This Week in USBP History, Vol. 128

February 11 - February 17

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INTRO

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

As I prepare for another week of sharing the rich history of the U.S. Border Patrol, I'd like to update you on some changes to our "This Week in USBP History" blog. Your support has been invaluable as we've journeyed together through the remarkable stories and significant milestones of the Patrol.

In an effort to make the blog more manageable while still delivering meaningful content, I'm streamlining our focus. We'll continue to highlight key historical events and anniversaries that have significantly shaped the U.S. Border Patrol. These stories are more than historical markers; they represent our shared heritage, our challenges, and our collective triumphs.

I want to note a specific change regarding our coverage of the Newton-Azrak Award recipients and our honored fallen. While I will still feature the full stories of those having an anniversary during the week, the format will be more concise. The detailed explorations and additional background sections that were previously a staple of the blog will be simplified. However, the essence and respect we hold for these heroes remain steadfast.

While the blog's format is evolving, its core purpose – to honor, inform, and remember – remains unchanged. I may occasionally include thought pieces or perspectives on current issues, but these will be in addition to our primary historical focus.

Your feedback and engagement are as important as ever. Whether it's a word of encouragement or a suggestion, I welcome your thoughts. It's your involvement that transforms this blog from a collection of historical accounts into a living tribute to our Border Patrol community.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let's continue to honor our past, stay connected with our present, and look forward to our future with anticipation.

Stay safe, and let's keep the spirit of the Patrol alive.

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This week in USBP history, we spotlight key moments starting with February 11, 1928, when Chief Ruel Davenport conducted a comprehensive tour of the Buffalo District, leaving behind a detailed report of his observations. Moving to February 12, 1926, we uncover Chief Supervisor Irving F. Wixon's critical insights on the Port of Calexico, a precursor to his eventual role as Deputy Commissioner of the INS. The week also includes a significant moment on February 13, 1951, marking the authorization of Army sun tan uniforms for the El Paso District, signaling a notable transition in uniform policy. Our historical journey concludes with the 1980 Winter Olympic Games, where the Border Patrol played a crucial role, starting from February 12, 1980, in Lake Placid, NY. Join us as we delve into these events and much more, tracing the evolving journey of the United States Border Patrol.

This week, we proudly recognize three recipients of the Newton-Azrak Award, commemorating the anniversaries of their courageous and heroic actions.

There are no line-of-duty death anniversaries this week.

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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THROWBACK PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Echoes from the Past
​A Glimpse into the 1930s Border Patrol Operations

This rare snapshot from the early 1930s, provided by the Border Patrol Museum, captures a defining moment in U.S. Border Patrol history. It features an early transport vehicle, crucial for detainee movement during that era. The vehicle stands as a testament to the evolving needs and methods of the Patrol, equipped with a rudimentary detention area in the rear, secured by a simple barrier. Its canvas roof and open cab are telling of the challenges faced by Patrol Inspectors back then, where their only respite from harsh weather conditions was the breeze generated as the vehicle moved. This historical image not only reflects the operational requirements of the Patrol in its early years but also underscores the significant advancements in transportation and detainee management that have been achieved over the decades.

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DOCUMENTS AND EVENTS

February 11

• On February 11, 1928, Ruel Davenport (1878-1961), then the sole Chief of the Border Patrol, conducted a tour of the Buffalo District under the direction of the Commissioner-General.  He wrote a detailed, 5-page report on his observations of the district and two Border Patrol sub-districts, Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
• Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary – Border Patrol Agent Gregory M. Stecher, February 11, 2005.
• Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary – Supervisory Border Patrol Agent George P. Woodward, February 11, 2005.

 
February 12

• On February 12, 1926, Chief Supervisor Irving F. Wixon (1884-1962) who would later promote to be the Deputy Commissioner of the INS, wrote a 9-page memo concerning the conditions of the Port of Calexico. Interesting aspects of the memo:
  • “Chief Supervisor” was a title unique to Wixon. He appeared to be a powerful assistant to the Commissioner-General and work out of HQ.  It is possible that the position evolved to become “Deputy Commissioner”.
  • Wixon criticizes:
    • The efficiency of the Voluntary Return
    • Border Patrol inspectors’ poor fluency in Spanish
    • Border Patrol inspectors’ lack of knowledge of immigration law
• On February 12, 1930, Assistant Superintendent and later 7th Chief of the Border Patrol Nicolas Donald Collaer (1896-1977), submitted a blueprint for a reorganization of the El Paso District. There are several interesting aspects of the proposal:
  • The El Paso District, District #25, was comprised of:
    • Sub-district #1 – Modern-day Tucson Sector
    • Sub-district #2 – Modern-day El Paso Sector
    • Sub-district #3 – Modern-day Big Bend Sector
  • The blueprint primarily shows sub-district #1, the modern-day Tucson Sector.  On the right side of the blueprint, written vertically are mentions of the other two sub-districts.
  • Early use of the titles Assistant Chief Patrol Inspector, Sector Chief (modern Patrol Agent in Charge), Assistant Sector Chief (Modern Deputy Patrol Agent in Charge)
  • Calling modern stations “Sectors”.
• The 1980 Winter Olympic Games were held February 12-23, 1980 in Lake Placid, NY.  Border Patrol support would include but not be limited to; "The Swanton Sector Emergency Services Team would be a twenty-man unit broken down to two eight-person squads, two snipers, two hostage negotiators, and a team leader."
  • ​​From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco​
• Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary – Border Patrol Agent Joaquin Chavez, February 12, 2022.

 
February 13

• On February 13, 1951, the Central Office authorized Army sun tan uniforms for wear in the El Paso District (modern-day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sectors).  Interestingly, the memo shows a full transition to the tan uniform by authorizing the forest green rough duty uniforms to be worn until they become unserviceable.  Also, the tan uniforms were authorized only for the three districts along the Mexican border; the Los Angeles, El Paso and San Antonio Districts.
  • It is unknown when the tan uniforms began to be used, but the Border Patrol Museum has photographs that show khaki uniforms were worn in the lower Rio Grande Valley as early as 1949.
• On February 13, 2016, “Honor Guard Agents from the Big Bend and El Paso Sector responded to the untimely passing of Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia at a ranch in Shafter, Texas, providing security and assisting in the return of his remains to Washington, DC. The U.S. flag provided by the USBP Honor Guard to cover Justice Scalia’s casket draped the casket from his place of death, while he lay in repose at the Supreme Court, until his burial and was presented to his wife at the conclusion of the ceremony at the cemetery.”
  • From - HONOR FIRST - United States Border Patrol Centennial Timeline 1924-2024 by Joseph Banco

 
February 14 - No entries
 
February 15

• By this time, the Camp Chigas buildings were old and new facilities were needed.  A memo dated February 15, 1951 reveals that the Border Patrol had acquired land and planned to relocate the Academy to Ascarate Park.  Of course, this plan was not implemented.
• Riverside Station opened - 1967
  • Information from the Border Patrol Museum

 
February 16

• A memo, written on February 16, 1928 by former “Chief” of the Border Patrol George Harris (1876-1941), warns employees about visiting Mexico too frequently.
  • George Harris would be one of the first two Chiefs of the Border Patrol (called Supervisor, Border Patrol) in 1926 with the implementation of General Order 61.  In 1927, he would be reassigned to other positions leaving Ruel Davenport (1878-1961) to be the sole Chief of the Border Patrol.  In 1932, Harris would return as the Chief of the Border Patrol (called Director at that time) and be the only person to serve nonconsecutive terms in the position.

 
February 17 - No entries

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NEWTON-AZRAK AWARD ACTION ANNIVERSARIES

The USBP Newton-Azrak Award Scroll

In this section, we honor the recipients of the Newton-Azrak Award, the U.S. Border Patrol's highest recognition since 1973. Named in memory of Inspectors Theodore L. Newton Jr. and George F. Azrak, who bravely gave their lives in the line of duty, this award has stood as a symbol of extraordinary valor and commitment. While the criteria for this prestigious award have evolved over the years, its significance remains unchanged. It continues to honor those who demonstrate exceptional courage and heroism, upholding the legacy of Inspectors Newton and Azrak and the enduring values of the Border Patrol.

2005

Gregory M. Stecher - ​photo
Border Patrol Agent
Swanton, VT 
In the morning hours of February 11, 2005, Agent Stecher responded to a call to support a Coast Guard rescue mission involving a partially submerged vehicle on the thin ice of Lake Champlain. Two men had become stranded on the snow-covered ice when their vehicle broke through the ice. The USCG Rescue team became exhausted with the onset of hypothermia and requested assistance. Agent Stecher was aware that recent weather conditions were conducive to thin ice and that another rescue snowmobile had already broken through the ice. Beyond the call of duty and facing grave danger, Agent Stecher operated his snowmobile on the thin ice and rescued one of the fishermen while his partner and Vermont Fish and Game units rescued the Coast Guardsmen. While speeding to shore with a victim onboard, Agent Stecher’s snowmobile began to break through the ice. Only by maintaining very high speed was he able to stay afloat and complete the rescue. Agent Stecher’s actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol.
 
George P. Woodward - photo
Border Patrol Agent
Swanton, VT 
In the morning hours of February 11, 2005, Agent Woodward responded to a call to support a Coast Guard rescue mission involving a partially submerged vehicle on the thin ice of Lake Champlain. Two men had become stranded on the snow-covered ice when their vehicle broke through the ice. The USCG Rescue team became exhausted with the onset of hypothermia and requested assistance. Agent Woodward was aware that recent weather conditions were conducive to thin ice and that another rescue snowmobile had already broken through the ice. Beyond the call of duty and facing grave danger, Agent Woodward operated his snowmobile on the thin ice and rescued one of the fishermen while his partner and Vermont Fish and Game units rescued the Coast Guardsmen. While speeding to shore with a victim onboard, Agent Woodward's snowmobile began to break through the ice. Only by maintaining very high speed was he able to stay afloat and complete the rescue. Agent Woodward's actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol.


2022

Joaquin Chavez - photo, award certificate
Border Patrol Agent
Eagle Pass North Station
Eagle Pass, TX
Border Patrol Agent Joaquin Chavez is recognized for heroic actions resulting in the rescue of three Haitian nationals from the Rio Grande River on February 12, 2022.  Understanding the risks and disregarding his personal safety, Agent Chavez entered the Rio Grande River to rescue three subjects, which included an unresponsive adult male who would have otherwise drowned. The swift actions of Agent Chavez, a product of extensive training and experience, prevented a critical situation from resulting in certain fatal consequences. Agent Chavez's actions reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol

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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

* See the HonorFirst U.S. Border Patrol Fallen page for more information.

There are no line-of-duty death anniversaries this week.