December 15 - December 21Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week, we delve into stories of heroism, sacrifice, and pivotal moments in U.S. Border Patrol history. On December 15, 1927, Patrol Inspector Franklin P. Wood disappeared during a pursuit on the Detroit River. His wrecked boat was later found, marking his tragic and mysterious line-of-duty death. His sacrifice serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by those who secure our borders. On December 16, 2003, Border Patrol Agent James P. Epling displayed extraordinary courage in rescuing a woman from the Colorado River before tragically losing his life in the swift waters. Agent Epling’s dedication earned him a posthumous Newton-Azrak Award, reflecting his unwavering commitment to service. We also honor Patrol Inspector Richard D. Clarke, who was fatally attacked on December 18, 1950, during a routine immigration procedure. On December 19, 2004, Agent George R. DeBates lost his life in a vehicle accident while patrolling near Pisinimo, Arizona. Both agents’ sacrifices underscore the daily risks taken to protect our nation. In addition to these somber anniversaries, we celebrate the heroism of Border Patrol Agent Brady M. Pratt, who risked his life on December 20, 2020, to save two young girls from a burning vehicle. His swift and selfless actions epitomize the courage and dedication of the U.S. Border Patrol. Finally, we revisit historical milestones, including the redesign of U.S. Border Patrol badges in 1954 and the screening of Cuban Freedom Fighters by Border Patrol agents in 1962. These stories highlight the enduring legacy of service, bravery, and evolution within the Border Patrol. Join us as we explore these powerful moments that define the U.S. Border Patrol’s history and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. 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 15
Line of Duty Death anniversary Franklin P. Wood Date of Birth: September 22, 1894 Entered on Duty: March 11, 1926 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: December 15, 1927 Details: Patrol Inspector Franklin P. Wood stationed at Sibley, Michigan, disappeared in the early morning of December 15, 1927. On the Detroit River near Wyandotte, Michigan, under cover of darkness, Patrol Inspectors Wood, James W. Oliver, and Chief Patrol Inspector Ivan A. Hall patrolled in search of smugglers expected in the area. Two boats containing contraband liquor had been seized and were being guarded when Inspector Wood left to pursue another boat operating in the vicinity of Wyandotte. He left in pursuit of one boat loaded with aliens, while his fellow officers pursued another. His wrecked boat, rammed by the smugglers, was found on the river sometime after Patrol Inspector Wood was last seen. Patrol Inspector Wood either drowned or was killed by the smugglers and thrown into the river. His body was never found. Survivor benefits - As per this document, his mother received $22.50 per month until her death in 1931. Body not recovered. December 15, 1975, “Patricia Schmidt becomes the first female to graduate from the Border Patrol Academy with honors in 108th Session (#3 Academically) (Assigned to Yuma, Arizona). Agent Schmidt was the daughter of Harold M. Schmidt, the PAIC in Blaine, Washington, making them the first father-daughter combination in the Patrol.”
December 16 Line of Duty Death anniversary/ Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary James P. Epling Date of Birth: March 9, 1979 Entered on Duty: January 13, 2003 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: December 16, 2003 Posthumously Awarded Details: On the evening of December 16, 2003, Border Patrol Agent James P. Epling, assigned to the Yuma Border Patrol Sector, displayed exceptional bravery and commitment to duty near Andrade, California, along the banks of the Colorado River. While responding to sensor activity in the area, Agent Epling made a valiant effort to rescue a female alien struggling in the swift, cold waters of the Colorado River. Successfully ensuring her safety, he then pursued four individuals observed fleeing south toward Mexico in an attempt to evade arrest. During this pursuit, after having apprehended two Chinese illegal immigrants and saving another from drowning, Agent Epling tragically disappeared. A massive search and rescue operation ensued, involving Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue teams, as well as multiple local, state, federal, tribal, and foreign agencies. This coordinated effort lasted three days. On December 19, 2003, at approximately 7:15 p.m., Agent Epling’s body was recovered from the Colorado River, 29 feet deep and about 200 yards from where he was last seen. The subsequent investigation concluded that Agent Epling had died from accidental drowning. At the time of his passing, Agent Epling was 24 years old and a graduate of the 537th session of the Border Patrol Academy. His son, James Paul Epling II, was born on January 28, 2004. In honor of his courage and selfless actions, Agent Epling was posthumously awarded the Newton-Azrak Award for extraordinary heroism and dedication. Gravesite December 17 December 17, 2004, “The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, signed by President Bush, authorized the hiring of an additional 10,000 Border Patrol Agents, with a goal of doubling the workforce by 2010.”
December 18 Line of Duty Death anniversary Richard D. Clarke Date of Birth: December 6, 1926 Entered on Duty: February 23, 1949 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: December 18, 1950 Details: At about 1:00 p.m. on December 18, 1950, Patrol Inspector Richard D. Clarke and his teammate, Patrol Inspector Ralph L. Trantor, took Eulalio Cordero, an illegal alien, into custody in south El Paso. They were bringing him to headquarters by automobile for further questioning when the alien suddenly stabbed Inspector Clarke in the heart. His death was instantaneous. The alien then seized Inspector Trantor's gun. Patrol Inspector Trantor slammed on the car's brakes, held on to the gun and threw himself into the back seat where he grappled with the alien and succeeded in holding him until police officers arrived. During the struggle, Trantor's gun was discharged once, the bullet passing through a car seat. Inspector Trantor was badly bitten on the face and arms. The incident began as a routine immigration procedure. Inspector Clarke questioned Cordero on a street in El Paso, Texas. First claiming to be a citizen of the United States, he later admitted he was an illegal alien. Cordero was charged with murder. Gravesite John A. Hoag III - Unrecognized but Unforgotten Date of Birth: September 24, 1969 Entered on Duty: December 15, 2003 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: December 18, 2009 Details: On December 18, 2009, Border Patrol Agent John A. Hoag III collapsed while working at the immigration checkpoint on Highway 95 near Quartzsite, Arizona. Emergency medical personnel responded, and Agent Hoag was transported by ambulance to Yuma Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased. Agent Hoag was a six-year veteran of the U.S. Border Patrol and was assigned to the Yuma Sector. Prior to his service with the Border Patrol, he served in the U.S. Army and worked as a police officer in Virginia, dedicating his life to protecting and serving others. A fellow agent remembered Agent Hoag as a “patriot, a quiet professional who worked hard for his country,” and Yuma Sector Chief Patrol Agent Paul Beeson reflected, “John’s life was one of service. He was a man who served his country faithfully and died doing what he loved.” Agent Hoag is survived by his wife of 15½ years, Angela; twins, Jared and Trinity; daughter, Heather; and his mother, Debbie. He was preceded in death by his father, John Hoag Jr. Agent Hoag was laid to rest on December 22, 2009, following funeral services at Yuma Mortuary. The U.S. Border Patrol Honor Guard served as pallbearers, and law enforcement officers from multiple agencies paid their final respects during a lengthy procession to Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Yuma, Arizona. Gravesite December 18, 2014, “The Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014 (BPAPRA) was signed into law fundamentally changing the manner in which Border Patrol Agents were compensated. This would decertify those on Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUO) and then assign or have the agents elect three rates of pay commensurate with scheduled overtime the agents are assigned or elect to work (0, 1, or 2 hours of overtime per day, with a corresponding overtime pay supplement of 0, 12.5, or 25 percent, respectively).”
December 19 On December 19, 1919, future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) submitted an application for a passport. Line of Duty Death anniversary George R. DeBates Date of Birth: November 19, 1972 Entered on Duty: April 25, 1999 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: December 19, 2004 Details: On December 19, 2004, Agent George R. DeBates was involved in a single-vehicle accident while on patrol near Pisinimo, Arizona. He died as a result of his injuries. Agent DeBates was working on a camp detail while assigned to the Casa Grande Station. Agent DeBates is the fourth Department of Homeland Security employee to die in the line of duty since the Department was created in March 2003. Originally, from Wisconsin, Agent DeBates was a graduate of the 403rd session of the Border Patrol Academy. A four-year veteran of the Border Patrol, Agent DeBates was assigned to the Casa Grande Station, on detail to the Ajo Station. Gravesite December 20 Although written about 16 years before the creation of the Border Patrol, this request for an extension of leave without pay contains two names of Border Patrol significance. On December 20, 1908, Jeff Milton (1861-1947) was on annual leave and requested an extension without pay. The memo was to be routed through channels to the Secretary of Labor but was approved by Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934). December 20, 1954, “Redesigned U.S. Border Patrol badges are approved and for the first time have panel with “SENIOR,” “ASS’T CHIEF,” and “CHIEF” to coincide with the official title. Previously all badges only had Patrol Inspector on them.”
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Brady M. Pratt Border Patrol Agent Rio Grande Valley Sector On December 20, 2020, in Petronila, Texas, Border Patrol Agent Brady M. Pratt exhibited extraordinary heroism, earning the prestigious Newton-Azrak Award. His quick actions during a catastrophic highway accident saved two young girls’ lives and demonstrated the highest standards of valor and dedication. The incident involved a sport utility vehicle (SUV) carrying two girls, ages 1 and 8, struck head-on by a sedan. Both vehicles were propelled off the highway into a field, with the sedan igniting and flames spreading to the SUV. Agent Pratt, driving nearby, immediately responded to the scene. After parking his vehicle, he ran across the highway and approached the burning SUV, where he was informed that children were trapped inside. Seeing the girls through the broken rear windshield, Agent Pratt entered the vehicle despite heavy smoke and flames. First, he reached the 8-year-old, who directed him to rescue her younger sister. Struggling to breathe, Pratt maneuvered to the driver’s side, unbuckled the 1-year-old from her car seat, and handed her to a bystander outside. Pratt then returned for the 8-year-old, realizing her leg injury required an alternative exit. He exited the SUV, approached the rear passenger-side window, and, with the help of a bystander who broke the glass, pulled the girl to safety. He carried her to a safe distance where others attended to her. Undeterred by the flames, Pratt climbed onto the SUV’s roof to check the pulses of the driver and front passenger through the broken sunroof, finding no signs of life. With the scene secured, Pratt withdrew to safety, uninjured but deeply affected by the day’s events. Agent Pratt’s actions that day went above and beyond the call of duty, embodying the essence of the Newton-Azrak Award. His bravery, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to duty serve as an inspiration to all. Border Patrol Agent Brady M. Pratt’s actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol. December 21 On December 21, 1928, three Border Patrol Inspectors were involved in a close-quarters gunfight with four alcohol smugglers in El Paso, Texas. This document which contains several cover memos and sworn statements, describes the encounter where one smuggler was killed, two incapacitated with strikes to the head and one apprehended without injury. Concerning the action, Acting Commissioner-General (and former “Chief” of the Border Patrol) George Harris (1876-1941) wrote: The Bureau is satisfied that the shooting was justified in every way and the officers involved are hereby commended for their good judgment, coolness and self-restraint under most trying conditions. The Patrol Inspectors involved were:
Patrol Inspector David Smith was one of a dozen Border Patrolmen, primarily from Miami Sector, who flew to San Antonio de los Baños Airfield, Cuba, on December 21, 1962, to pre-screen 1,113 Cuban Freedom Fighters who had been captured by the Castro government after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion.
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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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