FBI model described in this newsletter,
• The Border Patrol Museum is missing out on a significant funding stream of selling USBP devices and Honorary Awards, and
• It's impossible for agents, retirees and collectors to purchase USBP devices and Honorary Awards.  
  • The photo to the right contains the USBP Commendation Medal and the USBP Achievement Medal that are framed for display.  An active agent must choose between displaying or wearing their medals because they cannot purchase an extra medal set.

 
Perhaps USBP HQ would like to see a plan that is beneficial to the workforce, and the Border Patrol Museum would like to see a plan to create funding streams that I believe would be significant.  If you agree, send this newsletter link to whomever you think should be aware.  The FBI made the template, the current and former workforce, and the BP Museum should be able to benefit from the same approach.
 
This week has tons of documents and occurrences! In 1931, Jeff Milton becomes an Immigrant Inspector ( a position he would hold until his retirement in 1932). There are four separate gunfights in El Paso in the late 1920's (Patrol Inspector Roger's granddaughter gave me his photo to display). We have the Patrol creating Con-Air in 1955 and much more!
 
We celebrate five agents on the anniversaries of their Newton-Azrak Award actions.
 
And, we remember four 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.

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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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Border Patrol Inspector Melton R. Rogers

Documents/Events

1913

• On December 1, 1913, {Jeff} Milton was promoted/converted to an Immigration Inspector and reassigned to Fairbanks, Arizona. He remained in this position until officially transferred to Tombstone, Arizona, on November 10, 1931, where he retired on June 30, 1932 at the age 71. A few years earlier, when asked if Jeff Milton should continue working for the Immigration and Nationalization Service or be forced to retire, Assistant Commissioner General George J. Harris stated,
  • He is simply a wonder when it comes to physical endurance, activity, and value to the Service. All of his life he has been an outdoor man, a Texas Ranger, Chief of Police, Customs officer, etc. He is a fearless, active, resourceful man with a host of friends ever ready to give him information or otherwise assist him. He is invaluable to this Service, and barring unforeseen accidents or illnesses, is likely to continue so right up to the maximum age of 70.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco
• On December 3, 1913, an announcement was issued for the position of “Junior Inspector”.  This announcement would play into USBP history in August 1924.  In 1924, Border Patrol Inspectors had no immigration authority.  By law, authority rested with employees who had the title "Immigrant Inspector" who were paid more than Border Patrol Inspectors.  In order that Border Patrol Inspectors might receive legal authority without being paid more, the Commissioner-General wrote a proposal to the Second Assistant Secretary of the Department a Labor requesting to resurrect a plan that was used in 1913 for Mounted Watchmen, and to rename Border Patrol Inspectors, Junior Immigrant Inspectors. See this August 1924 document.

1918

• The earliest evidence of widespread detention space overcrowding and suggested actions are described in this November 29, 1918 memo written by future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934).  The detention space overcrowding was driven by the newly enacted Passport Act and regulations (see this Wikipedia article’s sources for a deep dive).  The main solution was to allow aliens to “voluntarily return” when deemed appropriate.

1927

• As per the Twelfth Supplement to General Order 10 (November 29, 1927), releasing aliens from custody on their own recognizance (OR) has been a practice for many decades.  This supplement addresses aliens that were OR’d so that they could voluntarily return to Mexico.  Even then, it was known that many illegal aliens had no intention of returning to Mexico.  This supplement was designed to identify those individuals for further action.
• This document describes a brief gunfight that occurred November 29, 1927 in El Paso.  Two Border Patrol Inspectors were involved and one alcohol smuggler.  No injuries were reported. The Patrol Inspectors were:
  • Patrol Inspector Jerome A. Martin (1902-1956)
  • Patrol Inspector George W. Parker Jr. (1908-1984)
• On December 1, 1927, a gunfight occurred in El Paso between two Border Patrol Inspectors and alcohol smugglers.  This document describes the encounter. The Patrol Inspectors were:
  • Patrol Inspector Jerome A. Martin (1902-1956)
  • Patrol Inspector George W. Parker Jr. (1908-1984)
  • Patrol Inspector Melton R. Rogers (1905-1986​)

1928

• On November 28, 1928, a gunfight occurred in El Paso between two Border Patrol Inspectors and approximately eight alcohol smugglers.  This document gives a very brief description of the shooting and how approximately 100 rounds were exchanged. The Patrol Inspectors were:
  • Patrol Inspector Tom P. Isbell (1905-1983)
  • Patrol Inspector Richard A. Bush
    • He would leave the Patrol to become a motorcycle officer with the El Paso Police Department in 1935.
• On November 30, 1928, Border Patrol Inspector Herschel W. Patterson (1903-1992) was on annual leave (off-duty) when he engaged alcohol smugglers.  Twenty shots were exchanged with no injuries. See this document.

1929

• On December 3, 1929, Grover Wilmoth (1884-1951), the District Director of the El Paso District (Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sub-districts), authored a proposal to build a border fence.  The proposal goes into great detail concerning costs and design. 
• In the late 1920’s and early 1930’s, there were numerous bills introduced in the house concerning the USBP.  Some would have the Patrol merge and fall under the Coast Guard.  H.R. 6318 from December 4, 1929, would have the Patrol be an agency.

1930

• In his December 2, 1930, Annual Address to Congress on the State of the Union, President Hoover focused on addressing the Great Depression and how the government could combat it. President Hoover stated, “forces of the depression now lie outside of the United States, and our recuperation has been retarded by the unwarranted degree of fear and apprehension created by these outside forces.” A measure included in the State of the Union under proposed legislation was action to address foreign influences through a,
  • "Reorganization of the border patrol in preventing smuggling “and” the strengthening of our deportation laws so as to more fully rid ourselves of criminal aliens. Furthermore, thousands of persons have entered the country in violation of the immigration laws. The very method of their entry indicates their objectionable character, and our law-abiding foreign-born residents suffer in consequence. I recommend that the Congress provide methods of strengthening the Government to correct this abuse."
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco

1931

• This December 1, 1931 document from the Seattle District is in response to an earlier and unfound memo from the Central Office (Immigration Service HQ).  The document defines a shooter qualifying “expert” as having attained “80%”.  The document lists the names and scores of the Inspectors that qualified as experts.

1934

• On December 3, 1934, the District Director for St. Paul sent a memo to Chief of the Border Patrol, Willard Kelly (1903-1969), the first Border Patrol Inspector to have become Chief, 1933-1943.  The memo was the result of a vote of Border Patrol Inspectors to discontinue wearing boots or putties during (wearing slacks) during the summer months. Slacks would be authorized on the northern border in 1936.

1936

• 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.​

1951

• On November 28, 1951, Harlon Carter (1913-1991​), Chief of the Border Patrol 1950-1957 and the first to have graduated the BP Academy, wrote a memo concerning proposed changes to the BP uniform.  The memo confirms that:
  • Border Patrol Inspectors of the time had to pay for their uniforms,
  • Khaki uniforms (Army Sun Tan), were authorized on the Mexican border only, and
  • Pith helmets were not popular.  “…A certain segment of the public was prone to jest at them and their “lion-tamer” hats”.

1954

• On December 1, 1954, a memo was written concerning the wearing of military ribbons on the Border Patrol uniform.  It was reported, “…the Department or Defense does view with favor the wearing of ribbons on police uniforms”. 
• On December 2, 1954, a new Border Patrol uniform policy was issued.  The policy also identifies Border Patrol field ranks/positions of the time.
  • Military Ribbons on the USBP uniform
  • Two uniforms authorized, official uniform (dress) and rough duty
  • Task force (ball cap) authorized
  • Sun tan uniforms to be retired by May 1, 1955

1955

• The Border Patrol Air Transport fleet and its pilots also became the original “Con Air” in November 1955, when it began flying federal prisoners for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The first flight would take place on November 30, 1955, when 46 federal women prisoners would be transferred from Roanoke, Virginia, to Long Beach, California. The flights would become a regular function of the Border Patrol Air Transport fleet flying routes to BOP facilities at Terminal Island CA, Lompoc CA, La Tuna TX, El Reno OK, Leavenworth KS, Terre Haute IN, New York City NY, and various other federal prisons as needed.
  • ​From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

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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

1988

Charles J. Kothman
Border Patrol Agent
New Orleans Sector
Craig L. Weinbrenner
Border Patrol Agent
New Orleans Sector
William A. Preston
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
New Orleans Sector
Robert S. Coleman Jr.
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
El Paso Sector

Border Patrol Agent Charles J. Kothman, Border Patrol Agent Craig L. Weinbrenner, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Robert S. Coleman Jr., and Supervisory Border Patrol Agent William A. Preston were recognized for their actions to help control the uprising of Cuban detainees at the Federal Detention Facility in Oakdale, Louisiana, from November 21, 1987 to November 30, 1987.
 

​2017

Osbaldo Rios
Border Patrol Agent
Tucson, Arizona
On November 29, 2017, Three Points Border Patrol Agent Osbaldo Rios displayed exceptional composure and courage, saving the lives of his partner and himself.  Agent Rios was performing patrol duties in an area located approximately 50 miles southwest of Tucson, and about 15 miles north of the international border with Mexico. Agent Rios and two partners had responded to a ground sensor activation in a remote canyon of the Baboquivari Mountains when they observed a group of five suspected illegal aliens. As the agents closed in, the suspects scattered in multiple directions. The agents gave chase and three suspects were apprehended.  One agent maintained custody of those suspects while Agent Rios and his other partner continued pursuit of the remaining two.

​His partner observed a suspect and immediately gave chase, physically engaging the suspect as he was attempting to descend a steep embankment. During the physical encounter, Agent Rios partner rolled down the embankment, with the suspect ending atop of him. As the struggle ensued, the suspect struck the agent several times in the face. The event was observed by an Air and Marine Operations aircraft, and relayed to the other agents. During the encounter, the suspect gained control of the agent's sidearm.
 
As Agent Rios approached his partner's location, he observed the suspect with a firearm pointed at his partner. Agent Rios called out to the suspect to draw his attention and avert him from firing. The suspect looked toward Agent Rios, now aiming the weapon at him. Without hesitation, Agent Rios discharged his service weapon, neutralizing the threat. Agent Rios swift and decisive action resulted in preventing the death or injury of his partner, and himself.

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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. 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).

1974
 
Oscar T. Torres
Date of Birth:                April 19, 1937
Entered on Duty:          June 19, 1969
Title:                             Patrol Agent
End of Watch:              November 30, 1974
 
Details:
Patrol Agent Oscar T. Torres was assigned the midnight to 8:00 a.m. shift on November 30, 1974, in the El Paso Station area. At approximately 2:30 a.m., he proceeded to the West Railroad Bridge to assist in opening the gates for a train inbound from Mexico.
 
Agent Torres and Patrol Agent (Trainee) Robert M. Worsham walked onto the bridge to open the gates while Worsham's partner, Patrol Agent Wayne Winn, Jr., remained with an apprehended alien in a Border Patrol vehicle at the end of the bridge. After opening the gates and while walking back toward the vehicle, Agent Torres stumbled and fell headfirst through an opening in the bridge to the river bottom, a distance of 25 feet. The fall was witnessed only by the alien, as Trainee Worsham and Agent Winn were not facing toward Torres when the accident took place.
 
The officers immediately went to the aid of Agent Torres, and an ambulance soon removed him to Providence Memorial Hospital. He expired at 4:55 a.m., the cause of death being listed as concussion.

​Gravesite
 
 
1989
 
John D. Keenan
Date of Birth:                February 11, 1953
Entered on Duty:          November 16, 1987
Title:                              Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:              November 27, 1989
 
Details:
At about 3:50 a.m., on November 27, 1989, Border Patrol Agent John D. Keenan was involved in an automobile accident on U.S. Highway 83 at FM-492 near Mission, Texas. He was operating a Service vehicle and was driving east on U.S. Highway 83 when a northbound vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed on FM- 492 failed to yield the right-of-way, causing the accident. Patrol Agent Keenan died at the scene from multiple injuries sustained in the accident.

​Gravesite​
 
 
2021
 
Martin Barrios
Entered on Duty:           April 28, 2003
Title:                              Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:               November 29, 2021

Details:
SBPA Barrios entered on duty on April 28, 2003, as part of the 548th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Brian A. Terry Station in the Tucson Sector, Arizona. SBPA Barrios served his country in the United States Navy from 1990 to 1995 prior to joining the United States Border Patrol.  The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty.  He is survived by his wife Gaby; children: Marty and Samantha; and siblings: Laura and Corina.

Cremated
 
 
Salvador Martinez Jr.
Entered on Duty:           June 24, 2002
Title:                              Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:               November 30, 2021

Details:
Agent Martinez entered on duty on June 24, 2002, as part of the 516th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Alamogordo Station in the El Paso Sector, Texas.  The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty.  He is survived by his wife Leonor; daughter: Itzel; Father: Salvador; siblings: Elva and Lourdes; and cousins Border Patrol Agent Jesus Aguilar and CBP Management and Program Analyst Fabian Aguilar Sr.  Agent Martinez was preceded in death by his mother Julia.

​Cremated