This Week in USBP History, Vol. 108

September 24 - September 30

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INTRO

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

Recognized for Excellence, Upholding "Honor First"
​How USBP Awards Reflect Core Values

This week, we're taking a moment to celebrate something incredibly important—the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol who have been recognized for their excellence. Whether it's a formal Honorary Award or another form of recognition, each accolade serves as a testament to the core values we hold dear in the USBP, encapsulated by our motto: "Honor First."

Your Stories Matter: If you've received any form of recognition for your service, you've upheld the values of "Honor First." I invite you to share your story and your recognition items with our community. Send your story and any accompanying photos to [email protected].

The Importance of Awards and Recognition
An organization’s values are codified in its awards system. The U.S. Border Patrol's Honorary Awards demonstrate that the Patrol values:

• Administrative accomplishments
• Acts of heroism and valor
• Law enforcement actions
• Lifesaving actions

However, these categories don't capture the full spectrum of ways an employee can be recognized for upholding organizational values. Many times, an employee may receive a performance award (cash), a time-off award, a non-traditional award, or gain recognition of prestige such as an Employee of the Month.

Explore Honor First in Action
The links below highlight instances where USBP employees have received recognition for performing acts of heroism or otherwise exceeding expectations in the performance of their duties. These are examples of Honor First!

• Newton-Azrak Award: An Exclusive Honor for Conspicuous Acts of Heroism
  • With only 197 recipients to date, the Newton-Azrak Award is the U.S. Border Patrol's most prestigious recognition. It may be awarded to any USBP employee who performs a conspicuous act of heroism that goes above and beyond the call of duty, presents an imminent and personal danger to their life, and is undertaken with full knowledge and voluntary assumption of the risks involved.
• USBP Purple Cross: The Wound Award Commemorating Injuries Sustained in Duty
  • The USBP Purple Cross is awarded to any employee who, while in the scope of duty, sustains injuries such as protracted or permanent impairment of any bodily function, fatal injury, or injury as a result of an assault with a deadly weapon. The award also distinguishes acts of valor with the addition of a "V" device to affix to the ribbon.
• USBP Commendation Award: Celebrating Exceptional Meritorious Service and Acts of Extraordinary Heroism
  • The USBP Commendation Award is a multifaceted recognition given to an individual or a group for exceptional meritorious achievement or service that goes above and beyond what is normally expected. It can also be awarded for extraordinary lifesaving efforts or for acts of extraordinary heroism that do not meet the criteria for the Newton-Azrak Award. When awarded for acts of extraordinary heroism, a "V" device is affixed to the suspension ribbon and ribbon bar, further distinguishing the honor.
• USBP Achievement Award: Bridging the Gap Between Non-Traditional Awards and Commendation Award
  • The USBP Achievement Award is designed to recognize meritorious service or achievements that are of such merit as to warrant more recognition than is possible by non-traditional awards, but which are not significant enough to justify the U.S. Border Patrol Commendation Award. This award can be given to an individual or a group for sustained performance, specific achievements of a superlative nature, lifesaving efforts exceeding expectations, or acts of heroism not justifying the Commendation Award. When awarded for acts of heroism, a "V" device is affixed to the suspension ribbon and ribbon bar, adding an extra layer of distinction to the honor.
• Other Significant Recognitions: Honoring Achievements Recognized Outside the USBP Honorary Award System
  • Before the establishment of the USBP Honorary Awards, the U.S. Border Patrol often relied on outside organizations to recognize the extraordinary achievements, service, and heroism of its employees. This page is designed to highlight those outstanding accomplishments that were recognized outside of the USBP Honorary Award system. It's important to note that many times these achievements would be recognized with items that, by today's standards, might be considered an under-recognition. Nonetheless, they serve as a testament to the enduring values and exceptional service of the U.S. Border Patrol workforce.

​A New Way to Engage: Introducing Facebook's Commenting System
We're always looking for ways to make it easier for you to engage with our content and share your thoughts. While we've tried various commenting systems in the past, including Disqus, we've noticed that they haven't quite hit the mark in stimulating conversation. That's why we're excited to announce that we've switched to Facebook's commenting system. We believe this will make it more convenient for you to share your opinions, ask questions, and contribute to discussions. So, after you've read the blog, feel free to leave a comment. Your voice matters, and we're eager to hear what you have to say.

In Closing: Your Contributions to "Honor First"
The recognitions and awards we've explored today are more than just pieces of metal and ribbon; they are the tangible representations of the values, sacrifices, and commitments made by the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol. Whether you've been formally recognized or have received a non-traditional award, your contributions matter. They add to the rich tapestry of heroism, service, and dedication that defines the U.S. Border Patrol.

​So, let's continue to celebrate and share these stories. If you or someone you know has received any form of recognition, I encourage you to share it with our community. Your story is a part of the larger narrative of "Honor First," and it deserves to be told. Send your stories and accompanying photos to [email protected].

Thank you for upholding the values of "Honor First." Until next week, stay safe and be proud of the work you do. And don't forget to try out our new commenting system—we're looking forward to hearing from you!

U.S. Border Patrol Honorary Award Medal Sets

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This week, we delve into another chapter of the U.S. Border Patrol's storied past. We kick off in 1918, with Big Bend District's call for manpower. Fast forward to 1925, and we find ourselves in El Paso, Texas, witnessing the first day on duty for Patrol Inspector Edwin M. Reeves—a day filled with action and lessons. By 1927, the concept of Voluntary Return becomes an official policy, streamlining the deportation process. The 1940s see a shift in the INS's administrative home and the introduction of new badges. The 1960s are marked by the Border Patrol's role in quelling the University of Mississippi riots and providing security for Presidents Johnson and Lopez-Mateos. And as we step into the 21st century, we look at the finalization of the BORTAC badge design in 2001. Join us as we journey through these pivotal moments that have shaped the Border Patrol we know today.

This week, in the absence of known anniversaries for Newton-Azrak Award recipients, we take a special moment to honor the inaugural winners from 1973: Immigration Inspector Willard T. Lamade and Border Patrol Agent Michael G. McManus, for their extraordinary acts of bravery and selfless dedication.

We also solemnly remember two of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths.

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

Stars Aligned
Chief of the Border Patrol Hugh Brien Presents a Token of Appreciation to a Decorated USMC LT. General

In this memorable snapshot taken between 1986 and 1989, Chief of the Border Patrol Hugh Brien presents a plaque of appreciation to a highly decorated U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General. Both men, adorned with identical-sized stars on their collars—reflecting the USBP's adoption of USMC rank insignia—share warm smiles and mutual respect. The Pentagon, a symbol of our nation's defense, serves as the fitting backdrop to this special moment.

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DOCUMENTS AND EVENTS

1918

• On September 24, 1918, the "Big Bend District" informed future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) that help (manpower) was needed in enforcing the newly passed Passport Law, Executive Proclamation and regulations concerning the requirement of people to enter and exit the United State through a port-of-entry.  In this September 27, 1918 document, Supervising Inspector Berkshire recommended that the Big Bend District partner with the military in addressing the illegal crossings.

1925

• 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).
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco

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• The concept of a Voluntary Return (VR) was introduced in 1918.  However, it became official Immigration Service policy on September 26, 1927, when General Order 97 was implemented. 
  • This allowed Mexican citizens not considered criminal aliens to voluntarily request departure without a formal deportation. The Immigration Service saw this as a cost and time savings measure, decreasing the number of deportation proceedings while expediting the removal of aliens from Mexico.
    • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco

​1940

• When the INS was transferred from the Department of Labor to the Department of Justice, all employee badges were changed.  This document, signed on September 26, 1940, stated that the new badges had been ordered and were scheduled to be delivered by November 4th.  The document also discusses penalties for employees losing badges.  

1942

• On September 27, 1942, the Bracero Program was initiated, officially known as the Mexican Farm Labor Program.  Patrol Inspectors would assist in processing temporary agricultural workers from Mexico at the border and in the interior of Mexico.
  • Unpublished document authored by Joseph Banco

1962

• Riots at the University of Mississippi - "On September 30, 1962, protests deteriorated into a riot, and Border Patrol agents <inspectors> worked through the night alongside marshals and the National Guard to restore order." CBP source
  • As dawn broke on the morning of October 1, 1962, 166 of the deputized Marshals had been injured, with 77 of them being from the Border Patrol. Thirty of the injures were the result of gunshot wounds, including five Patrol Inspectors (George Branch, Steve Donnelly, Clyde Benzenhoeffer, William Purdy, and Dan Pursglove). In addition, 48 soldiers were injured. Two men in the crowd (French Reporter Paul Guihard and local Mississippian juke-box repairman Ray Gunther) were killed by gunfire from the rioters. Three hundred and seventy-five demonstrators were injured..
    • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco
• "To all who shall see the presents, greeting: This is to certify that the Chief of the United States Border Patrol has awarded the Purple Cross Medal to William N. Purdy for wounds sustained during the performance of his official duties as a Border Patrol Inspector on September 30, 1962, in Oxford, Mississippi.  Inspector Purdy was shot and wounded by a sniper during a riot at the University of Mississippi.  Throughout this harrowing ordeal, Inspector Purdy exhibited exemplary inner strength and courage, which are in keeping with the finest traditions of, and reflect, highly upon, the United States Border Patrol."
  • Note - Inspector Purdy also received a Letter of Appreciation from President Kennedy for this action.  Follow this link to see that recognition. 
  • William Purdy's:
    • USBP Purple Cross Certificate
    • USBP Purple Cross medal set
    • Memorandum from Chief of the Border Patrol David Aguilar
    • Newspaper plaque

1964

• El Paso Sector's (sub-district) first headquarters, as well as the location of the first National Border Patrol Training School was Camp Chigas (see it's modern location here).  After Camp Chigas became unsuitable, a new Sector Headquarters was built and completed in 1956.  A September, 25, 1964 edition the El Paso Herald-Post shows the location of the new Sector Border Patrol headquarters.  This page shows the research and modern location of the building (it's still standing and is in Mexico).
  • On September 25, 1964, designated as Chamizal Day, Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Adolfo Lopez-Mateos met in the middle of the Stanton Street Bridge, greeting each other in the traditional Mexican abrazo, “the male hug and back slap,” before shaking hands as over 250,000 people from El Paso and Ciudad Juarez watched. The meeting had begun on the grounds of Bowie High School (currently Guillen Middle School). In order to provide security for the Presidents and the large crowd, 112 Patrol Inspectors from El Paso, Marfa, and Tucson Sectors assisted the U.S. Secret Service, Texas Department of Public Safety, and El Paso Police Department in providing crowd control and area security.
    • ​​​From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

2001

• On September 26, 2001, the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry finalized the design of the "Badge, Identification, Tactical Unit (BORTAC), U.S. Border Patrol".

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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

1973

Willard T. Lamade
(1924-1997)
Immigration Inspector
San Ysidro, California
Inspector Willard T. Lamade was recognized for his heroic action in assisting Federal agents in capturing a dealer in large amounts of narcotics and alien smuggling, at great risk to himself.
 
Michael G. McManus
​(1937-2019)
Border Patrol Agent
Houlton Sector
Border Patrol Agent Michael G. McManus was honored for his extraordinary courage and selfless dedication in saving a man from a blazing inferno.

Initially summoned by the Calais Police Department in the wee hours to interrogate a Canadian national, McManus noticed suspicious activity in his neighbor's yard as he was leaving his home. Upon closer inspection, he realized that the individual was not an intruder but a visitor fleeing from his neighbor's house, which was engulfed in flames.

Undeterred by the peril, McManus bravely ventured into the fiery residence not once, but twice. After being forced back by the intense heat and smoke during his first attempt, he re-entered the house, persisting until he located the unconscious resident and carried him to safety.

But McManus' heroism didn't stop at the doorstep. Exhausted but resolute, he immediately began life-saving resuscitation measures. He further extended his assistance by accompanying the victim to the hospital, where he aided medical staff in the delicate task of removing the victim's charred clothing.

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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.

2021

David B. Ramirez
Entered on Duty:                       April 6, 2003
Title:                                            Border Patrol Agent-Intelligence
End of Watch:                            September 26, 2021

Details:
Agent Ramirez entered on duty on April 6, 2003, as part of the 546th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Sector Intelligence Unit/Joint California Forensics Center in San Diego, California. 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 Rosemary; children: David, Cristian, and Castiel; and father: Modesto.

Cremated

​Alfredo M. Ibarra
Entered on Duty:                      February 9, 2011
Title:                                           Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                           September 27, 2021

Details:
Agent Ibarra entered on duty on February 9, 2011, as part of the 963th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Blythe Station, 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 Monica; children: Alfredo, Aydan, and Adrian; and mother: Evangelina.

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