August 11 - August 17Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week we delve into moments that reflect the bravery, dedication, and evolving legacy of the agency. On August 11, 1933, a team of Border Patrol Inspectors showcased their marksmanship in a Florida police pistol competition, a testament to their skills and the agency’s commitment to excellence. The same day, in 2016, Border Patrol Agent Manuel A. Alvarez tragically lost his life in a vehicle accident near Casa Grande, Arizona, reminding us of the inherent risks in the line of duty. This week also highlights the Newton-Azrak Award actions that exemplify extraordinary courage. Agents Ricardo J. Hernandez and Felix Morales braved dangerous waters to save a father and his children from a submerged SUV on August 15, 2006. Similarly, on August 15, 2023, Border Patrol Agents Jamie Guzman, Rodney Harvey, and Matthew Meyers faced a perilous situation involving Africanized bees while on duty in the Rio Grande River. Their quick thinking and selfless actions saved lives and exemplified the highest standards of service. We honor the memory of Agents Manuel A. Alvarez and Lawrence B. Pierce, both of whom paid the ultimate price while serving our nation. Join us in reflecting on these events and more as we continue to honor the past and present of the U.S. Border Patrol. There’s much more to explore in this week’s blog, where history and heroism are intricately woven together. 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 MILESTONESAugust 11
On August 11, 1933, Tampa Sub-district Chief Patrol Inspector Chester C. Courtney (1890-1969) wrote a memo to the Jacksonville District Director. The memo reported the performance of a Border Patrol pistol team that had just competed in the second annual pistol match of the Florida Police Pistol League. Competing for the Border Patrol was:
Line of Duty Death anniversary Manuel A. Alvarez Date of Birth October 12, 1978 Entered on Duty: July 13, 2003 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: August 11, 2016 Details: On August 11, 2016, Border Patrol Agent Manuel A. Alvarez was killed in the line of duty near Casa Grande, Arizona. Agent Alvarez was involved in a vehicle accident and died at the scene. He was 37 years old and assigned to the Casa Grande Station. Agent Alvarez entered on duty July 13, 2003, as a member of U.S. Border Patrol Academy Class 557. He is survived by his wife, four children, parents and two sisters. Gravesite August 12 FLETC Charleston - In January 1996, the initial satellite Border Patrol Academy staff arrived in Charleston and renovation began. “This could easily have been a two-and-a-half-year project, but we got it down in a matter of months” said Deputy Chief Patrol Agent and Facility Director Ron Myers. After building new firing ranges and driving courses, and renovating a half million square feet of building space that houses the barracks, mess hall, and classrooms, the satellite Border Patrol Academy was operational and began training for Session 315 on August 12, 1996.
August 13 On August 13, 1919, Acting Supervisory Inspector George Harris (1876-1941) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General asking for clarification concerning authorizing the entry of aliens into the United States.
On August 13, 1934, a memo was issued authorizing Patrol Inspectors assigned to the Mexican border to wear rough duty uniforms. The memo describes the uniforms and placement of badges, and ornaments. On August 13, 1945, the Commissioner of the INS sent a memo to the field requesting information concerning the eight-pointed cap being worn by Patrol Inspectors. The Central Office had received information that Patrol Inspectors were dissatisfied with the cap. On August 13, 1954, Los Angeles District Director Herman R. Landon (1899-1985) wrote a memo to the Commissioner of the INS providing three recommendations to hold the gains achieved with Operation Wetback. Each recommendation includes various levels of manpower, equipment, and fencing. August 14 Today marks a quiet day in USBP history. August 15 On August 15, 1918, future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) wrote a 2-page memo concerning the reported presence of German propaganda along the Mexican border. In response, Berkshire detailed "...Inspector Harry B. Hannah (1886-1967) to visit Yuma and vicinity, and to conduct a confidential investigation." Berkshire concluded by stating that the situation "...tends to demonstrate the necessity for a proper border patrol" and suggested that Inspector Hannah’s reports be sent to the Intelligence Division of the Army.
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Ricardo J. Hernandez Border Patrol Agent El Paso Sector Felix Morales III Border Patrol Agent El Paso Sector Border Patrol Agent Ricardo J. Hernandez and Border Patrol Agent Felix Morales were recognized for demonstrating extraordinary courage and valor during the performance of duty on August 15, 2006. Without regard for their own personal safety, Agents Ricardo J. Hernandez and Felix Morales’ quick response to save a father and his minor children from drowning. While assigned to the Checkpoint located on New Mexico Highway 195, the agents were approached by a frantic woman who informed them that water had trapped her husband and two children in their submerged SUV. Agents Hernandez and Morales jumped into the turbulent water and made their way to the vehicle. Agent Morales was swept down the river while holding one of the children. He eventually managed to cling to some brush and hand the child to another person at the scene. Agent Hernandez was able to rescue the other child and father. The father sustained a leg injury after being struck by the rolling SUV, and the children were treated for exposure and shock. Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Jamie H. Guzman - group photo, award certificate, medal set Border Patrol Agent Rio Grande Valley Sector Rodney S. Harvey Border Patrol Agent Rio Grande Valley Sector Matthew S. Meyers - award certificate, statuette Border Patrol Agent Rio Grande Valley Sector On August 15, 2023, members of the Harlingen Station Riverine Unit were attacked by a colony of Africanized bees while conducting riverine duties in the Rio Grande River. Vessel Commander (VC) Orlando Montalvo and Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Jamie Guzman were stung multiple times, resulting in VC Montalvo being rendered unconscious. Heavy hydrilla in the river incapacitated the vessel, setting it adrift. Despite the ongoing bee attacks, BPA Guzman radioed fellow agents, attempted to maneuver the vessel, and administered first aid to VC Montalvo for over 20 minutes, placing her life in grave danger. Responding to BPA Guzman’s call, BPAs Meyers and Harvey created a path to the riverbank and entered the river at great personal risk to swim toward the disabled vessel. They managed to pull it ashore while continuing to endure bee stings. Once ashore, BPAs Meyers and Harvey assessed VC Montalvo’s condition and assisted in extracting him for transport to a nearby hospital. The bravery and dedication demonstrated by Agent Guzman, Agent Meyers, and Agent Harvey brought great credit upon themselves and the United States Border Patrol. August 16 On August 16, 1954, Chief of the Border Patrol Harlon B. Carter wrote a memo as summarize by Joe Banco:
Line of Duty Death anniversary Ricardo Zarate Entered on Duty: February 12, 2009 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: August 16, 2021 Details: Agent Zarate began his service on February 12, 2009, as a member of the 854th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. He later graduated with the 922nd Session of the Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the McAllen Station in the Rio Grande Valley Sector in Texas. 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. He is survived by his wife: Crystal; children: Payton and Ezekiel; parents : Benito and Diana; and brothers: Benito Jr., Isaac, and Rodolfo. Gravesite August 17 Another significant directive that Commissioner Swing introduced to the U.S. Border Patrol was a Procedure for Border Patrol Participation in Funeral Services, formally issued on August 17,1954. This milestone document to properly honor our deceased, including Fallen, was prepared by Chief A.S. Hudson of the Central Office. With the directive, procedures to be followed during funerals for members of the U.S. Border Patrol were memorialized for the first time. These included the first formal references to an Honor Guard or Guard of Honor, and a Border Patrol Chaplain.
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Paul Conover Border Patrol Agent Marfa Sector Stanley U. Spencer Senior Patrol Agent Marfa Sector Border Patrol Agent Paul Conover and Senior Patrol Agent Stanley U. Spencer were recognized for their exceptional devotion to duty in the face of grave danger, while pursuing a murder suspect attempting entry from Mexico. On August 17, 1982, Senior Patrol Agent Conover and Senior Patrol Agent Stanley Spencer spotted two individuals crossing the river by boat, and attempted to approach the subjects upon land. Shots were fired by one of the subjects, wounding Agent Conover. Spencer returned the fire and then administered first aid to his partner. Even though Conover was critically injured he continued to return fire wounding the assailant. Conover was hospitalized for eight weeks while recovering from wounds received in the incident. Honor First note - Agent Conover was the USBP's first recipient of the Purple Cross. See the Purple Cross page for his citation which provides greater details. Line of Duty Death anniversary Lawrence B. Pierce Date of Birth September 2, 1946 Entered on Duty: June 23, 1980 Title: Supervisory Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: August 17, 1995 Details: On August 17, 1995, while off-duty in Chula Vista, California, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Lawrence B. Pierce witnessed an altercation where an innocent man was stabbed to death. Agent Pierce chased down the killer, identified himself as a law enforcement officer, and while attempting to disarm the killer he suffered wounds that resulted in his tragic death. The killer was apprehended, convicted of murder, and was sentenced to 39 years to life in prison. Agent Pierce entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on June 23, 1980, as a member of the 137th session of the Border Patrol Academy, and was assigned to the Campo Station in the San Diego Sector. Agent Pierce was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the United States Border Patrol for over 15 years. Gravesite On August 17, 2010, Joe Banco's work came to fruition as the phrase "Honor First" received a trademark.
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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
September 2024
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