August 18 - August 24Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week we explore the challenges, heroism, and milestones that have shaped the Patrol. On August 18, 1928, two Patrol Inspectors engaged in a daring interception at Tres Jackals Crossing near Fabens, Texas, showcasing the dangerous and unpredictable nature of border enforcement. Meanwhile, in 1953, a memo from Chief of the Border Patrol Harlon B. Carter addressed concerns about the uniforms of Border Patrol officers, reflecting the ongoing evolution of the agency’s image and professionalism. We also honor the extraordinary bravery of Border Patrol Agent Gary L. Ortega Jr., who on August 18, 2007, risked his life to rescue multiple people from a burning vehicle. His actions exemplify the selflessness and courage that define the Border Patrol. Additionally, we remember the Newton-Azrak Award recipients from August 19, 1997, when a team of agents in the Swanton Sector displayed remarkable heroism during a deadly standoff with an armed assailant. As always, we reflect on the moments of quiet in our history, which remind us of the relentless dedication of those who serve on the front lines. Join us in honoring these stories 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 MILESTONESAugust 18
In the 1920 Annual Report of the Commissioner General of Immigration, it was noted that because of a budget deficit, 32 Mounted Watchmen were furloughed on August 18, 1919, for the balance of the fiscal year and that all were either reassigned to other positions or reinstated as vacancies opened by the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1, 1920.
On August 18, 1928, documents describe that two Patrol Inspectors intercepted a vehicle that had just illegally entered the United States at the Tres Jackals Crossing near Faben, Texas. This report involves a Patrol Inspector jumping on the running board of a moving vehicle, the suspect attempting to gain control of the Inspector's rifle then his pistol, and a mysterious bullet hole in the vehicle's tire.
On August 18, 1953, Chief of the Border Patrol Harlon B. Carter (1913-1991), wrote a Memorandum for the Record concerning Border Patrol uniforms. The memo begins, "Mr. W. F. Kelly has informed me that on his recent trip to California with the Attorney General, and others, one of the very few unfavorable impressions received was that relating to the dress of our officers."
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Gary L. Ortega Jr. Border Patrol Agent El Centro Sector Border Patrol Agent Gary L. Ortega Jr. was recognized for his selfless dedication to duty to ensure the survival of injured and helpless people. On August 18, 2007, on his return to the Indio Border Patrol Station at the conclusion of his shift at the checkpoint on Highway 86 near Westmoreland, California, Agent Ortega encountered a station wagon that had been involved in a single vehicle accident and had rolled into the median and caught on fire. As he approached the vehicle, one injured woman was near the vehicle on her hands and knees, and he could see two children and an elderly man in the rear seat of the vehicle. Agent Ortega assisted the injured woman away from the burning car and then attempt to gain entry through the doors that were jammed shut. He extricated the two children through the rear hatch and returned to help the elderly man who was trapped inside. As the flames spread from the engine compartment to the passenger compartment, Agent Ortega unsuccessfully attempted to break out the windows. Disregarding his own personal safety and without hesitation, he re-entered the rear of the vehicle, and used his collapsible steel baton to pry the seat enough to allow him to pull the elderly man to safety as the entire vehicle had become engulfed in flames. August 19 On August 19, 1924, Spokane District Director Alfred Hampton (1861-1942) wrote a cover memo and included 6-page "Instructions and Suggestions for the Assistance and Guidance of Border Patrol Inspectors". Hampton states, "...considerable doubt and uncertainty exists as to the authority vested in the border patrol officers and the scope of their duties." Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Benjamin M. Batchelder Border Patrol Agent Swanton Sector Stephen A. Brooks Border Patrol Agent Swanton Sector Martin G. Hewson Border Patrol Agent Swanton Sector John C. Pfeifer - photo Patrol Agent In Charge Swanton Sector On August 19, 1997, Carl Drega, a heavily armed and dangerous man, went on a murderous rampage in New Hampshire and Vermont, killing four people, including two New Hampshire State Troopers, a local judge, and a newspaper editor. The chaos culminated in a gun battle involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Patrol Agent in Charge John C. Pfeifer and Border Patrol Agents Benjamin M. Batchelder, Stephen A. Brooks, and Martin G. Hewson, all from the Swanton Sector, played crucial roles in the confrontation with Drega. The agents, along with other officers, responded to a report of Drega’s stolen police cruiser being located in Vermont. As they approached the scene on foot, Drega, who had set up an ambush, opened fire, critically wounding Pfeifer and another trooper. Despite sustaining life-threatening injuries, Pfeifer and the team displayed remarkable courage and determination under fire. Pfeifer sought cover, but was out of reach of immediate help. Agents Batchelder, Brooks, and Hewson, along with other officers, undertook a perilous rescue mission, driving a Jeep to shield them from gunfire as they attempted to extract Pfeifer. As they reached Pfeifer, Drega resumed firing, forcing the rescuers to take cover and engage the suspect. In a final heroic effort, Brooks and a state trooper initiated a frontal assault on Drega’s position. Despite the overwhelming danger, the two officers engaged Drega directly, fatally wounding him and ending the deadly standoff. Their actions, alongside those of Batchelder and Hewson, undoubtedly saved lives and brought a violent and tragic series of events to an end. For their extraordinary bravery and decisive actions in the face of mortal danger, Patrol Agent in Charge John C. Pfeifer, and Border Patrol Agents Benjamin M. Batchelder, Stephen A. Brooks, and Martin G. Hewson were awarded the Newton-Azrak Award. August 20 Today marks a quiet day in USBP history. August 21 On August 21, 1931, Jacksonville District Director Thomas V. Kirk (1862-1947) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General, reporting the shooting scores for the following employees:
August 21, 2008, “Traditionally Patrol Agents/Inspectors begin their careers on the southern Border. In August of 2008, Class 803 became the first class since 1950 with trainees/interns reporting to the Northern U.S. Border. The graduates would be part of the Northern Border Intern Program.”
August 22 Today marks a quiet day in USBP history. August 23 As part of the deterrent effort and interior repatriation program, the INS and U.S. Border Patrol implemented a “Boatlift” from Port Isabel, Texas to Tampico and Veracruz, Mexico beginning in 1953. The Boatlift was terminated in part due to a disturbance aboard the S.S. Mercurio on August 23, 1956, when 36 Mexicans jumped overboard as the vessel was anchored three to four miles off-shore of Tampico, Mexico, due to engine trouble.
August 24 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
September 2024
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