June 9 - June 15Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! Join us as we journey through pivotal moments in Border Patrol history. On June 9, 1922, Frank Berkshire documented the earliest known reference to a checkpoint for immigration purposes in Oceanside, California. Staffed by one Immigrant Inspector and three Mounted Guards, this checkpoint predates the establishment of the U.S. Border Patrol. Fast forward to June 9, 1927, near El Paso, Texas, Border Patrol Inspectors engaged in a fierce gunfight with alcohol smugglers, exchanging approximately 30 rounds. This skirmish occurred near the site where Patrol Inspector Thad Pippen was killed, and Senior Patrol Inspector Egbert Crossett was wounded. June 9, 1954, marked the beginning of the first phase of Operation Wetback, initiating highly visible checkpoint and transportation check operations away from the border. These efforts focused on bus and train hubs and roads leading to the interior, signifying a significant shift in immigration enforcement tactics. On June 9, 1992, Border Patrol Pilot Michael W. Snyder assisted the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Department in a life-saving operation during a flood. His courageous actions in maneuvering a helicopter amidst challenging conditions helped rescue several stranded swimmers. Stay tuned for the full stories and more insights into the rich history of the U.S. Border Patrol. 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 9
On June 9, 1922, Frank Berkshire wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning a checkpoint that was in use in Oceanside, California. The checkpoint, staffed with one Immigrant Inspector and three Mounted Guards, and is the earliest known reference to a checkpoint being used for immigration purposes. Therefore, checkpoints for immigration purposes predate the U.S. Border Patrol. On June 9, 1927, near El Paso, Texas, two Border Patrol Inspectors were involved in a gunfight with alcohol smugglers. This report, states that approximately 30 rounds were exchanged with one smuggler believed to have been wounded. The author of the report, Senior Patrol Inspector Douglas D. Pyeatt (1902-1944), describes the area of the gunfight as being near the location where Patrol Inspector Thad Pippen (1889-1927) had been killed and Senior Patrol Inspector Egbert Crossett (1888-1967) wounded. The first phase of Operation Wetback also included the initiation of highly visible checkpoint and transportation check operations at locations away from the border. These efforts began on June 9, 1954, and focused on bus and train hubs, and roads leaving the border and leading to the interior.
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary James P. Moody Patrol Agent McAllen Sector Patrol Agent James P. Moody was recognized for his courage while under gunfire in placing a gravely wounded fellow officer in a car and driving through that same fire to get to the hospital. On June 9, 1975 at approximately 0030 hours, Senior Patrol Agent Allen H. Fry and Patrol Agent James P. Moody were performing assigned line-watch duties east of Brownsville, Texas. Observing a suspicious car in a known smuggling area with several people visible in the car, they attempted to stop the vehicle, which immediately took evasive action. The vehicle was pursued about two miles and SPA Fry driving the government unit was able to force it to stop. Several people immediately attempted to flee and were pursued by PA Moody. At that time, PA Moody heard a shot and a cry from Fry that he had been hit. Moody immediately returned to the vehicle. Moody observed that Fry had managed to get to the driver's seat and was attempting to radio for assistance. Moody observing that Fry was gravely injured and bleeding profusely, started around the car to assist Fry when he came under fire from a concealed position to his right. Eight to ten shots were fired at Moody as he moved around the car, and he returned fire with three rounds from his service revolver. Ignoring his personal safety, he ran under fire to the left side of the Service vehicle and seeing that Fry was in grave danger of bleeding to death, placed him on the rear seat to transport him to the hospital. Moody, knowing that the shortest route to the hospital was back through the area under fire, drive the car forward about 100 yards, turned around and passed back through the area of the assault, again exposing himself to extreme danger from the assailant and proceeded at a high rate of speed for the hospital. Moody alerted nearby units of the assault and the grave injury, had the hospital alerted of the emergency, which resulted in a doctor and staff being on stand-by awaiting his arrival. There is little doubt that this immediate action saved SPA Fry's life. Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Michael W. Snyder Border Patrol Pilot Del Rio Sector On June 9, 1992, Border Patrol Pilot Michael W. Snyder assisted the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Department in saving the life of one swimmer and obtaining much needed medical attention for several others. The Frio River was at flood stage due to recent heavy rains and swimmers were reported stranded. Pilot Snyder flew the Service helicopter directly over the stranded couple and Captain Watkins dropped a rope to the man, who was near exhaustion yet trying to keep his female companion above water and hold on to an inner-tube. After several attempts to get the rope to the man, it became apparent it was not going to work. Pilot Snyder maneuvered the helicopter among tall cypress tress and power lines to obtain visual contact with the peopled in the water, dipped the skid under the man, and nudged the couple towards the banks to several other swimmers who jumped in and pulled them out of the water. Unfortunately, the female did not make it; however, the man was saved and several others were taken by Pilot Snyder to an ambulance to receive medical attention. June 10 On June 10, 1926, the Commissioner-General sent a memo to the Buffalo District Director. The memo informed the District Director that the Commissioner-General had approved and ordered the implementation of a series of recommendations made by newly promoted Chief of the Border Patrol Ruel Davenport (1878-1961).
On June 10, 1933, President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 6166, consolidating the Bureaus of Immigration and Naturalization into the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). With the consolidation, immediate actions were taken to significantly reduce the INS work force. The impact on the Border Patrol was felt quickly.
On June 10, 1935, the Deputy Commissioner issued a memo requesting that each district have their employees shoot competition courses of fire and forward the results to the Central Office. The Central Office used the results to identify Patrol Inspectors that would be selected to compete at Camp Perry, Ohio, marking the birth of the Border Patrol's Pistol Team. See this page for more information. June 11 Today marks a quiet day in USBP history. June 12 On June 12, 1922, a memo was written for Henry Carpenter Smither Sr. (1873-1930) outlining a meeting that had occurred to discuss whole of government border patrol activities.
Related to the entry above, a memo was written describing a June 12, 1922, sub-committee meeting that discussed suggestions concerning enforcing federal law on the border. The U.S. Border Patrol Purple Cross was established on June 12, 2001, and the first medals were issued in 2002. Paul Conover would be the first recipient of the U.S. Border Patrol Purple Cross, receiving it in a ceremony in 2002, although several recipients would receive them retroactively.
Line of Duty Death anniversary Johan S. Mordan Date of Birth: May 26, 1994 Entered on Duty: July 8, 2019 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: June 12, 2020 Details: On the night of June 11, 2020, Border Patrol Agent Mordan was patrolling on foot in a remote area in the boot heel of New Mexico in the El Paso Sector. Agent Mordan’s partner lost radio contact with him. The Agent located him a short time later and found him unresponsive and without a pulse. His fellow agents worked to save his life for well over an hour before EMS arrived. Agent Mordan was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. There was no evidence to indicate foul play and his death appears to be the result of heat related illness. Agent Mordan entered on duty on July 8, 2019, as part of the 1127th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. He is survived by his parents and sister. Cremated June 13 On June 13, 1928, former Acting Commissioner-General George Harris (1876-1941) wrote a memo to the Commissioner of Immigration for the Montreal District informing him that fabric for insignia of rank and time-in-service was being shipped to them. Several items of interest are contained in the memo:
Line of Duty Death anniversary Louis D. Stahl Date of Birth: August 19, 1942 Entered on Duty: October 9, 1973 Title: Border Patrol Pilot End of Watch: June 13, 1992 Details: On June 13, 1992, Pilot Louis Stahl was reportedly tracking a group of illegal aliens near the railroad tracks in a mountainous area near Sunland Park, New Mexico. According to witnesses, the Hughes OH6A helicopter, piloted by Agent Stahl, dropped down and snagged a string of power lines, which hung approximately 300 feet above the tracks. The contact with the power lines tilted his aircraft to the right and into another set of utility lines. The helicopter was then thrown downward and it nose-dived into a nearby canyon, slamming upside down on the desert floor in a valley north of Mount Cristo Rey. The cockpit was demolished in the crash, and Agent Stahl was pinned underneath the wreckage. After seeing the crash, the subjects who were observed by the pilot, reportedly raced a half-mile east to go get help at the American Eagle Brick Company, where workers dialed 911. The workers then drove to the site and attempted to lift the smashed aircraft off the pilot. Shortly thereafter, firefighters, police, and Border Patrol Agents arrived at the scene to render aid. The downed pilot was pulled from the wreckage and was pronounced dead. His body was taken to Thomason General Hospital. Gravesite June 14 On June 14, 1922, Commissioner-General William W. Husband (1871-1942) wrote a letter to Seattle Commissioner of Immigration Luther Weedin (1872-1942) explaining the discussions that were occurring concerning enforcing federal law on the border. On June 14, 1940, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Reorganization Program V, the U.S. Border Patrol as part of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) was transferred from the Department of Labor to the Department of Justice.
Line of Duty Death anniversary Lester L. Haynie Date of Birth: October 13, 1945 Entered on Duty: October 14, 1975 Title: Airplane Pilot Trainee End of Watch: June 14, 1985 Details: On the morning of June 14, 1985, Pilot Lester L. Haynie had been working with ground units 12 miles west of Yuma, Arizona. Having apprehended five aliens at Dunes Siding, Pilot Haynie radioed the ground units that he was flying to another siding. There were no witnesses to the crash that occurred at 7:51 a.m., reported at 8:18 a.m. by a Southern Pacific Railroad engineer. The Border Patrol plane was upside down under San Diego Power and Light cables in Imperial County, California, 100 yards north of the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks near Dunes Siding, two miles west of Sidewinder Road. Investigation determined that Pilot Haynie had failed to gain altitude to clear the power lines. Gravesite Line of Duty Death anniversary/ Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Stephen C. Starch (1972-1997) Date of Birth: January 3, 1972 Entered on Duty: November 13, 1995 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: June 14, 1997 San Diego Sector Posthumously Awarded Stephen C. Starch, born on January 3, 1972, joined the U.S. Border Patrol on November 13, 1995. A graduate of Texas Tech University and the Border Patrol Academy, Class 295, Agent Starch was dedicated to his role in protecting the nation's borders. His end of watch occurred under tragic circumstances on June 14, 1997. On that day, Agent Starch and Senior Patrol Agent Aric Curtis were patrolling the border area south of State Route 94 in the Dulzura, California area, part of the San Diego Sector. In the mid-afternoon, they detected foot tracks of suspected illegal immigrants near the Tecate Truck Trail, leading into Cottonwood Canyon. The tracks veered west, climbing a steep, rugged incline towards Little Tecate Peak. The agents, determined to intercept the group, followed the tracks up the mountainside, eventually separating to cover more ground. For the next hour, Agent Curtis tried repeatedly to contact Agent Starch via radio without success. Concerned, he alerted Supervisory Border Patrol Agents, and a ground and air search was initiated. Air support was initially unavailable due to airspace restrictions caused by the departure of Air Force One. However, U.S. Customs received clearance from the U.S. Secret Service and responded with their air unit "Lima 55." At approximately 6:30 p.m., Agent Curtis discovered Agent Starch at the base of a cliff with severe head trauma and not breathing. Despite immediate CPR efforts by Agent Curtis and arriving agents, and the presence of a medical helicopter from Mercy Air and a U.S. Coast Guard rescue helicopter, Agent Starch's injuries were too severe. After nearly an hour of CPR, he was pronounced dead at the scene by a flight doctor from Mercy Air, consulted via radio by the attending EMT. Investigators determined that Agent Starch had accidentally fallen approximately 150 feet, sustaining fatal injuries shortly after separating from Agent Curtis. There was no indication of foul play. Agent Starch was extricated from the rugged area by the U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and transported to Scripps Hospital in La Jolla. Agent Stephen C. Starch's commitment to his duty and the tragic circumstances of his death highlight the risks faced by Border Patrol agents. His service and sacrifice are deeply honored and remembered. His gravesite stands as a solemn reminder of his dedication and the ultimate sacrifice he made in the line of duty. June 15 On June 15, 1922, the Commissioner of Immigration for the Montreal District wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General that contained his suggestion to NOT create a border patrol force for the northern border but to cross-designate positions for greater efficiencies in enforcement.
On June 15, 1927, documents describe a shooting involving Border Patrol Inspector Ivan Williams (1895-1980). The situation had several interesting aspects:
On June 15, 1936, Irving F. Wixon (1884-1962) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning recommendations to transfer the sub-district headquarters in south Texas from Brownsville to McAllen. The memo discusses anticipated resistance to the move and states that the construction of a new headquarters building would cost approximately $50,000. On June 15, 1955, a memo was written concerning intelligence reporting requirements. In the memo, Harlon Carter (1913-1991) was the Action Assistant Commissioner of the Enforcement Division. He was Chief of the Border Patrol 1950-1957 and the first Chief to have graduated from the Academy (photo). June 15, 2006, “Operation Jump Start (OJS) is initiated by President Bush. The operation activated 6,000 National Guard troops to assist the Border Patrol along the Southwest Border of the United States. OJS was designed to serve as an interim, enforcement support solution until the Border Patrol could hire 6,000 new agents, and to provide long-term benefits through the construction of tactical infrastructure.
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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
February 2025
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