June 2 - June 8Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week we reflect on pivotal moments that have shaped the Patrol. Our journey begins on June 7, 1918, when future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire submitted his first detailed proposal to create the Border Patrol. This foundational document laid the groundwork for the agency's formation. On June 2, 1924, El Paso District Director George Harris highlighted the absorption of Mounted Guards into the Border Patrol, marking a significant organizational shift. Just a day later, on June 3, 1924, the San Antonio District Director detailed manpower assignments in his district, further defining the early structure of the Border Patrol. Moving to June 2, 1931, a memo reported the shooting scores of Border Patrol Inspector Charles Askins, Jr. On June 3, 1931, El Paso District Director Grover Wilmoth and Laredo Sub-district Chief Patrol Inspector Hubert P. Brady reported top shooting scores, setting the stage for the U.S. Border Patrol Pistol Team's establishment. June 5, 1935, saw the Central Office disseminate the results of a shooting challenge, marking the birth of the USBP Pistol Team. Then, on June 3, 1937, a memo authorized cross straps for left-handed officers, reflecting ongoing adjustments to improve efficiency. On June 6, 1956, we remember the tragic loss of Airplane Pilot Douglas C. Shute and Patrol Inspector James M. Carter in a plane crash while on duty. Their dedication and ultimate sacrifice are solemnly honored. Fast forward to June 3, 1998, when Border Patrol Agent Alexander Kirpnick tragically lost his life in the line of duty and was posthumously awarded the Newton-Azrak Award. His heroic actions and ultimate sacrifice are deeply remembered and honored. Lastly, on June 6, 2021, Border Patrol Agent Shon McNeal demonstrated extraordinary bravery by saving a severely injured driver after a vehicle accident, showcasing the ongoing heroism within our ranks. Join us as we delve into these compelling stories that highlight the dedication and bravery of our agents. Dive deeper into our rich history and discover more about these significant events in this week's blog. 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. THIS WEEK'S USBP ANNIVERSARIES AND MILESTONESJune 2
On June 2, 1924, El Paso District Director and future Chief of the Border Patrol George Harris (1876-1941) sent a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning the Border Patrol manpower in the district which was comprised of modern-day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sectors.
On June 2, 1925, William H. Wagner (1878-1956) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning the positions and salaries within the Border Patrol. The memo also recommended a reduction in personnel due to an anticipated reduced budget. On June 2, 1931, a memo was written that reported Border Patrol Inspector Charles Askins, Jr's (1907-1999) shooting scores and qualifications from 1925. There were no accompanying documents to provide context. June 3 On June 3, 1924, the San Antonio District Director sent a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning the Border Patrol manpower in the district which was comprised of modern-day Del Rio, Laredo and Rio Grande Valley Sectors. At the request of the Central Office, on June 3, 1931, El Paso District Director Grover Cleveland Wilmoth (1884-1951) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General reporting the shooting scores achieved by his personnel. Wilmoth went on to recommend sending Patrol Inspectors from all districts to the annual competition in Camp Perry, which would happen four years later and be the birth of the U.S. Border Patrol Pistol Team. At the request of the San Antonio District Director, on June 3, 1931, the Laredo Sub-district Chief Patrol Inspector Hubert P. Brady (1895-1957) wrote a memo concerning top shooting scores for his sub-district. He reported only one Patrol Inspector having scored well enough to have been reported, James W. Leflar (1902-1966). Records from 1939 would show that Leflar became an Immigrant Inspector. It is unknown if he ever returned to the Patrol. On June 3, 1937, a memo was issued authorizing "the wearing of cross straps over the right shoulder by those officers who are left handed". ...on June 3, 1980, with the graduation of Session 133, Tampa Station Patrol Agent in Charge Calvin Vaughn presented his newlywed wife, Donna DeLuca with her graduation certificate at FLETC Glynco. Chief Roger Brandemuehl witnessed history as this was the first time a Border Patrol Agent husband presented his wife with her Border Patrol Academy graduation certificate, and the Chief would also recognize her as being number three in her class academically and one of the top shooters.
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Jose Cisneros Border Patrol Agent Yuma Sector Theodore E. Huebner Border Patrol Agent Yuma Sector On June 3, 1991, seven-year-old Adrian Rose and his stepfather, Randy Velasquez, had been fishing the Arizona bank of the Colorado River. Later that evening, they decided to swim to the California side. Adrian reiterated that they had not expected the river’s current to be so swift and were swept away into the main channel as they entered the water. He witnessed his stepfather cry out and then slip under the water and not resurface. Adrian managed to swim to a spot in the river where he was able to cling to a bush and keep his head above water. He spent several hours there calling for help and described the water as very cold and very fast. Border Patrol Agents Jose Cisneros and Theodore E. Huebner were performing Border Patrol operations along the Arizona side of the Colorado River, near the Morelos Dam on June 4, 1991. At approximately 2:30 a.m., they heard Randy’s cries for help coming from the California side of the river. Border Patrol agents working the California side were summoned for assistance. After a coordinated effort between the agents, they pinpointed the location of the cries. Agents observed a child in the river, up to his chest in the swift moving water. Agents on the California side of the river, nearest the child, made several attempts to reach him but were hindered by the thick brush that lined the river’s bank. Realizing that time was vital if they were going to rescue the boy from drowning, Agents Theodore Huebner and Jose Cisneros elected to attempt the rescue from their side of the river. Disregarding their own safety, in the hours of darkness, they unselfishly entered the river into unseen hazards. By wading and swimming, they crossed approximately 200 yards of river to reach seven-year-old Adrian Rose and carried him to safety. The location of the rescue was about ¾ of a mile north of Morelos Dam, where water from the Colorado River is diverted into Mexico. The Imperial County Diver’s Team estimated the water’s temperature on that day at 55 degrees and flowing at a rate of 1.5 feet per second. The river at this point varies in depth, is approximately 200 yards wide, and is covered with quicksand and deep holes. Due to the varying strong undercurrents, these conditions change constantly and are unpredictable. This stretch of the Colorado River has been the site of numerous boating mishaps and drownings. Although this information is common knowledge to the general public and Border Patrol agents alike, Agents Huebner and Cisneros knowingly entered the river without regard for their personal safety, to accomplish the rescue of Adrian Rose. Line of Duty Death anniversary/ Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Alexander Kirpnick (1970-1998) Date of Birth: September 9, 1970 Entered on Duty: September 25, 1996 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: June 3, 1998 Tucson Sector Posthumously Awarded Alexander Kirpnick, born on September 9, 1970, joined the U.S. Border Patrol on September 25, 1996, as a dedicated agent committed to his duties. He was a graduate of the 322nd session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Charleston, South Carolina. Agent Kirpnick's end of watch came on June 3, 1998, under tragic circumstances. On the night of June 3, 1998, Agent Kirpnick was assigned patrol duties in the Nogales area of the Tucson Sector, specifically at Ephraim and Mariposa Canyons. During the midnight shift, he and his partner responded to sensor traffic indicating potential illegal activity in the area. Approximately an hour after setting up their surveillance, the agents detected foot traffic approaching. They observed five individuals carrying what appeared to be illegal contraband. As the suspects neared, Agents Kirpnick and his partner identified themselves and moved forward to engage the suspects. Agent Kirpnick approached two of the suspects, while his partner dealt with the remaining three. Shortly after Agent Kirpnick ordered the two suspects to sit down, his partner heard a gunshot. Rushing to Agent Kirpnick's position, he found him lying prone with a gunshot wound to the head. Despite being quickly transported to the University Medical Center in Tucson, Agent Kirpnick succumbed to his injuries. Agent Kirpnick, an immigrant from Ukraine, served with honor and dedication. His tragic death highlights the dangers faced by Border Patrol agents in their efforts to protect the borders and enforce the law. His gravesite stands as a solemn reminder of his sacrifice and commitment to his adopted country. Agent Alexander Kirpnick's service and ultimate sacrifice are deeply honored and remembered by his colleagues, family, and the nation he served. June 4 Today marks a quiet day in USBP history. June 5 On June 5, 1924, a letter of recommendation was written to the Commissioner-General on behalf of future Chief of the Border Patrol Willard Kelly (1903-1969). The letter erroneously states that Kelly was 21 years old. Kelly wouldn't turn 21 until June 21, 1924, the same day he was sworn into office. On June 5, 1935, the Central Office disseminated the results of a shooting challenge that was issued by the Tampa Sub-district.
On June 5, 1950, former Chief of the Border Patrol Willard Kelly (1903-1969) wrote a letter recommending a path to construct a new Border Patrol Training School utilizing prison labor.
June 6 On June 6, 1922, Henry Carpenter Smither Sr. (1873-1930) announced a meeting to discuss whole of government border patrol activities.
On June 6, 1927, Chief of the Border Patrol Ruel Davenport (1878-1961) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General proposing what would become the USBP's first rank insignia.
Line of Duty Death anniversary Douglas C. Shute Date of Birth: December 31, 1918 Entered on Duty: September 5, 1950 Title: Airplane Pilot End of Watch: June 6, 1956 Gravesite James M. Carter Date of Birth: February 26, 1921 Entered on Duty: April 25, 1955 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: June 6, 1956 Gravesite Douglas C. Shute, born on December 31, 1918, joined the Border Patrol as an Airplane Pilot on September 5, 1950. James M. Carter, born on February 26, 1921, entered duty as a Patrol Inspector on April 25, 1955. Their paths converged tragically on June 6, 1956, leading to a fatal incident that claimed both their lives. On that fateful morning, Pilot Shute was patrolling in a Piper Supercub, working in coordination with a ground unit engaged in "sign-cutting" – a method of locating and following physical evidence such as footprints. The ground crew, including Patrol Inspectors James M. Carter, Emmit R. Brotherton, and Carter M. Newsome, had located tracks of two individuals. To better track these individuals, Inspector Carter joined Pilot Shute in the aircraft as an observer, while the others continued on the ground. Pilot Shute successfully located the individuals and radioed the ground crew to pick them up. However, shortly after this communication, the aircraft entered a steep climb at about 450 feet altitude and then stalled, leading to an unrecoverable left spin. The plane crashed in a vertical descent, with the engine being driven back into the cockpit. The impact was devastating, telescoping the cabin and imprisoning both Pilot Shute and Inspector Carter. Tragically, both officers were killed on impact. This incident highlights the inherent risks and dangers faced by those serving in law enforcement and border patrol duties. The commitment of both Douglas C. Shute and James M. Carter to their roles in protecting and serving is remembered and honored. Their gravesites stand as solemn reminders of their service and the ultimate sacrifice they made in the line of duty. On June 6, 2021, off duty Border Patrol Agent Shon McNeal, while en route to his station, observed a single vehicle accident on Interstate 10 near Buckeye, Arizona. BPA McNeal immediately stopped to render aid to the sole occupant of the vehicle. The driver had sustained a head injury and a severed arm. BPA McNeal immediately applied a tourniquet to the subject's left upper arm. BPA McNeal remained on scene and continued to evaluate the subject's condition until EMS arrived. BPA McNeal went above and beyond the call of duty. His life saving technique of applying a tourniquet ultimately prevented the driver from succumbing to her injuries. BPA McNeal's actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol.
June 7 On June 7, 1918, future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) submitted his first detailed proposal to create Border Patrol. In this document, the "Border Patrol" was presented as a proper noun, with capital letters. Berkshire's proposal included numerous patrol inspector ranks, guards, cooks, clerks and stablemen. The plan also included equipment such as automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, wagons, and horses. The plan specified the locations and numbers for all personnel and equipment. The total came to 1,950 employees at a cost of $4 million, including equipment. On June 7, 1929, El Paso District Director Grover Wilmoth (1884-1951) wrote a memo to the Chief Patrol Inspectors of the Tucson, El Paso and Marfa Sub-districts concerning the stopping of vehicles. The memo severely curtails the use of "Stop" signs in a manner of use that would be considered a tactical or temporary checkpoint in modern times. Further, the memo demonstrates that Wilmoth is very concerned about the practice and cautions Inspectors that "Travelers my use force to resist illegal restraint and search..." June 8 Today marks a quiet day in USBP history.
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Clifford GillBlog author, retired U.S. Border Patrol Assistant Chief and, current U.S. Border Patrol employee advocate. Ray HarrisSite founder and owner, former Supervisory Border Patrol Agent and retired Immigration Special Agent. Joseph BancoU.S. Border Patrol historian and retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent. Archives
December 2024
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