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Picture

This Week in USBP History, Vol. 67

12/11/2022

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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 unpleased 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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    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 Senior Patrol Agent and retired Immigration Special Agent.

    ​Read more about Ray here.


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

    ​Read more about Joe here.


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