July 28 - August 3Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week in U.S. Border Patrol history, we delve into several pivotal events that underscore the bravery and dedication of our agents. On July 28, 1927, a shootout between Border Patrol Inspectors and suspected alcohol smugglers in El Paso, Texas, highlighted the dangers faced by agents in the line of duty. The detailed reports from that day shed light on the intense and hazardous situations our agents have navigated to uphold the law. Additionally, on July 28, 1961, the Border Patrol Academy was relocated to Los Fresnos, Texas, marking a significant change in the training of future agents. We also recognize the heroic actions commemorated with the Newton-Azrak Award. On July 31, 2021, Border Patrol Agent John Leslie demonstrated extraordinary bravery by rescuing a driver trapped in a burning vehicle, showcasing the selflessness and courage that define our agents. Similarly, on August 3, 1961, the quick actions of Border Patrol Inspector Leonard Gilman and FBI Special Agent Francis Crosby thwarted a hijacking attempt, leading to the creation of the Sky Marshal program. This week, we solemnly remember the four fallen agents whose sacrifices remind us of the inherent risks in protecting our nation’s borders. We honor the memories of Agents Acosta-Feliciano, Cox, Vega, and Inspector De La Peña who paid the ultimate price. Their dedication and ultimate sacrifices are deeply honored and remembered. Join us in reflecting on these events and more 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 MILESTONESJuly 28
On July 28, 1927, as per these documents, a shootout occurred between Border Patrol Inspectors and suspected alcohol smugglers in El Paso, TX. El Paso District Director Grover W. Wilmoth (1884-1951) sent the package of documents to the Commissioner-General which included:
On July 28, 1961, the Border Patrol Academy was relocated to Los Fresnos, Texas, beginning with the 61 trainees of Class 78.
July 29 On July 29, 1940, Detroit District Director John L. Zurbrick (1873-1942) sent a memo to the Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service requesting authorization for Patrol Inspectors to wear a "fatigue uniform" when performing "freight car inspections, boat details, and at the pistol ranges during practice." A photograph of the uniform is included with the memo. July 30 On July 30, 1927, documents show that Patrol Inspectors, "...proceeded to "Barnett's Ranch" about three miles northeast of Naco, Arizona, evidently seeking further information concerning the alleged operation of a still in that vicinity; that some unknown person opened fire on them; that they returned the same; and that apparently no casualties resulted." The following Patrol Inspectors were involved in the shooting:
On July 30, 1934, Tampa Sub-district Chief Patrol Inspector Chester C. Courtney (1890-1969) wrote a memo to the Jacksonville District Director reporting the status of the Third Annual Florida Pistol and Revolver Matches held in Tampa, Florida. Chief Courtney and the following Inspectors competed:
July 31 On July 31, 1789, the 1st Congress passed an Act to Regulate the Collection of Duties imposed by law on the tonnage of ships or vessels, and on goods, wares and merchandise imported into the United States. The Act was signed by President Washington and established the U.S. Customs Service. In 2003, the U.S. Customs Service would be renamed U.S. Customs and Border Protection (see page 186 of this document). On July 31, 1956, Frank H. Partridge (1893-1994) authorized the routine transfer of Assistant Chief Patrol Inspector Richard E. Batchelor (1919-2015) from Tucson Sector (GS-9) to Miami Sector (GS-11) to be assigned as the Intelligence Officer. The memo informed George F. Klemcke (1915-1967). Points of interest in the memo are:
On April 8, 1975, six trailblazing women began their training at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy Session 107 in Los Fresnos, Texas. On July 31, 1975, the following four made history by successfully completing their training and becoming Border Patrol Agents (See this document):
Line of Duty Death anniversary Edgardo Acosta-Feliciano Entered on Duty: July 3, 2006 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: July 31, 2021 Details: Agent Acosta-Feliciano died on July 31, 2021. The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty. Agent Acosta-Feliciano entered on duty on July 31, 2021 as part of the 626th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his death he was assigned to the Deming Station in the El Paso Sector. Prior to becoming a Border Patrol Agent, Agent Acosta-Feliciano served in the U.S. Army Reserve Civil Affairs and completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2004. He is survived by his wife, Astrid; daughter, Veronica; sons, Adrian and Adner; father, Eduardo; sisters, Gloribel and Maribel; and brothers, Eduardo, Ricardo, and Reynaldo. Gravesite Line of Duty Death anniversary Daniel P. Cox Entered on Duty: July 28, 1997 Title: Supervisory Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: July 31, 2021 Details: Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Cox and another driver were killed on July 31, 2021 in a head-on crash on State Route 86 near Sells, Arizona. Agent Cox and the other driver were pronounced dead about 12:20 a.m. Agent Cox entered on duty on July 28, 1997 at the Eagle Pass Station in Del Rio Sector as part of the 346th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his death, he was assigned to the BORSTAR unit in Tucson Sector as a Canine Handler and Canine Instructor. Prior to becoming a Border Patrol Agent, Agent Cox served in the U.S. Army, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1998. He is survived by his daughters, Alexandria and Elizabeth: sister, Sonia: brother Gilbert: father Stacey: and half-brother, Lucas. Cremated Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary John N. Leslie - photo, photo 2, statuette Border Patrol Agent Detroit Station Detroit, MI On July 31, 2021, Border Patrol Agent (BPA) John Leslie and his wife were headed home from a family function when they noticed a burning vehicle that had been involved in an accident. The crash caused massive damage and a fire in the vehicle. BPA Leslie stopped to render aid. BPA Leslie approached the scene and spoke with two bystanders who stated that the driver was trapped inside the burning vehicle. Without hesitation, BPA Leslie climbed into the burning vehicle through the dislodged passenger door to assess the situation. The driver was bleeding from severe head and facial trauma and was unconscious. He was pinned between the crushed steering wheel, the engine block, and his seat. His seatbelt was fastened. The vehicle was engulfed in flames and smoke. Due to limited access, BPA Leslie climbed into the backseat to attempt to extract the driver. Discovering he lacked the necessary leverage; BPA Leslie determined the best course of action was to attempt the rescue through the driver side door but was unable to reach the lock and handle. Without any rescue tools, BPA Leslie quickly searched the smoke-filled interior of the vehicle and located a bowling ball in the rear of the vehicle. BPA Leslie struck the driver side window several times with the bowling ball, eventually breaking it, and allowing him to unlock and open the door. Upon gaining access, BPA Leslie and one of the bystanders were able to pull the unconscious driver from the vehicle mere seconds before an explosion caused the vehicle to be fully engulfed in flames. His heroic selflessness, undaunted determination, and compassion bring great credit upon himself, his family, the Detroit Sector, and the U.S. Border Patrol. The driver is alive today as a direct result of BPA Leslie's tenacity and disregard for his own safety in the face of the extreme danger to himself. August 1 On August 1, 1799, Secretary of the Treasury Oliver Wolcott (1760-1833) issued a circular which outlined the basic elements of the design of the U.S. Customs ensign which is currently the CBP ensign. The circular directed that the ensign should contain "sixteen perpendicular stripes, alternate red and white, the Union of the Ensign to be the Arms of the United States, in dark blue, on a white field."
On August 1, 1924, Patrol Inspector in Charge of the Big Bend Sub-district, John F. Harn (1875-1955), requested permission to lease a two-room adobe house as the office quarters for the sub-district.
August 2 Line of Duty Death anniversary Augustin de la Peña Date of Birth: October 9, 1882 Entered on Duty: August 9, 1923 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: August 2, 1925 Details: On August 2, 1925, Patrol Inspector Augustin De La Peña was shot and killed by an insane Mexican at Rio Grande City, Texas. While eating supper in a restaurant, the officer, accompanied by Patrol Inspector Fred Neale, noticed a Mexican enter the restaurant and get into an argument with the proprietor. It was later learned the Mexican's name was Macario Peña. The Mexican acted very peculiarly, and the officers noticed that he was armed with a revolver. After he left the restaurant, Patrol Inspector De La Peña decided to follow him and question him in regards to his immigration status. Inspector De La Peña followed him into the drug store and started to question him when the Mexican drew his revolver. The officer ordered him to drop the gun, but instead the Mexican fired the bullet struck De La Peña in the abdomen. Wounded, he attempted to take the revolver away from the Mexican. The two struggled behind a counter in the store, which made it impossible for others to assist. De La Peña became weakened by the loss of blood, and in order to protect others, drew his own revolver and shot the Mexican, killing him. Inspector De La Peña died on the operating table a few hours later. Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $96.67 per month for her and their eight children. After 7 children turned 18, his wife received $65.25 per month for her and one child. The document states that after being shot, his last words were, "My poor family." Gravesite August 3 On August 3, 1961, a father and son hijacked an airplane that was en route to El Paso, Texas. The skyjacking ended when Border Patrol Agent Leonard Gilman (1918-2012) punched the father hard enough to knock him unconscious, breaking his hand, and FBI Special Agent Francis Crosby (1913-1974) took custody of the son.
"August 3, 1961, as a result of the swift actions of the Border Patrol and FBI in El Paso, TX, an attempt to hijack a plane to Cuba was thwarted. Following this attempted hijacking, President Kennedy announced on August 10, 1961 that Border Patrol Agents would be placed on commercial airlines to prevent future hijackings. Twelve hours later armed Border Patrol Agents were in the sky, the forerunners of the Sky Marshals." - Roger “Buck” Brandemuehl, Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol 1980-1986 (Retired)
Line of Duty Death anniversary Javier Vega, Jr. Date of Birth June 17, 1978 Entered on Duty: February 11, 2008 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: August 3, 2014 Details: On Sunday, August 3, 2014, Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega, Jr. was shot and killed near Santa Monica, Texas, as he attempted to take a law enforcement action during a robbery while he was fishing with his wife, children, and parents. Two illegal aliens approached them and attempted to rob them. Agent Vega was shot in the chest when he attempted to draw his weapon. His father was also shot and wounded as he returned fire at the men. Both men fled the scene, but were arrested a short time later. They were charged with capital murder, attempted capital murder, and other crimes. It is believed the same subjects had committed numerous similar robberies at the direction of a Mexican cartel. Both men had been previously deported numerous times. On September 20, 2016, it was determined that, in light of information identified during the intensive investigation completed by the Willacy County Sheriff s Department, Agent Vega's actions were indicative of his law enforcement training and that he instinctively reacted, placing himself in harm's way to stop a criminal act and protect the lives of others. His death was re-determined to have been in the line of duty. Agent Vega, who was 36 years old, entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on February 11, 2008, as a member of Academy Class 745. Agent Vega was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the United States Border Patrol for six years. He is survived by his wife, three children, parents and brother. Gravesite
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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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