This Week in USBP History, Vol. 123

January 7 - January 13

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INTRO

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

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Update: Recognition of Valor and Leadership Commitment

On May 24, 2024, the extraordinary bravery of five BORTAC agents during Hurricane Katrina was officially recognized. Agents Sean Monroe, Eric Farrar, Raymond Bresnahan, R. Alan Booth, and Christopher Madonna were awarded USBP Commendation Medals with "V" devices for their valor. This long-overdue acknowledgment highlights their heroism and the fulfillment of a promise made by the leadership of the U.S. Border Patrol. This recognition also underscores the USBP's commitment to valuing its workforce, both past and present, and its dedication to righting past wrongs. The original blog post below details their courageous actions and serves as a tribute to their dedication and sacrifice.

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Unfulfilled Promises, Unforgotten Valor
​The Story of Five BORTAC Agents' Bravery During Hurricane Katrina

This image is an AI-generated depiction of the heroism of five BORTAC agents during Hurricane Katrina, based on the event detailed below.

In the storied history of the U.S. Border Patrol, there are moments of extraordinary bravery that remain unrecognized, their stories untold. Among these are the actions of five Border Patrol Agents (BORTAC) - Sean Monroe, Eric Farrar, Raymond Bresnahan, R. Alan Booth, and Christopher Madonna - whose heroism during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 has yet to be officially acknowledged.

In September 2005, as Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on New Orleans, these agents were confronted with a dire emergency. A woman, in a state of panic, informed them that her house was on fire with her "baby" still inside. When they called for fire department assistance, the response was grim: no units were available, and none would be. The fire department, overwhelmed by the disaster, advised the agents to evacuate the entire city block, anticipating that the fire would spread uncontrollably. In that critical moment, it became clear: no help was coming. The agents were on their own, facing a rapidly escalating crisis.

Faced with this dire scenario, the agents did not retreat. Despite lacking fire rescue training and equipment, they approached the burning house. The basement was already ablaze, thick smoke pouring out. Inside, visibility was near zero, the heat intense. Yet, they forged ahead.

Forming a daisy chain for orientation and communication in the blinding smoke, three agents - Monroe, Farrar, and Booth - positioned themselves strategically on the ground floor. Meanwhile, Bresnahan and Madonna bravely ascended to the second floor, where they found the mother's "baby", a 14-year-old girl, unconscious. Time was against them as flames threatened to consume the building.

Their evacuation was a race against the rapidly spreading fire. They managed to escape just in time, saving the young girl's life. This act of valor, under such extreme conditions, was nothing short of heroic. All agents suffered smoke inhalation but had ensured the survival of the young girl.

Their bravery was acknowledged internally in 2019 when each agents was nominated for USBP Honorary Awards. In 2020, a panel of seasoned agents at USBP Headquarters considered the nominations. Bresnahan and Madonna were recommend for the Newton-Azrak Award for conspicuous heroism, while Monroe, Farrar, and Booth were recommended for the USBP Commendation Award with a “V” device for extraordinary heroism. However, in April 2020, these nominations along with nominations for 365 other employees were rejected by Raul Ortiz, then the Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol.

In August 2022, then Chief of the Border Patrol Raul Ortiz, influenced by a Medal of Honor presentation, reconsidered his past decision. He decided to revive the disapproved nominations, planning to consider and present them in phases. This decision affected all of the 370 employees, including our five BORTAC agents.

​However, as of now, these agents have still not received the recognition they deserve. This blog post serves not only to honor the bravery of these five agents but also to remind the current leadership of Chief Ortiz's promise. Their story is a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve to protect us, often without acknowledgment or fanfare. Let us ensure that the heroism of Agents Monroe, Farrar, Bresnahan, Booth, and Madonna is not forgotten in U.S. Border Patrol history and that the promise to recognize their bravery is fulfilled.

​This blog post is dedicated to the courage and selflessness of these BORTAC agents, a tribute to their bravery in the face of overwhelming odds, and a call to action for the fulfillment of a promise made.

The pictures below are of the actual structure fire where the BORTAC agents rescued the child, at significant personal risk and beyond the call of duty.  These photos were part of the nomination packet and were considered by the awards panel.

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This week in USBP history, we spotlight landmark events that have significantly influenced the United States Border Patrol. On January 7, 1927, we recall Harry R. Landis' request for horse rentals for winter border patrols, highlighting the adaptability of the force. Moving to January 8, 1984, we celebrate Carol Anne Fetty's groundbreaking appointment as the first female Supervisory Border Patrol Agent, a notable stride in gender diversity. The week continues with Lemuel B. Schofield's stringent badge policy memo on January 9, 1941, and the remarkable bravery shown by Ammon Meshach Tenney III and Charles Askins, Jr. in a 1931 encounter with smugglers. We also explore early border fencing initiatives and the detailed organization of District 13 on January 11. Concluding on January 13, 1930, we reflect on Grover Cleveland Wilmoth's impactful tenure, marked by significant training initiatives and the establishment of the 'Honor First' motto. These events, among others, contribute to the storied legacy of the United States Border Patrol.

There are no Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries this week. However, some Newton-Azrak Award recipients do not have a date associated with their actions. Such is the case with Immigration Inspector Willard T. Lamade, who was one of the first two recipients from 1973 and whose action is highlighted this week.
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Also, we 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

A Timeless Vigil
​Patrol Inspector Ray Kilpatrick in the Winter Desert of 1955

In this captivating throwback from 1955, we see Patrol Inspector Ray Kilpatrick (1919-2002), a sentinel of the vast frontier, standing resolutely in the snow-dusted desert. Behind him, his trusty Border Patrol Jeep Willy serves as a testament to the rugged durability required in the line of duty. The desert brush, peeking through a light blanket of snow, and the road that cuts a diagonal swath across the scene, leading into the distant mountains, evoke a sense of enduring commitment and the vast expanse of the border landscape. This historical gem, courtesy of the Border Patrol Museum, not only reflects the enduring spirit of the Border Patrol but also the changing face of the landscapes they protect.

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DOCUMENTS AND EVENTS

January 7

• On January 7, 1927, the Commissioner of Immigration of District #1, the Montreal District, Harry R. Landis (1880-1950), wrote a request to the Commissioner-General to rent approximately 20 horses from the U.S. Army so that Border Patrol Inspectors could use them to patrol the border in the winter months.
  • It should be noted that the district was headquartered in Montreal, Canada.  The district included the Houlton, Newport, Rouses Point, and Massena Sub-districts.
• Line of Duty Death anniversary – Patrol Inspector William D. McCalib, January 7, 1930.
• Line of Duty Death anniversary – Border Patrol Agent Jose A. Nava, January 7, 1995.

 
January 8

• January 8, 1984 - First Female Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (SBPA)
  • The next significant milestone would be the promotion of Carol Anne Fetty to Supervisory Border Patrol Agent on January 8, 1984 at the Brown Field Station in Chula Vista Sector, soon to be renamed the San Diego Sector. SBPA Fetty had entered on duty with Session 116 of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy on August 1, 1977. At the time of her promotion, there were 60 female Border Patrol Agents nationwide and INS Commissioner Nelson (1933-1997) made note of the significance of SBPA Fetty’s promotion in the Commissioner’s Communique also recognizing that she was the mother of four teenagers. Chula Vista Sector Chief Patrol Agent Alan Eliason and former CPA Gene Wood did the honors of pinning on SBPA Fetty’s supervisory bars.
  • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco

 
January 9

• On January 9, 1941, most likely in anticipation of changing from Department of Labor to Department of Justice badges, Assistant to the Attorney General Lemuel B. Schofield (1882-1955) issued a memo stating that if the, “…loss of a badge or credentials occurred through carelessness or negligence, the Central Office will take such disciplinary action as the circumstances surrounding the loss may seem to warrant, but in no instance will the penalty be less than suspension from duty and pay for a period of two days…” Plus, the officer would be required to pay for the lost items.
  • Since April 4, 1928, the badges, cap insignia and buttons for Patrol Inspectors were, “Oxidized silver for Patrol Inspectors and Senior Patrol Inspectors; gilt as at present, for Chief Patrol Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents.” 
  • Although they are known to have existed, there are no known examples of Department of Labor, gilt (gold) Patrol Inspector badges.  My guess is that the tenants of Honor First prevailed, and all old Department of Labor badges were turned in by the employees (none “lost” as keepsakes), with the old badges destroyed by the Central Office.
  • Numerous newspaper articles describe an intense investigation of Schofield's estate after his death.  Reports state that he had not filed federal income tax for nearly six years and owed nearly $1,000,000 in back taxes and penalties.

 
January 10

• On January 10, 1931, in El Paso, Texas, Senior Patrol Inspector Ammon Meshach Tenney III (1897-1961) and Patrol Inspector Charles Askins, Jr.​ (1907-1999) engaged in a gunfight with smugglers where approximately 12 rounds were fired and no injuries reported.  See this file for the cover memo and sworn statements describing the incident.

 
January 11

• See the January 11, 1943 documents in this file to see the Organizational Chart and map of all the District 13 employees and work locations.  District 13 was the St. Paul District and primarily included the modern-day Grand Forks Sector.
• In the early 1950’s, there was a significant initiative to construct fencing on the border with Mexico.  This document from January 11, 1954, shows the specifications of one of the proposals.

 
January 12 - No entries
 
January 13

• On January 13, 1930, El Paso District Director Grover Cleveland Wilmoth (1884-1951) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning training the employees in his district which covers modern-day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sectors.  The memo concentrated on Spanish instruction but also mentioned a law manual which could be carried by officers. This memo demonstrates the importance in training that the El Paso District placed on training.  Within 5 years, the El Paso District would create a training school at Camp Chigas (click on the link to see its location), the location of the El Paso Sub-district HQ and the El Paso Station. 
  • See these early documents from the district:
    • 1930 Patrol Inspector handbook
    • Examples of early Spanish training here and here
  • It should be noted, Grover Wilmoth was an employee of the Immigration Service/Immigration and Naturalization Service from January 20, 1908, until his death on January 21, 1951, 43 years!  He became the District Director of the El Paso District in 1926. He was the El Paso District Director 1926-1951. 
    • He was the supervisor of future Chiefs of the Border Patrol George Harris  (1876-1941), John W. Nelson (1906-1979) and N. Donald Collaer (1896-1977).
    • He submitted plans for border fences and provided opinions of immigration enforcement activities that were felt nationwide. 
    • In the position, every decision and initiative originating from his district was influenced and approved by him, to include:
      • The National Border Patrol Academy in 1936
      • The El Paso District training school sometime between 1930-1934.
      • The Border Patrol motto - Honor First
  • Grover Wilmoth is the one of the most, if not the most, influential person to the development of U.S. Border Patrol’s culture in the 1920’s and 1930’s.
• The designation of the area of responsibility was officially changed from a Border Patrol Sub-District to a Border Patrol Sector. The U.S. Border Patrol had proposed the change in the term of reference on February 12, 1930, but because of confusion/push back from several District Directors, the term of reference was not “officially” changed until the Central Office was reorganized in 1943.
  • From - HONOR FIRST - United States Border Patrol Centennial Timeline 1924-2024 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

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.

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U.S. BORDER PATROL FALLEN ANNIVERSARIES

U.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning Band

As of November 14, 2023 the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 157* fallen.
Titles​:

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

Please spread the word!
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 although the circumstances surrounding their deaths met the criteria for Line-of-Duty Deaths at the time, Patrol Inspector Garvis Field Harrell, Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax, and Border Patrol Pilot Howard H. Gay, who lost his life in the action that earned him the Newton-Azrak Award, are not officially recognized as fallen by either the Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. Nonetheless, HonorFirst.com respectfully recognizes and includes Inspector Harrell, Agent Gigax, and Pilot Gay among those honored as having fallen in the line of duty.

1930

William D. McCalib
Date of Birth:                        December 20, 1895               
Entered on Duty:                  December 4, 1928
Title:                                        Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                       January 7, 1930

Details:
On January 7, 1930, Patrol Inspector McCalib, together with Senior Patrol Inspector West, apprehended Pedro Rendon, at Alice, Texas. Rendon was suspected of being an alien unlawfully in the United States. Rendon claimed that the proprietor of a restaurant in Alice could vouch for him and, accordingly, the officers put Rendon in the back seat of the car and drove to the restaurant. Senior Patrol Inspector West entered the establishment to interview the proprietor while Inspector McCalib remained in the car with Rendon. During West's absence, Rendon drew a pistol and shot McCalib in the back of the head, killing him instantly. Rendon was subdued and taken into custody by Senior Patrol Inspector West. It was later discovered that Rendon, alias Jose Ramirez, was an escaped convict.

Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $69.75 per month for her and their child.  Upon the death of his wife, his child received $38.75 per month.

​Gravesite


1995

Jose A. Nava
Date of Birth:                  July 6, 1958
Entered on Duty:            January 27, 1987
Title:                                 Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                 January 7, 1995
 
Details:
On January 6, 1995, Agent Jose A. Nava was on his way to conduct a train check. He was traveling on Farm Road 1572, 45 miles east of Del Rio, Texas. His Service vehicle struck a deer causing him to lose control. The vehicle overturned several times and Agent Nava was thrown from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:40 a.m. on January 7, 1995.
 
Jose Nava was born in Brownsville, Texas. He began his career with the Border Patrol in El Paso, Texas. On April 9, 1989, he transferred to the Del Rio Sector and was assigned to the Brackettville Station.

​Gravesite