November 17 - November 23Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week we reflect on moments of dedication, bravery, and sacrifice that have shaped the legacy of the U.S. Border Patrol. On November 18, 1928, a significant step toward training Border Patrol inspectors emerged with a reference to a Spanish language book used by agents along the Texas border—a precursor to the robust training programs of today. That same day, Inspector Ivan Scotten faced a dangerous gunfight in El Paso, Texas, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice he would make just eight months later in the line of duty. We honor the memory of four agents who lost their lives this week in service to their nation: Autogiro Pilot Ned D. Henderson, who succumbed to injuries on November 18, 1945, after his aircraft crashed; Border Patrol Agent Rogelio Martinez, who tragically passed on November 19, 2017, following severe injuries in the field; and Border Patrol Agent Trainee Thomas K. Byrd, who died in a motorcycle accident on November 21, 1983.. This week also highlights acts of heroism, including Border Patrol Agent Leobardo Jacinto’s lifesaving actions in 2010, as well as the leadership and bravery of four agents recognized for their roles in the 1987 Oakdale and Atlanta Federal Penitentiary riots. Explore these stories and more in this week’s blog, as we continue to honor the enduring commitment and legacy of 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 MILESTONESNovember 17
November 18 On November 18, 1928, officers assigned to the Norwich University, Vermont wrote a letter to William W. Husband (1871-1942) who was formerly the Commissioner-General of Immigration and the current Assistant Secretary of the Department of Labor. The letter mentions a "Spanish book used by inspectors at Texas border", which indicates an early initiative to train USBP employees. On November 18, 1928, Border Patrol Inspector Ivan Scotten (1903-1929) was involved in a brief gunfight in El Paso, Texas. This document provides a brief description of the shooting.
On November 18, 1937, a windbreaker jacket was authorized for wear. Line of Duty Death anniversary Ned D. Henderson Date of Birth: December 19, 1905 Entered on Duty: December 26, 1929 Title: Autogiro Pilot End of Watch: November 18, 1945 Details: Ned D. Henderson, Autogiro Pilot, died on November 18, 1945, from injuries he received two days earlier when the autogiro he was piloting crashed near Sullivan City, Texas. Pilot Henderson was enroute to his official station at McAllen, Texas, following a detail to San Antonio. He was alone in the plane when it crashed at about 1:00 p.m., November 16, 1945. A witness to the accident, Mr. Francisco Flores, stated that he noticed the aircraft coming from the west just before or about the time it hit an electric highline. The autogiro hit the ground and turned over about two times before it came to rest. Mr. Flores stopped his truck and ran over to the aircraft. He rushed over to Pilot Henderson, who was rolling on the ground just outside of the autogiro, his clothes and gloves on fire. Mr. Flores extinguished the flames and then improvised a shade from a blanket he had in his truck. Pilot Henderson was later removed to the McAllen Municipal Hospital by ambulance. A physician's certificate indicates that Pilot Henderson suffered extensive burns about the face, neck, arms and legs; fracture of the right arm below the shoulder; and a deep cut across the forehead and right cheek. Death occurred at 1:30 a.m., November 18, 1945, about 36 hours after the accident. Gravesite On November 18, 2000, a six-foot brick memorial was dedicated on California Highway 79 near Oak Grove in northern San Diego County, approximately 20 miles south of Temecula at the site of the abduction of Border Patrol Inspectors Theodore L. Newton, Jr., and George F. Azrak. The monument serves as an eternal reminder of the tragedy that occurred on July 17, 1967. The memorial was initiated, planned, and carried out by U.S. Border Patrol Explorer Post #5150 and their advisors with generous donations from current and retired members of the U.S. Border Patrol and their supporters.
November 19 On November 19, 1929, El Paso District Director Grover Wilmoth (1884-1951) issued a warning to all employees concerning "...useless and harmful talk...". This warning covered modern-day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sectors. It warned of recommendations for a "drastic punishment" and "no leniency" for violations! Line of Duty Death anniversary Rogelio Martinez Date of Birth January 15, 1981 Entered on Duty: August 12, 2013 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: November 19, 2017 Details: On November 18, 2017, Border Patrol Agent Rogelio Martinez was patrolling along Interstate 10 in a remote area outside of Van Horn, Texas, when fellow agents were alerted that he and another agent were in distress. When fellow agents located Agent Martinez, he was unresponsive and severely injured. Agent Martinez was taken to the local hospital in Van Horn and later transported to a medical center in El Paso, Texas, where he succumbed to his injuries on November 19, 2017. Agent Martinez entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on August 12, 2013, as a member of the 1018th session of the Border Patrol Academy, and he was assigned to the Van Horn Station in the Big Bend Sector. Agent Martinez served with the United States Border Patrol for over 4 years. Gravesite November 20 This November 20, 1930, a memo from Jacksonville District Director Thomas V. Kirk (1862-1947) shows all Border Patrol positions and locations in the State of Florida. There were three sub-districts (sectors), Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa. Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Leobardo Jacinto - photo, photo 2, award set Border Patrol Agent El Centro, CA On November 20, 2010, while off duty, Border Patrol Agent Leobardo Jacinto quickly took action to assist two civilians whose vehicle had driven off the road into a canal. Without regard for his own safety, BPA Jacinto entered the canal and extracted the two occupants from the vehicle before it became completely submerged. He then performed CPR on one of the victims until emergency medical services arrived. BPA Jacinto exemplifies what it means to be a hero and the core values of the Border Patrol. BPA Jacinto's decisive actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol. November 21 On November 21, 1929, El Paso District Director Grover Wilmoth (1884-1951) repeated a warning to all district employees concerning reading unofficial documents and engaging in unofficial conversation. This warning covered modern-day Tucson, El Paso, and Big Bend Sectors. On October 23, 1956, the Hungarian Revolution or Hungarian Uprising began. The first Patrol Inspectors were in place <to assist> on November 21, 1956, when the first plane load of Hungarian refugees arrived at nearby McGuire Air Force Base.
Line of Duty Death anniversary Thomas K. Byrd Date of Birth: September 12, 1954 Entered on Duty: August 19, 1983 Title: Border Patrol Agent (Trainee) End of Watch: November 21, 1983 Details: Border Patrol Agent (Trainee) Thomas K. Byrd was struck by an eastbound vehicle at about 5:00 p.m. on the afternoon of November 21, 1983, when the motorcycle on which he was a passenger, lost control. The owner and driver of the motorcycle, Border Patrol Agent (Trainee) James Hearne, was unable to see a vehicle making a left-hand turn as he and Agent Byrd left the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to drop off a payment for class T-shirts that had been promised to the vendor by close of business on that date. Apparently, when Agents Hearne and Byrd left the training center, the sun was positioned in front of them in such a manner as to make visibility very difficult. When Agent Hearne realized that a vehicle in front of him was about to make a stop (or turn) it was too late to make a safe stop. Agent Hearne made a correction to the left side of the vehicle in an effort to avoid the collision, but lost control of the motorcycle in the attempt. The motorcycle fell to the ground throwing Agent Hearne into the path of the oncoming traffic. However, Agent Byrd was struck by a vehicle in the oncoming traffic and dragged for some distance. He was rushed to Brunswick Memorial Hospital by ambulance, where all efforts to save him failed. He was pronounced dead at approximately 7:00 p.m. by the attending physician. Both Agents Byrd and Hearne were attending the 151th Session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, Glynco, Georgia, when the accident occurred. Border Patrol Agent (Trainee) Byrd was a high academic achiever and was regarded with high esteem by the members of his class. Gravesite On November 21, 1983, Chief of the Border Patrol Roger P. "Buck" Brandemuehl (photo) signed a memo for the Implementation of the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC). Oakdale Federal Detention Center, Louisiana - On November 21, 1987, 943 Cubans would riot, taking 28 prison employees hostage and set fire to ten of the fourteen buildings in the detention center complex... On November 22, 1987, twenty-six BORTAC Agents arrived at Oakdale and joined Commander Bill Worley and Deputy Commander Bob Coleman. In addition, members of the McAllen Sector ERT and several other Sector Special Response Teams (SRT) were deployed to contain the riot.
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Charles J. Kothman Border Patrol Agent New Orleans Sector Craig L. Weinbrenner Border Patrol Agent New Orleans Sector William A. Preston Supervisory Border Patrol Agent New Orleans Sector Robert S. Coleman Jr. Supervisory Border Patrol Agent El Paso Sector Border Patrol Agent Charles J. Kothman, Border Patrol Agent Craig L. Weinbrenner, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Robert S. Coleman Jr., and Supervisory Border Patrol Agent William A. Preston were recognized for their actions to help control the uprising of Cuban detainees at the Federal Detention Facility in Oakdale, Louisiana, from November 21, 1987 to November 30, 1987. Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Armando Ledezma Border Patrol Agent Wellton, Arizona For heroic actions to save a deputy and hospital staff from a violent felon. On November 21, 2012, Border Patrol Agent Armando Ledezma was assigned to hospital watch duties at Yuma Regional Medical Center, Yuma, Arizona. He heard a nurse shouting for security and immediately responded to the room from which the nurse had exited. As he entered the room, he saw a tall, heavyset man moving on the floor. As Agent Ledezma attempted to gain control of the man, he discovered that the subject was an inmate who had pinned an exhausted sheriff’s deputy to the floor and was struggling for the deputy’s holstered service weapon. At great personal risk, Agent Ledezma kept the inmate from getting the deputy’s weapon. Agent Ledezma grabbed one of the inmate’s hands, allowing the deputy to secure his weapon and control the inmate’s other hand. Agent Ledezma then handcuffed the inmate, ending the scuffle. Agent Ledezma’s brave actions and quick thinking saved the deputy from death or injury. November 22 Convicted in the murders of Border Patrol Inspectors Newton and Azrak:
November 23 Atlanta Federal Penitentiary, Georgia - On November 23, 1987, 1,392 Cubans went on a rampage, setting the facility on fire and taking 94 prison staffers hostage in an attempt to negotiate a plan to halt their return to Cuba... On December 1, 1987, Patrol Agents assigned to BORTAC and Sector Emergency Response Teams were pulled from the Oakdale Facility and deployed to the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary where the Cuban prisoners had taken control of a portion of the facility. The riot at the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary had started two days after the Oakdale riot began.
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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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