July 21 - July 27Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week we delve into pivotal moments that have defined our legacy. On July 21, 1924, recommendations were made for the promotion of three Patrol Inspectors in Charge, shaping the leadership structure of the Border Patrol. Fast forward to July 22, 1929, when a significant gunfight in El Paso, Texas, saw four Patrol Inspectors engage with alcohol smugglers in a 30-40 minute battle, resulting in five smugglers believed to have been killed. These events highlight the bravery and strategic decisions that have marked our history. We also honor the extraordinary heroism demonstrated by our agents. On July 22, 2009, Senior Patrol Agent Steven Kartchner rescued a woman and child trapped in the swift currents of the Kettle River. His quick thinking and courageous actions saved lives in a perilous situation. Additionally, on July 22, 2012, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Eric Gough displayed remarkable bravery during an attack in Afghanistan, neutralizing the threat and providing critical medical aid to the wounded. Lastly, we pay tribute to the six fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice this week. Their dedication and bravery are solemnly remembered and revered. Each story and action is a testament to the enduring spirit of the U.S. Border Patrol. There’s much more to uncover in this week’s rich history. Join us as we reflect on these and other significant events that continue to shape our mission and values. 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 MILESTONESJuly 21
On July 21, 1924, the Commissioner of Immigration for the Montreal District (District #1) wrote a memo to Commissioner-General that contained recommendations concerning the promotions of three people to the position of Patrol Inspectors in Charge (PAIC). The PAIC position would be renamed Chief Patrol Inspectors in 1926 and Chief Patrol Agents in 1970.
On July 21, 1926, the District Director of Denver sent the Commissioner-General a memo and a photograph pertaining to the Immigrant Inspector uniform.
On July 21, 1955, H.R. 7527 which would. "...provide for the acquisition of sites and the construction of buildings for a training school and for sector headquarters for the Immigration Border Patrol, and for other purposes."
July 22 On July 22, 1929, a significant gunfight occurred in El Paso, Texas, involving four Patrol Inspectors and alcohol smugglers. Five smugglers were believed to have been killed during the 30-40 minute battle. See this file for the documents reporting the shooting.
On July 22, 1934, the Chief Patrol Inspector of the Tucson Sub-district, Earl L. Falls (1894-1977) sent a memo and a photograph to the El Paso District Director Grover W. Wilmoth (1884-1951). The memo offered thanks for allowing Patrol Inspectors to forgo wearing boots or puttees and just wear trousers during hot weather. See the second page of the document for a photograph of an early, regional rough duty uniform. Also, stapled to the photograph was a swatch of the fabric used to make the trousers. Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Steven Kartchner Senior Patrol Agent Spokane Sector Senior Patrol Agent Steven Kartchner was recognized for displaying true heroism in a harrowing emergency that nearly claimed two lives. On July 22, 2009, Agent Kartchner responded to an emergency dispatch call. A woman and a child who were rafting in the Kettle River near Danville, Washington were trapped in a pile of logs and debris by the riverbank. As Agent Kartchner made his way through the swift-moving water, he saw that the woman was pinned between two logs and was dangerously close to being pulled into the current and under the log jam. He first rescued the child. Then he returned to help the woman, lifted her from the tangled logs, and brought her to safety. July 22, 2011, “Leslie Lawson becomes the first GS-15 Patrol Agent in Charge upon assuming command of the Nogales Border Patrol Station in the Tucson Sector. Lawson led a force of over 700 agents and professional staff, making it the largest station in the U.S. Border Patrol at that time. The Nogales Station's workforce would eventually grow to over 1,100 employees. Lawson continued her distinguished career by being appointed as the DHS Attaché to Canada in October 2016.”
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Eric C. Gough - photo (1962-2023) Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Advanced Training Center Harpers Ferry, West Virginia On July 22, 2012, at approximately 7:00 p.m. in Herat, Afghanistan, an armed assailant, alleged to be an Afghan National Policeman, opened fire on government contractors and CBP personnel at the Herat Regional Training Center in Afghanistan. The assailant approached from a blind spot behind a vehicle and opened fire with an AK-47 assault rifle, killing two people immediately. As the assailant continued his attack, personnel attempted to take cover in a nearby bunker, and three additional people were shot, one fatally. Hearing the gunfire, Agent Eric Gough swiftly headed toward the location. As the assailant continued to fire, Agent Gough tactically approached and then stopped the threat by returning fire, which resulted in the death of the assailant. Upon stopping the threat, Agent Gough, also a Border Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) member, administered aid to the wounded. The combat medical care he provided to Border Management Task Force member Dana Hampton is credited with saving his life. Hampton was shot three times and was in critical condition, including a severe wound to the abdomen. Agent Gough stabilized Hampton’s injuries, assisted with transport, and remained with him until proper medical attention could be provided. In the course of the transport, Agent Gough had to overcome security obstacles caused by a lockdown of the compound and medical facility. Agent Gough’s perseverance and tenacity ensured that Dana Hampton was given proper medical care in a timely manner. U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker lauded Agent Gough’s heroic actions and acknowledged that his decisiveness saved numerous lives. Additional accolades were received from the Department of Defense’s U.S. Central Command, Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Homeland Security. Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Steven H. Tinder Border Patrol Agent McAllen, Texas Justin L. Garza Border Patrol Agent McAllen, Texas Enrique A. Doster Jr. Border Patrol Agent McAllen, Texas On July 22, 2014, Border Patrol Agents Steven Tinder, Justin Garza, and Enrique Doster were conducting line watch operations in the McAllen Stations' area of responsibility. At approximately 4:40 p.m., sector radio communications reported shots fired and officers down in nearby La Joya, Texas. When the three agents arrived at the scene, they learned that the assailant had barricaded himself in a residence off of Leo Avenue. Multiple law enforcement officers and agents were taking cover in the "hot zone," and two police officers, who had been shot, had been extracted. From their position, the three agents observed a Hidalgo County Sheriff's deputy take cover behind his vehicle as the assailant fired multiple rounds in his direction. Immediately following the volley of shots, they saw the officer holding his rib cage as if in severe pain. They feared he had been shot, so they formulated an emergency evacuation plan and relayed their plan to other law enforcement agencies on the scene. Agent Doster then took position as the driver of the mobile evacuation vehicle. Agents Tinder and Garza placed themselves in the front and rear passenger side of the vehicle. While other law enforcement officers provided cover, the three Border Patrol agents placed their own lives in danger as Agent Doster drove them into the hot zone to extract the deputy. Agents Tinder and Garza exited the vehicle and assisted the deputy into the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Agent Garza re-entered the rear passenger side of the vehicle and Agent Tinder joined other law enforcement personnel in the hot zone to assist with providing cover. They transported the deputy to safety. He was treated at a local hospital for the cracked ribs he sustained when he dove for cover. Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Anthony Anderson Border Patrol Agent Laredo, Texas Remigio Guerra III Border Patrol Agent Laredo, Texas On July 22, 2016, at approximately 12:15 a.m., Border Patrol Agents Anderson and Guerra responded to a responded sensor activation in the Zachary Ranch located in a remote area of Webb County, Texas. Upon arriving to the area close to the Rio Grande river landing, Anderson and Guerra set up a listening post/observation post in an area that provided tactical advantage. After a short time, they heard what appeared to be people splashing in the river. Anderson and Guerra approached the river landing and observed four subjects in the river that were having trouble staying afloat. The agents immediately accessed the situation and determined immediate action was needed. Anderson entered the swift moving current and pulled the four subjects to the riverbank and handed them to Guerra, who helped get the four subjects onto dry land. Anderson and Guerra rescued the four subjects, preventing them from drowning. The Zachary Ranch is located approximately 15 miles south of Laredo, Texas, on U.S. Highway 83. In addition to the long highway travel to get to the Zachary Ranch, you need to enter the ranch and travel approximately 2 miles on unimproved ranch roads just to get to the river’s edge making it an extended period of time before any help or assistance can arrive. Anderson and Guerra have proven to be a valuable asset to the Laredo South Station and should be recognized and commended for their heroic actions. The actions Anderson and Guerra took on July 22, 2016, serves as a reminder to all of us that we are all here to do our jobs regardless of the threat knocking at our door on a daily basis. Anderson and Guerra relied on their training, morals, and dedication to duty to properly manage the situation as it quickly unfolded. Their rapid assessment of the situation, quick, accurate response, and selfless actions prevented four individuals from drowning. These heroic actions far too often go unnoticed. These selfless actions make these agents stand out from their peers and should serve as an example to others and be rewarded. July 23 Line of Duty Death anniversary Donald Kee Date of Birth: July 29, 1912 Entered on Duty: July 31, 1944 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: July 23, 1954 Gravesite William F. Buckelew Date of Birth: December 21, 1918 Entered on Duty: December 28, 1944 Title: Airplane Pilot End of Watch: July 23, 1954 Gravesite Patrol Inspector Donald Kee, born on July 29, 1912, and Airplane Pilot William F. Buckelew, born on December 21, 1918, were both serving on official detail with the Special Mobile Task Force headquartered in McAllen, Texas, at the time of their tragic deaths. Inspector Kee entered duty on July 31, 1944, and was stationed at Mission, Texas, while Pilot Buckelew, who joined on December 28, 1944, was stationed at Laredo, Texas. The task force they were part of was engaged in a special program to control the "wetback" situation. On July 23, 1954, during a joint operation with ground units checking laborers on farms near Rio Grande City, Texas, Inspector Kee served as an observer while Pilot Buckelew flew the aircraft. Their mission had successfully resulted in the apprehension of ten aliens by ground teams. However, after making a low pass over a cotton field near the Rio Grande River and banking to return, their aircraft was seen to spin and plunge into the river, bursting into flames upon impact. The ensuing fire severely hampered rescue operations by officers and bystanders. Several individuals were hospitalized with burns sustained during these efforts. Inspector Kee was killed instantly in the crash. Pilot Buckelew, though initially surviving the crash, succumbed to his injuries 45 minutes later at the hospital. The crash occurred around 4:00 p.m., approximately two miles downstream from the Rio Grande City Bridge. The deaths of Inspector Kee and Pilot Buckelew were a significant loss to the Border Patrol and highlighted the dangers faced by those working to secure the nation's borders. Their dedication to their duty and the tragic circumstances of their end of watch are deeply honored and remembered. Their gravesites stand as solemn reminders of their service and the ultimate sacrifice they made in the line of duty. Line of Duty Death anniversary/ Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Robert W. Rosas, Jr. Date of Birth: June 19, 1979 Entered on Duty: May 22, 2006 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: July 23, 2009 San Diego Sector Gravesite Posthumously Awarded On July 23, 2009, Border Patrol Agent Robert W. Rosas Jr., assigned to the Campo Border Patrol Station in the San Diego Sector, tragically lost his life in the line of duty. Agent Rosas, a graduate of the 621st session of the Border Patrol Academy, was responding to suspicious activity in a remote border area near Campo, California, known for alien and drug smuggling. Agent Rosas exited his vehicle approximately 18 miles east of the Tecate Port of Entry, near the Shockey Truck Trail, a short distance from the border. Shortly after, agents working nearby heard gunshots. When attempts to contact Agent Rosas failed, his fellow agents rushed to his location, only to find his body on the ground near his vehicle. The investigation into Agent Rosas' murder led to the arrest and conviction of a 17-year-old Mexican national. On November 20, 2009, the individual was convicted of the murder of a federal officer committed in perpetration of a robbery and aiding and abetting a felony. According to the plea agreement, the convicted felon, along with co-conspirators, had illegally entered the United States with the intent to rob Agent Rosas. During the robbery, a struggle ensued over a firearm, resulting in Agent Rosas being shot multiple times by the defendant and possibly other co-conspirators. Agent Rosas succumbed to his wounds, marking a profound loss for the Border Patrol community. The death of Agent Rosas is a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those who serve to protect the nation's borders. His dedication to his duty and the circumstances of his tragic death are deeply honored and remembered. Agent Rosas' service and sacrifice continue to be a source of inspiration and respect within the Border Patrol and among all who knew him. July 24 On July 24, 1935, Chief of the Border Patrol Willard F. Kelly (1903-1969) wrote a memo to Patrol Inspector Charles Askins, Jr. (1907-1999) concerning developing a USBP shooting team to compete at Camp Perry, Ohio.
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Clifford A. Gill - photo, award set Border Patrol Agent Laredo Sector On the morning of July 24, 2000, near Laredo, Texas, Border Patrol Agent Clifford Gill demonstrated remarkable heroism and selflessness in the face of life-threatening danger. The Rio Grande was in flood, creating treacherous conditions for anyone attempting to cross. While trying to apprehend an individual who had illegally entered the United States, the person fled and jumped into the turbulent river. Agent Gill and his partner, Senior Patrol Agent Eric Perez, initially planned to intercept the individual by positioning themselves between him and the river. However, the individual spotted Agent Perez and, in a desperate attempt to evade capture, entered the water. Hearing the individual’s cries for help and recognizing the immediate danger, Agent Gill quickly handed his gun belt to Agent Perez and entered the water. The conditions in the flooded Rio Grande were perilous, with strong currents and murky waters. Despite the significant risk, Agent Gill swam toward the individual, who had become exhausted and submerged. Spotting a single air bubble, Agent Gill instinctively dove approximately five feet underwater and managed to grab the individual by the collar, pulling him to the surface. Throughout the rescue, Agent Gill faced immense challenges. Swimming in his uniform and boots, he was underwater approximately 75% of the time. Due to the risk of the victim panicking and grabbing hold of him, Agent Gill was unable to perform a standard cross-chest carry. Instead, he held the victim by the back of the collar, with his forearm along the victim’s spine. This made the swim far more difficult, as Agent Gill had to exert additional effort to keep both himself and the victim afloat while being frequently submerged. Upon reaching the muddy, root-filled bank, Agent Gill encountered further difficulty as the bank was nearly vertical. Using the roots and his foothold in the muddy bank, he managed to secure himself and the individual, pulling them both to safety. Agent Perez, who had lost sight of them during the rescue, coordinated with Agent Gill to navigate the steep bank. Their efforts were immediately followed by the arrival of medical personnel, who provided necessary care to the rescued individual. In recognition of his heroic actions on July 24, 2000, Agent Clifford Gill was honored with the Newton-Azrak Award in 2020 for his exceptional bravery, performing beyond the call of duty while facing grave danger. July 25 Line of Duty Death anniversary William Llonzo “Lon” Parker Date of Birth: April 26, 1892 Entered on Duty: September 26, 1924 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: July 25, 1926 Details: Patrol Inspector Lon Parker was killed in a battle with alien liquor smugglers 2 1/2 miles south of Wills Ranch, west of the Huachuca Mountains, in Arizona, on July 25, 1926. Late that afternoon he left camp alone to take up the trail of mounted liquor smugglers. Tracks of a man and a horse had been discovered with evidence that the man had ridden the horse where the terrain was smooth and walked over rough places, indicating that the horse was loaded with liquor or other contraband. Nothing was heard from Inspector Parker until the Wills family returned to their ranch at about 6:00 p.m. the same day, and found him on their wood pile dying from a gunshot wound. He had been shot in the back with a rifle bullet. He died within a few minutes without regaining consciousness. During the investigation, the body of a Mexican was found about 2 1/2 miles from the Wills' home. The Mexican was identified as Artilio Espinosa, a well-known smuggler. Espinosa's horse, with 20 gallons of mescal in cans strapped on his back, was found dead of a bullet wound. From the tracks in the area and the position of Espinosa and his horse, the investigating officers theorized that Espinosa was accompanied by another smuggler. Officer Parker rode up to Espinosa, covered him with a pistol and was shot by Espinosa's companion, who had been riding at some distance, for the purpose of protecting Espinosa and the liquor. Inspector Parker, though mortally wounded, retained sufficient command of himself to kill Espinosa and his horse, using only one shot for each, and then rode 2 1/2 miles to Wills Ranch, where he collapsed. Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $52.50 per month. Gravesite On July 25, 1928, Chief of the Border Patrol Ruel E. Davenport (1878-1961) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning the hiring and pay for USBP mechanics. The memo suggested that the starting pay for mechanics be set at $2,000 per year. July 25, 2004, “After several years of being drawn down by attrition, the Livermore Border Patrol Sector is officially closed.”
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Salvatore Caccamo Border Patrol Agent Buffalo Sector Raul Tamayo Border Patrol Agent Buffalo Sector On July 25, 2010, Border Patrol Agents (Marine) Salvatore Caccamo and Raul Tamayo were conducting Riverine patrol operations on the Lower Niagara River in the Niagara Falls area of responsibility within Buffalo Sector. At about 1830 hours, the agents heard a MAYDAY call over the marine radio. Earlier in the day, a Canadian family of four and a family friend had ventured onto a calm Lake Ontario in a 24-foot vessel for a pleasure cruise. As the afternoon progressed, a strong wind began building, quickly changing the nature of the lake. Sudden changes in weather and lake conditions are a frequent hazard on the Great Lakes, contributing to an estimated six to ten thousand shipwrecks and great loss of life in the time since sailing began on the lakes. The family struggled to maintain control of their boat as Lake Ontario quickly turned treacherous with four to five foot breakers. Their small vessel began to take on water and founder in the unforgiving wind and waves, causing one of the occupants to give the universal MAYDAY call of a vessel in distress. Knowing the treacherous conditions on the Lake, and without hesitation, Agents Caccamo and Tamayo responded to the distress call, communicating with the boaters as they expressed their concern that their boat would sink in short order. The Canadians’ boat was about one mile from the mouth of the Niagara River on Lake Ontario. Disregarding the perilous conditions, the agents demonstrated exceptional bravery and entered the swells and breakers on their 25-foot government vessel, in a desperate search for the sinking boat and the civilians. The white-capped waves made the search difficult, however the agents were able to spot the vessel at some distance, and as they approached, they saw that it was in danger of capsizing, the occupants near panic. Demonstrating superb skill and extreme courage, Agent Caccamo maneuvered the Border Patrol vessel close to the sinking boat, despite the violent pitching of the two vessels in the rolling waves and breakers. At the same time, Agent Tamayo was perilously located on the rear of the pitching Government vessel in order to affect the rescue, in constant danger of being thrown overboard into the violent lake and being crushed between the two vessels. The agents timed the movement of the two vessels and Agent Tamayo was able to pull the three children from the already half-sunken civilian boat, onto the government vessel. Almost immediately after rescuing the children, the civilian boat began to sink at a greater rate, forcing the agents to maneuver away from its immediate proximity. The adults were forced into the water, and Agent Tamayo threw them a rescue line. One of the adults panicked, and tied the rescue line to his sinking vessel, which threatened to pull the government vessel under the surface of Lake Ontario with it. Reacting quickly, Agent Tamayo cut the rescue line. Agent Caccamo then skillfully maneuvered the government vessel in the treacherous waters so that Agent Tamayo could pull the two adults aboard, just as their boat disappeared below the waves. Line of Duty Death anniversary Agustin Aguilar, Jr. Date of Birth: September 13, 1973 Entered on Duty: April 16, 2001 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: July 25, 2020 Details: Border Patrol Agent Agustin Aguilar Jr. passed away on July 25, 2020. The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who agreed that this death occurred in the line of duty. Agent Aguilar will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger. Agent Aguilar served as a canine instructor and handler assigned to the Eagle Pass South Station, Del Rio Sector, Texas. He started his CBP career on April 16, 2001 and served in Eagle Pass and Eagle Pass South for his entire career. BPA Aguilar was from Lufkin, Texas, and was the eldest of 11 siblings. He was a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America, and regularly coached Little League Baseball and football. He is survived by his wife, three children, his mother and father and siblings. Gravesite July 26 Echoing the concern of many Immigration Service leaders that Patrol Inspectors needed uniforms, on July 26, 1924, Seattle District Commissioner of Immigration Luther Weedin (1872-1942) wrote a memo that stated in part:
July 26, 1997, “As part of the next phase of the Southwest Border Strategy, manpower in the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas was enhanced beginning with the McAllen Sector. On July 26, 1997, INS Commissioner Meissner would kick off Operation Rio Grande in Brownsville, Texas, as an enhanced enforcement effort to gain measurable control of specified border areas in order to achieve a positive impact on the quality of life within those areas. As part of Operation Rio Grande, Texas and New Mexico were divided into three main corridors encompassing five Sectors: McAllen/Laredo, Del Rio/Marfa, and El Paso. Each would see an influx of manpower, infrastructure, and technology.”
Line of Duty Death anniversary Eric N. Cabral Date of Birth: June 27, 1976 Entered on Duty: September 25, 2005 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: July 26, 2007 Details: On July 26, 2007, Border Patrol Agent Eric Cabral suffered a fatal heart attack as the result of heat exposure when he and another agent were tracking a group of illegal aliens north of I-8 near Jacumba, California. He had been separated from his partner when a third agent found him. Agents initiated CPR and emergency medical services were rendered. Agent Cabral was flown to a hospital in San Diego, where he was pronounced dead. Agent Cabral had served with the Border Patrol for less than two years. Gravesite July 27 On July 27, 1939, a report was written concerning, "...official badges issued to (1) Immigrant Inspectors, (2) Patrol Inspectors, (3) Senior Patrol Inspectors, (4) Chief Patrol Inspectors, (5) Clerks, (6) Interpreters, (7) Guards, (8) Matrons, (9) Janitors, (10) Matrons, (11) Department of Justice, (12) Central Officer Employees & Officers, which have not been listed in the inventories received from the field in response to Central Office letter of January 18, 1939, No. 55853/100."
On July 27, 1958, Acting Chief of the Border Patrol Donald R. Kelly wrote a memo to Frank Huber Partridge (1893-1994) concerning "Proposed Border Fence in the San Antonio District" which covers modern-day Del Rio, Laredo and Rio Grande Valley Sectors. The memo concerned building fencing in the areas of Brownsville and Hidalgo.
Comments
|
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
October 2024
I prefer that you leave comments. However, if you wish to contact me, please do so by emailing [email protected].
|