August 25 - August 31Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week we explore pivotal moments that have shaped the legacy of the Border Patrol. On August 25, 1921, a significant letter from Secretary of Agriculture Henry Cantwell Wallace to Secretary of Labor James John Davis outlined the challenges of unifying federal law enforcement along the Mexican border—a discussion that highlighted the complexities of early border enforcement efforts. Fast forward to August 26, 1935, when the Immigration and Naturalization Service made a significant funding request to construct a concrete and steel fence along the Nogales, Arizona border, reflecting the ongoing efforts to strengthen U.S. borders. This historical moment underscores the long-standing focus on securing our nation’s boundaries. We also honor the bravery of our agents through the Newton-Azrak Award anniversaries. On August 31, 2001, Border Patrol Agents Jered Bacon and Robert M. Lawler, along with Supervisory Agent Ed Tracy, demonstrated extraordinary courage by rescuing 22 residents from a burning apartment building in Nogales, Arizona. Their quick actions undoubtedly saved lives and highlighted the selflessness that defines the Border Patrol. This week, we also remember the ultimate sacrifices made by Inspector Michael T. Box and Agent Chad E. McBroom. Their dedication to duty and the circumstances surrounding their Line of Duty Deaths on August 29 remind us of the dangers faced by those who protect our borders. Join us as we delve into these stories and more, celebrating the history and heroism that continues to define 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 MILESTONESAugust 25
On August 25, 1921, Secretary of Agriculture Henry Cantwell Wallace (1866-1924) wrote a letter to Secretary of Labor James John Davis (1873-1947). The letter explained his non-concurrence to a suggestion that the federal agencies performing law enforcement duties along the Mexican border operate under a single administrative officer. On August 25, 1998, Ray Harris launched the first Delphi forum for Border Patrol Agents and former Agents which would last until February 29, 2020 and grow to more than 7,000 members. It all started with this kick off message by Ray:
August 26 On August 26, 1921, Secretary of the Treasury Andrew Mellon (1855-1937) wrote a letter to Secretary of Labor James John Davis (1873-1947). The letter explained his non-concurrence to a suggestion that the federal agencies performing law enforcement duties along the Mexican border operate under a single administrative officer. Further, this letter identified the six federal agencies that performed law enforcement duties while patrolling the Mexican border:
On August 26, 1935, the Immigration and Naturalization Service drafted a request for $214,227 to build a, "Concrete and steel fence, 5 miles long, at International Boundary, in and adjacent to the town of Nogales, Arizona, to prevent illegal entry and the smuggling of goods into the United States."
On August 26, 1942, El Paso District Director Grover W. Wilmoth (1884-1951) wrote a memo to Chief of the Border Patrol Willard F. Kelly (1903-1969) concerning an earlier phone call that they had. In that phone call, Chief Kelly had suggested that Patrol Inspectors work 12-hour days. Director Wilmoth did not believe it to be a good idea and forwarded the three documents below with his memo:
August 27 On August 27, 1997, [Gustavo De La Viña] was selected as Chief, U.S. Border Patrol, becoming the first Hispanic to hold the most senior position in the Patrol and overseeing a workforce of 6,948 Agents with a budget of $717,389,000.
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Spencer K. Irving - presentation, award certificate, award set Border Patrol Agent Tucson Sector On August 27, 2022, Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Spencer Irving performed heroic actions that saved the life of a fellow Border Patrol agent. Agent Irving’s actions were above and beyond the call of duty and were carried out with complete disregard for his own personal safety. In extreme heat conditions, Agent Irving climbed and descended a mountain range three times to bring water to fellow agents and to rescue a fellow agent, ultimately saving his life. Agent Irving took swift and sensible action to treat the fellow agent, who was suffering from a heat-related emergency, and transported him to an area accessible to emergency medical services. Agent Irving’s actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol. August 28 August 28, 2009, “The U.S. Border Patrol flag is carried into space by Astronaut John Olivas aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-128 mission) August 28, 2009 - September 11, 2009. Flag is on display at the U.S. Border Patrol Museum.”
August 29 Line of Duty Death anniversary Michael T. Box Date of Birth: August 4, 1901 Entered on Duty: November 25, 1926 Title: Airplane Pilot End of Watch: August 29, 1950 Details: Just after dawn on August 29, 1950, Airplane Pilot Michael T. Box was patrolling by plane in the irrigated farm area about 20 miles north of El Paso, Texas, searching for aliens who had walked through the desert at night and were attempting to get away to the north through the upper Rio Grande Valley. Pilot Box was working with two ground crews who were in radio-equipped jeeps. The operation had netted several aliens and others were being sought when the engine of the aircraft stopped and the plane crashed. It burst into flames; however, fellow officers were able to remove Pilot Box from the aircraft within minutes after the crash occurred. Artificial respiration was commenced immediately and was continued until Pilot Box was pronounced dead by a doctor who lived nearby. Investigation into the accident revealed that the motor of the aircraft ceased apparently due to difficulty in the fuel system. Pilot Box maintained control of the plane as it lost altitude and maneuvered the aircraft into position to make an emergency landing in an irrigation ditch. The aircraft struck a submerged object on the canal bottom upon impact. Pilot Box's seat strap was broken and he was thrown with terrific force into the wheel and instrument panel. He died instantly as his chest and skull were crushed, his jawbone was broken in two places, and both shoulders were broken. Gravesite On August 29, 2019, the USBP issued Interim Wear Guidance for U.S. Border Patrol Honorary Awards that authorized the following to be worn on Ike Jackets, dress shirts and rough duty uniforms. In 2021, the USBP updated its Uniform Policy and incorporated the 2019 guidance. The awards are listed below.
Line of Duty Death anniversary Chad E. McBroom Entered on Duty: February 4, 1997 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: August 29, 2021 Details: Agent McBroom entered on duty on February 4, 1997, as part of the 329th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Tucson Sector Special Operations Detachment in Arizona. 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 Magaly; children: Jackielynn, Kaya, and Reagan; and parents: Don and Sherry. Gravesite August 30 On August 30, 1924, the Commissioner-General sent a memo to the Second Assistant Secretary in the Department of Labor that began, "A question has arisen concerning the source of authority, if any, possessed by officers connected with the border patrol service who have been given the designation of Patrol Inspector." By law, authority rested with employees who had the title "Immigrant Inspector" who were paid more than Border Patrol Inspectors. In order that Border Patrol Inspectors might receive legal authority without being paid more, the Commissioner-General proposed to resurrect a plan that was used in 1913 for Mounted Watchmen, and to rename Border Patrol Inspectors, Junior Immigrant Inspectors. August 31 On August 31, 1931, Chief of the Border Patrol Ruel E. Davenport (1878-1961) responded via a memo to the National Rifle Association. The response mentions that the Border Patrol shooting team article in The American Riflemen (see page 36 of 50), and that the Border Patrol was unable to send a team to compete in Camp Perry, Ohio due to "economical reasons". The Mexican Government began complaining to the Department of State about the use of canines by the Border Patrol, not based on actual incidents with their nationals, but because of news reports and some of the verbiage used in the reports. Specifically mentioned in a Diplomatic Note dated August 31, 1955 was the term “trapping” used in a news report. Based on the article, the Mexican Government claimed that the Border Patrol was “hunting down and guarding” Mexican nationals with dogs and that the practice had “discriminatory appearances.”
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Jered Bacon Border Patrol Agent Tucson Sector Robert M. Lawler Border Patrol Agent Tucson Sector On August 31, 2001, at about 1:15 a.m., while patrolling the border, Border Patrol Agents Robert M. Lawler, Jered Bacon, and Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Ed Tracy noticed an apartment building fire at 1850 Patagonia Highway near Nogales, Arizona. The agents immediately called for the Nogales Fire Department. The fire spread so quickly that the building was engulfed in flames without warning to the occupants. Realizing that the Nogales Fire Department would not arrive on time, and being the only individuals in the area, the agents took immediate action. Without regard for their own safety, the agents risked their lives to evacuate the building. Most of the occupants were sleeping in their beds at the time of the fire. By the time the Nogales Fire Department and the Nogales Police Department arrived, the agents had extracted all 22 occupants from the building, which by then was totally engulfed in flames.
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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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