December 8 - December 14Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week, we delve into the rich history of the U.S. Border Patrol, reflecting on moments of bravery, dedication, and sacrifice that continue to define its legacy. On December 11, 1924, General Order 42 formally established the first Border Patrol uniform policy, introducing the forest green uniforms, Pershing hats, and riding breeches that symbolized the agency’s identity. These early decisions laid the foundation for the uniforms we recognize today. We also honor the heroic actions of agents who made the ultimate sacrifice. Patrol Inspector Frank H. Clark was tragically ambushed and killed by smugglers on December 13, 1924, near El Paso, Texas. Senior Patrol Inspector James G. Burns passed away on December 8, 1968, after suffering a fatal heart attack while conducting strenuous line watch operations in Calexico, California. We remember Patrol Agent in Charge Michael W. Barnes, who lost his life to a heart attack on December 12, 1996, while pursuing a group of migrants in Carrizo Springs, Texas. This week also marks the somber anniversary of Border Patrol Agent Brian A. Terry’s passing on December 15, 2010. Agent Terry, a BORTAC member, was fatally shot during an encounter with armed individuals near Rio Rico, Arizona. His bravery and ultimate sacrifice are remembered through the renaming of the Naco Border Patrol Station and his posthumous Newton-Azrak Award. Join us in exploring these stories of heroism, history, and the enduring 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 MILESTONESDecember 8
Line of Duty Death anniversary James G. Burns Date of Birth: July 31, 1924 Entered on Duty: June 8, 1955 Title: Senior Patrol Inspector End of Watch: December 8, 1968 Details: Official reports covering the death of Senior Patrol Inspector James G. Burns indicated he was performing line watch operations, looking for evidence of illegal aliens in a river bottom near Calexico, California, on Sunday, December 8, 1968. He was searching places of concealment in heavy undergrowth, which was exceptionally strenuous activity and required considerable physical exertion. At 6:30 a.m., he began to suffer pains in the chest area, which prompted him to immediately return to the office. He was taken home by another officer and was then conveyed to the El Centro Community Hospital by his wife. He passed away at 8:25 a.m., less than two hours after being stricken. Death was caused by an occlusion of the left coronary artery due to arteriosclerosis. Gravesite December 9 This document contains two separate gunfights that occurred on December 9, 1927 in El Paso between Border Patrol Inspectors and smugglers. No injuries were reported in either gunfight.
December 10
December 11 On December 11, 1924, General Order 42, Uniforms – Border Patrol was implemented, laying the foundation of the uniform that exists today.
December 11, 2016, “During Attorney General Janet Reno's memorial service at the Kendall Campus of Miami-Dade College, the U.S. Border Patrol Color Guard played a prominent role. They began the ceremony by presenting the colors and then meticulously folded the American flag, presenting it to the family as a mark of respect.”
December 12 On December 12, 1929, the Commissioner of Prohibition sent a request to the Commissioner-General of Immigration asking for a list of all employees conducting “immigration border patrol” work. The response to that request, included in this document, is the earliest, most complete roster of Border Patrol employees known to exist. Line of Duty Death anniversary Michael W. Barnes Date of Birth: April 7, 1951 Entered on Duty: March 14, 1976 Title: Patrol Agent in Charge End of Watch: December 12, 1996 Details: On December 12, 1996, about 4:00 p.m., Border Patrol Agents were working on a trail on the Chittum Ranch in Carrizo Springs, Texas, assisted by a Del Rio Sector pilot. They spotted a group of about 13 illegal aliens, who ran when the agents approached them. Agents Barnes apprehended five of the aliens and turned them over to Agent Tapia. He began trying to apprehend the remainder of the group. The pilot spotted the group running along a creek bottom and was guiding agents toward the area. Agent Barnes was within about 50 yards of them when the pilot stated over the radio that Agent Barnes had gone down. He radioed Agent Barnes, but there was no response. When he notified the other agents in the area of the situation, they started making their way to assist him. About 4:32 p.m., Agent Tapia found Agent Barnes face down. Agents determined that he was not breathing and had no pulse. They immediately started performing CPR. Pilot Snyder radioed for an ambulance and a helicopter. Agent Barnes was placed in an INS Bronco and transported to the ambulance. About 5:38 p.m., a helicopter took off with Agents Barnes and Guzman for a hospital in San Antonio, arriving at 6:13 p.m. At 6:25 p.m., a doctor advised Agent Barnes had died. The medical examiner’s office determined he had suffered a massive heart attack. Agent Barnes was born in San Antonio and grew up in Pearsall, Texas. He served as a Supervisor, Assistant Patrol Agent in Charge and Patrol Agent in Charge at the Carrizo Springs Station. Gravesite December 13 On December 3, 1913, an announcement was issued for the position of “Junior Inspector”. This announcement would become significant in USBP history in August 1924. In 1924, Border Patrol Inspectors had no immigration authority. By law, this authority was vested in employees titled 'Immigrant Inspectors', who received higher pay than Border Patrol Inspectors. To grant Border Patrol Inspectors legal authority without increasing their pay, the Commissioner-General proposed a solution. He wrote to the Second Assistant Secretary of the Department of Labor, suggesting the revival of a 1913 plan used for Mounted Watchmen, which would involve renaming Border Patrol Inspectors as 'Junior Immigrant Inspectors. See this August 1924 document. Line of Duty Death anniversary Frank H. Clark Date of Birth: January 4, 1879 Entered on Duty: August 5, 1924 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: December 13, 1924 Details: While patrolling in company with another officer near Cordova Island, El Paso, Texas, on the evening of December 13, 1924, Patrol Inspector Clark was shot and killed by smuggler's spotters. They had concealed themselves at a strategic point on the American side of the international boundary line for the purpose of warning and protecting the smugglers should the presence of officers be detected. When the smugglers were challenged by the Patrol Inspectors, the spotters opened fire from ambush, and one of the shots hit Patrol Inspector Clark. His death was instantaneous. Other officers quickly took positions in concealment surrounding the scene of the action and remained there through the night. They found sacks containing illegal liquor, and they took into custody a Mexican family found on the scene searching the premises in the early morning. One of these Mexicans, Eulalio Aguilar, was subsequently indicted on charge of murder, convicted and given a 10- year sentence. Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $65 per month until their two children turned 18, then $49 per month. Gravesite On December 13, 1930, in El Paso, Texas, three Border Patrol Inspectors encountered three alcohol smugglers. Upon seeing the Border Patrol Inspectors, the smugglers abandoned their load of alcohol and retreated across the river to Mexico. Once in Mexico, the smugglers fired on the Inspectors with a pistol and a rifle. The Border Patrol Inspectors fired back. In total, approximately 35 rounds were exchanged, with no injuries reported. See this cover memo and sworn statement. The Inspectors involved in the shooting were:
December 14 On December 14, 1944, El Paso Chief Patrol Inspector Griffith J. McBee (1896-1972) sent his boss, El Paso District Director Grover W. Wilmoth (1884-1951), a memo describing the toxic relationship between the Customs Border Patrol and the Immigration Border Patrol. This poor relationship and lack of coordination were evident in the following quote:
Line of Duty Death anniversary/ Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Brian A. Terry - photo Date of Birth August 11, 1970 Entered on Duty: July 23, 2007 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: December 15, 2010 Posthumously Awarded Details: On December 14, 2010, Border Patrol Agent Brian A. Terry, a member of the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC), was conducting operations near Rio Rico, Arizona, approximately 15 miles north of Nogales. In the area known as 'Peck Wells,' Agent Terry and his team encountered a group of five individuals, at least two of whom were armed with rifles. An encounter ensued and shots were exchanged. During this tragic incident, Agent Terry was mortally wounded and succumbed to his injuries on December 15, 2010. A native of Flat Rock, Michigan, Agent Terry served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps and as a police officer in the cities of Ecorse and Lincoln Park before joining the United States Border Patrol. Assigned to the Naco Border Patrol Station within the Tucson Sector, he was a dedicated member of the 699th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. Agent Terry's sacrifice is deeply mourned by his mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, brother, and two sisters. In his honor, the Naco Border Patrol Station was renamed to commemorate his service. Agent Terry was posthumously awarded the prestigious Newton-Azrak Award for his bravery and commitment to duty. 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
January 2025
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