This Week in USBP History, Vol. 107

September 17 - September 23

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Intro

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

The Unbreakable Bond
​What Ties U.S. Border Patrol Agents Together?

Guardians of Honor

As we delve into another week of reflecting on the U.S. Border Patrol's rich history, I find myself pondering a question that has often crossed my mind: What is the thread that binds both current and former agents of this esteemed organization? What is that unspoken bond that ties every individual, regardless of their tenure or rank?

It's this very bond that has led hundreds of you to read this blog week after week. It's the same bond that has united over 1,000 members to join the Fraternal Order of Retired Border Patrol Officers (FORBPO). This unity, this shared sense of purpose and history, is the lifeblood of our community.

1. A Shared Sense of Purpose: Every agent, past and present, is driven by an unwavering commitment to the mission. A retired USBP SES once shared with me, "The Agents are the heart and soul of the Border Patrol and they have to be bound together by the unequivocal understanding that the Mission, and the risk they are willing to take to achieve it, are the common threads between them and what makes them truly elite." This shared purpose is the cornerstone of the bond that ties them together.
2. Legacy and History: Our organization boasts a legacy filled with sacrifices, tragedies, and triumphs. A retired Newton-Azrak Award recipient told me, "Knowing the past and understanding the sacrifices, tragedies, and triumphs is the fabric that binds us." Every agent is a chapter in this ongoing story, and it's this shared history that cements their bond.
3. The Spirit of Rugged Independence: The tales of Wesley Stiles and Jeff Milton are testaments to the spirit of rugged independence that has always been a part of the Border Patrol's DNA. In times of uncertainty or ambiguity, agents have consistently shown the initiative to step up, make decisions, and act in the best interest of the mission. We see it time and again as the Patrol and its employees step outside of assigned roles to do what it believes is right!
4. Upholding 'Honor First': Our motto, "Honor First," is more than just words. It's a guiding principle, a beacon that reminds every agent of the higher purpose they serve and the values they are sworn to uphold. This commitment isn't about blind obedience but rather a conscious choice to align with a greater mission and the ethical standards set by the organization. As outlined on the Honor First and Esprit de Corps page, "Honor First" serves as the cornerstone of the United States Border Patrol's ethos, deeply embedded within its traditions and culture. This motto emphasizes the significance of integrity and the importance of adhering to a code that transcends individual beliefs, ensuring that every action taken is in service to the greater good and the ideals the Border Patrol represents.
5. Shared Experiences: Every agent has their own set of challenges and victories, but there are certain experiences that are almost universal among Border Patrol Agents. The stress of the oral interview, a rite of passage for every aspiring agent, is a shared memory that many can recall with vivid clarity. The challenge of attending the Academy, with its rigorous training and high standards, is a foundational experience that shapes the character of every agent. Then there's the thrill of the chase, a heart-pounding moment that epitomizes the essence of the job. Working in remote areas, often alone in the dark, brings its own set of challenges and moments of introspection. And, of course, there are those intense situations where agents find themselves outnumbered by those they arrest, testing their training, resolve, and commitment to the mission. These shared experiences, whether they're tales of a successful operation or memories of a challenging patrol, are threads in the tapestry that binds them together.
6. Recognition and Shared Values: An organization's values are codified in its awards system, and the U.S. Border Patrol is a prime example. The U.S. Border Patrol's Honorary Awards serve as a testament to the core values the Patrol holds dear. These awards recognize the behind-the-scenes administrative accomplishments that ensure the Patrol's smooth operation and success. They celebrate acts of heroism and valor, where agents face danger in the line of duty. They acknowledge the essential law enforcement actions, from apprehensions to investigations, and honor those who have taken swift, lifesaving actions.
7. Determination and Resilience: The Border Patrol's legacy is deeply rooted in a spirit of fearlessness and unwavering determination. This unyielding spirit has been a defining characteristic of agents throughout the history of the Patrol. From the early days, when guidance was sparse and agents like Wesley Stiles had to rely on their instincts and judgment, to the modern challenges faced by agents today, this resilience has remained constant. Whether it's about stepping outside of conventional lanes, innovating in the face of unforeseen challenges, or pursuing a goal with relentless focus, it's this hallmark spirit that has been passed down through generations. Agents often find themselves in situations where they are outnumbered, working in remote areas, alone in the dark, facing the unknown. Yet, time and again, they rise to the occasion, driven by their commitment to the mission and their dedication to protecting the nation's borders. It's this combination of determination, resilience, and adaptability that makes the Border Patrol synonymous with excellence and tenacity.

​In wrapping up today's reflection, I'm reminded of a sentiment shared by a peer during my time at HQ. The Border Patrol, both as individuals and as an organization, is a steadfast partner, always supportive... but only as long as there's a shared goal. If not, the Patrol will find a way – over, under, around, or through any obstacle.

The incredible competence of our workforce, combined with the values and principles we've discussed today, paints a vivid picture of the Border Patrol's culture. It's these elements – the shared purpose, legacy, values, experiences, and determination – that form the unbreakable bond between U.S. Border Patrol Agents.

As always, I hope this week's reflection resonates with you and sparks some thoughts. Looking forward to our next journey into the annals of USBP history. For those interested in diving deeper into the origins of "Honor First" and the Border Patrol's Esprit de Corps, I encourage you to visit the Honor First and Esprit de Corps page.

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This week, we journey deeper into the U.S. Border Patrol's illustrious history. We begin in 1918, with a pivotal memo that set the stage for the U.S. Border Patrol's inception. By 1927, the agency showcases its versatility, planning security for the legendary aviator, Colonel C. Lindbergh. The 1930s bring us the Border Patrol's evolving uniforms and the heroics of their Mobile First Aid Units. As we move to the 1990s, we witness strategic operations like "Blockade" transforming into "Hold the Line". Dive in with us to explore these moments and much more.

This week, we honor Senior Patrol Agent William C. Spencer Jr. on the anniversary of his Newton-Azrak Award action.

We also remember the loss of four of our fallen, including two who fell in the same event. Travis W. Attaway and Jeremy M. Wilson fell in the same incident in 2004. It's saddening to note that the USBP has lost two Agents 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 and have a great week!

​Cliff
P.S. - 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 [email protected]). As always, make sure to explore all of the hyperlinks to the 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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THROWBACK PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Harlon B. Carter
​From USBP Pistol Team to NRA Leadership

Harlon B. Carter, captured in his dress uniform, stands as a symbol of dedication, skill, and legacy. As a member of the 1938 USBP Pistol Team, this photograph taken during that time, capturing a moment of pride and achievement. The array of marksmanship awards by his side, too numerous to be from a single year, speaks volumes of his consistent excellence over time. Later, as Chief of the Border Patrol from 1950-1957, Harlon not only upheld the legacy of his father, Horace B. Carter, one of the original Inspectors, but also championed firearm responsibility as President of the National Rifle Association (NRA). This deep-rooted commitment to service is further reflected in the Border Patrol careers of his sons, Bill Carter and the late John Carter.

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DOCUMENTS AND EVENTS

1918

• On September 20, 1918, a memo was written that summarized a meeting where the enforcement of the Passport Act of 1918 and the regulations of August 8, 1918 concerning passports and permits were discussed, as well as an increase in the number 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

1927

• Organizationally, the USBP has always prided itself on its involvement in various activities not exactly aligned with its primary mission set.  Examples are the thwarting an aircraft highjacking, providing assistance to the USMS during segregation issues, deploying to Los Angeles during the riots, etc, etc, etc...  This September 17, 1927 document  is the earliest example of which I have found where the USBP stepped out of its traditional role.  In this case, Border Patrol Inspectors were making plans to provide security for Colonel C. Lindbergh and the Spirit of St. Louis which was schedule to land in Tucson.
  • The document was written by Tucson Sub-district Chief Patrol Inspector Samual F. Gray (1897-1966).  He was in the USBP for only 3.5 years. 

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. 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. 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.  
  • A gif showcases the rank and time-in-service insignia of that era, with images changing every 5-7 seconds.

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1935

• Only five days after announcing the Tampa Sub-district shooting challenge results, headquarters, in a memo dated June 10, 1935, encouraged all Border Patrol locations to have their outstanding pistol shots participate under conditions simulating competition. The intent was to identify officers for potential representation in a national match at Camp Perry, Ohio, in September of that year. This initiative marked the inception of the USBP Pistol Team

1938

• The Border Patrol Mobile First Aid Units were formed in the late 1930s and were recognized by the American Red Cross for their response on September 20, 1938, to a mass causality event near Tortuga, California involving the head on collision of two passenger trains resulting in the deaths of 11 people and injuries to 139 others. The Border Patrol Inspectors of the Mobile First Aid Unit assisted in rescuing injured, providing first aid, recovery efforts, and protecting the scene from looters and souvenir hunters.
  • Unpublished document authored by Joseph Banco

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

• On September 17, 1954, with the transfer of a C-46 military surplus plane (N-1804M) from the U.S. Air Force. Two additional C-46s with a 50-passenger capacity were transferred in September 1954, providing the U.S. Border Patrol with an economical means of air transport for large numbers of aliens and other passengers where and when needed.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco
• 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

1993

• On September 19, 1993, the El Paso Sector implemented Operation Blockade, a high profile, high visibility linewatch operation on the Rio Grande River and land border area covering 20 miles, mostly within the city limits and high traffic areas. The 130 marked Border Patrol vehicles were placed in high profile areas from Monument One to the Ysleta Highgates, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, utilizing 350 local personnel from the El Paso, Ysleta, and Fabens Stations and Special Unit/Support personnel from Sector, as well as detailing 50 agents from outstations in the El Paso Sector...  On September 24, 1993, just five days into the initiative, Chief Reyes announced that it would continue indefinitely. The success and visible impact of Operation Blockade led to it becoming Operation Hold the Line.
  • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco

1999

• On September 21, 1999, Lynne M. Underdown became Chief Patrol Agent of the Miami Sector, making her the first woman to be a Chief Patrol Agent in the U.S. Border Patrol’s storied history.
  • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco

2007

• On September 20, 2007, for the first time in its history, the U.S. Border Patrol Academy allows trainees (interns) to test out of Spanish beginning with Class 715 and the academy is shortened to 55 days for those able to pass the Spanish Proficiency Test. ​​
  • Unpublished document authored by Joseph Banco

2016

• On September 20, 2016, the death of Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega, Jr. was reclassified as having occurred 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. He instinctively acted to thwart a criminal act and protect 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
    • All USBP Honorary Awards were authorized for wear as per the 2019 Interim Wear Guidance for USBP Honorary Awards. 
      ​In 2021, the USBP updated its Uniform Policy and incorporated the 2019 guidance.

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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

The USBP Newton-Azrak Award Scroll

1992

William C. Spencer Jr.
Senior Patrol Agent
Buffalo Sector
On September 19, 1992, Senior Patrol Agent William C. Spencer Jr. displayed an extraordinary feat of strength, endurance, and bravery when he rescued a woman on the brink of drowning in the swift currents of the Niagara River at Buffalo. Noticing the woman's lack of effort to save herself and seeing her go under and resurface face down, Agent Spencer, without a flotation device, dove into the river. He swam approximately 30 yards to reach her, lifted her head out of the water, and began resuscitation. Agent Spencer then had to keep both himself and the woman afloat until the Buffalo Fire Department could rig ladders for their safe removal from the water.

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U.S. BORDER PATROL FALLEN 
ANNIVERSARIES

U.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning Band

As of March 6, 2023 the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 155* fallen.
Titles

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

The following names hold a distinguished position, as they have made the ultimate sacrifice in their unwavering commitment to uphold the oath each officer took to protect and defend the United States of America.

The facts concerning each officer are presented with minimal editing to preserve the "language of the day" found in the original reports, providing readers with a sense of historical context.

In compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the cause of death for employees who lost their lives in the line of duty due to exposure to lethal illnesses will not be disclosed.

​* Please note that despite their deaths meeting the criteria for Line-of-Duty-Deaths at the time, Patrol Inspector Garvis Field Harrell and Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax are not officially recognized as fallen by either the Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol.  However, HonorFirst.com respectfully recognizes and includes both Inspector Harrell and Agent Gigax among those who have fallen in the line of duty.

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


2021

Luis "Louie" H. Dominguez
Entered on Duty:                   September 17, 2001
Title:                                        Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                        September 23, 2021

Details:
Agent Dominguez entered on duty on September 23, 2001, as part of the 485th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Welton Station in Yuma Sector, Arizona. 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 Brenda; children: Syrian, Nathan, Deserae, and Isaiah; siblings: Ana Nicolette, Desi, and Melissa; mother: Catalina; and father: Desiderio.

Gravesite

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