This Week in USBP History, Vol. 91

May 28 - June 3

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Intro

Good Morning!

Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!

History is a vast tapestry of intricate tales, and when it comes to the Patrol, the richness and depth of its narrative are truly captivating. On the Patrol's 99th anniversary, this blog invites you on a unique journey. Immerse yourself in remarkable historical facts and enthralling stories that continue to shape the legacy of the U.S. Border Patrol. You're just a click away from an unprecedented exploration of the past – a past marked by bravery, honor, and duty, intricately woven into the fabric of American history. If you've ever wondered about the men and women who guard our borders, their origin, the evolution of their roles, or the proud history of the Border Patrol – look no further! The journey begins now.

Unveiling the Intriguing Past of the U.S. Border Patrol

The Evolution of the Border Patrol:
As you step into this historical tour on the HonorFirst.com's USBP History Page, you'll unearth the progression of the USBP from its early days. See how the title of Border Patrol Inspectors transitioned to Border Patrol Agents in 1970 and how this paralleled the evolution of law enforcement procedures.

A Legacy of Inclusion and Diversity:
Find out about the pioneering individuals who broke racial and gender barriers, marking significant milestones for the Border Patrol. Discover when the first African American and the first female agents joined the ranks, setting precedent for the inclusive workforce the Border Patrol boasts today.

Intriguing Operations and Initiatives:
Did you know the USBP conducted intelligence work as early as 1926? Or that the Border Patrol had a formidable Pistol Team that debuted in 1935? Dive into these intriguing aspects of the Patrol's operations, all documented in rich detail on the USBP History Page.

A Timeless Emblem:
Trace the creation and evolution of the Border Patrol's official emblem – a symbol of honor, duty, and integrity, and the evolution of the USBP uniform that has changed over the years to meet the demands of a dynamic and challenging border environment.

1938 Draft for the U.S. Border Patrol Patch

1942 U.S. Border Patrol Patch Blueprint

A Pivotal Character:
Don't forget to check out the rich contributions of Joseph Banco, a retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent and prolific author who has detailed the fascinating history of the USBP in his book series "HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol." You can find his well-researched books sold here at the Border Patrol Museum and learn more about him here.  Also, make sure you visit Joe's website at www.migrajoe.com.

Retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent and Border Patrol Historian Joseph Banco

Joseph Banco’s "HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol" book series

​​A Memorable Journey:
Each click, each page, each story on the USBP History Page unfolds like a chapter from an epic tale – a tale of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the security and sovereignty of the United States. Start your journey now and share in the proud history of the U.S. Border Patrol!

Visit HonorFirst.com's USBP History Page and our photo USBP Photo Galleries!

This week, join us on a fascinating journey through the U.S. Border Patrol's history. We'll explore key memos from the 1920s outlining manpower and financial challenges, delve into the competitive spirit of the Patrol in 1931, and uncover the dynamics of leadership in 1933. We'll touch upon the solemn tribute to fallen officers in 1936, and the unexpected regulations for left-handed officers in 1937. Fast-forward to "The Airlift" initiative of 1951, we'll uncover innovative solutions to border control. We'll conclude in the late 20th century with Operation Short Stop and the groundbreaking Enforcement Case Tracking System. Discover these intriguing stories and more in this week's exciting exploration!

​We remember four of the Patrol's heroes on the anniversary of their Newton-Azrak Award actions.

We remember four of the Patrol's fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths.

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.

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​​ESPRIT DE CORPS

The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.

• Organizational pride is the positive feeling experienced by employees from being part of a meaningful team that is rich in history, tradition and culture.
• Employee morale is the feeling experienced by employee based in part on their perception of:
  • Being valued by the organization,
  • Fairly compensated, and
  • Performing meaningful work.

 
Esprit de corps is reinforced through the shared goals, mission and values of the organization and its employees.

The definition turns Esprit de Corps into a simple formula and defines parts that comprise organizational pride and employee morale.

Esprit de Corps = Organizational Pride + Employee Morale

Esprit de Corps is the key to a healthy organization and engaged employees.

​Honor First is foundational to the Border Patrol's organizational pride and integral to its Esprit de Corps.

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THROWBACK PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Did you know that a U.S. Border Patrol Air Transport fleet was established on September 17, 1954, with the transfer of a C-46 military surplus plane (N-1804M) from the U.S. Air Force.

• From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

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DOCUMENTS AND EVENTS

1924

• On June 2, 1924, El Paso District Director and future Chief of the Border Patrol George Harris (1876-1941) sent a memo​ to the Commissioner-General concerning the Border Patrol manpower in the district which was comprised of modern-day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sectors.
  • This document clearly shows the absorption of Mounted Guards into the Border Patrol.  Which was a money saving concept proposed by future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) in this 1918 document​.
• On June 3, 1924, the San Antonio District Director sent a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning the Border Patrol manpower in the district which was comprised of modern-day Del Rio, Laredo and Rio Grande Valley Sectors.

1925

• On June 2, 1925, William H. Wagner (1878-1956) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning the positions and salaries within the Border Patrol.  The memo also recommended a reduction in personnel due to an anticipated reduced budget.

1926

• On May 29, 1926, the District Director for the Montreal District (District #1), Harry R. Landis (1880-1950), wrote a 5-page memo to the Commissioner-General concerning the newly disseminated General Order 61​.  Several items of interest are contained in the memo:
  • District #1 covered Maine to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan,
  • It telegraphs the creation (in name) of Houlton Sector, and
  • Provides an interesting insight to the implementation of General Order 61.

1931

• On June 2, 1931, a memo was written that reported Border Patrol Inspector Charles Askins, Jr's (1907-1999) shooting scores and qualifications from 1925. There were no accompanying documents to provide context.
• At the request of the Central Office, on June 3, 1931, El Paso District Director Grover Cleveland Wilmoth (1884-1951) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General reporting the shooting scores achieved by his personnel.  Wilmoth went on to recommend sending Patrol Inspectors from all districts to the annual competition in Camp Perry, which would happen in four years later and be the birth of the U.S. Border Patrol Pistol Team.
• At the request of the San Antonio District Director, on June 3, 1931, the Laredo Sub-district Chief Patrol Inspector Hubert P. Brady (1895-1957) wrote a memo concerning top shooting scores for his sub-district.  He reported only one Patrol Inspector having scored well enough to have been reported, James W. Leflar (1902-1966).  Records from 1939 would show that Leflar became an Immigrant Inspector.  It is unknown if he ever returned to the Patrol.

1933

• On May 31, 1933, a memo was written to the Commissioner-General.  The memo is signed by "Acting Director of Border Patrol, Canadian Border District", Ruel Davenport.  
  • Ruel Davenport (1878-1961) had been one of the first two "Chiefs of the Border Patrol" when General Order 61​ was signed in 1926.  He was the northern border Chief.  The southern border Chief, George Harris (1876-1941).  George Harris rotated out of his assignment in 1927 leaving Davenport to be the Patrol's sole Chief until 1932 when the short-lived two border district approach was implemented.  Davenport was not selected to lead the Canadian Border District,  Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) was selected to be the Director.  Davenport was selected to be his second in command. 

1936

• Prior to the move to Philadelphia, the INS’ Central Office and in turn, Border Patrol, were located in the Department of Labor Building at the corner of 14th Street and Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC, which was built in 1935. In the building’s northwest entrance lobby is a dimly lit memorial with the engraved names 33 officers of the INS that were killed in the line of duty between 1919 and 1940. Approved by Congress on May 28, 1936, under Joint Resolution 439, engraving of the memorial commenced shortly thereafter.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco
  • Also see page 7997 of this document.

1936 Memorial to Fallen Immigration and Naturalization Personnel

1937

• On June 3, 1937, a memo was issued authorizing "the wearing of cross straps over the right shoulder by those officers who are left handed".

1951

• In June 1, 1951, the U.S. Border Patrol began a new initiative to transport illegal aliens into the interior of Mexico. Dubbed “The Airlift,” the Service contracted with “Flying Tiger Lines” to use “converted C-46 Troop Transports” to transport Mexican aliens to the interior of Mexico.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

1977

• Operation Short Stop commenced on June 1, 1977, and was terminated on January 5, 1978. Operation Short Stop would become the model for future forward deployment and linewatch operations and the development of the Southwest Border Strategy.  As part of Operation Shortstop, 100 Agents were deployed from other sectors to the Chula Vista Sector to enhance linewatch and checkpoint operations.
  • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco

1979

• The Border Patrol obtained its first OH-6A on May 31, 1979.​
  • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco

A U.S. Border Patrol OH-6

1980

• ...on June 3, 1980, with the graduation of Session 133, Tampa Station Patrol Agent in Charge Calvin Vaughn presented his newlywed wife, Donna DeLuca with her graduation certificate at FLETC Glynco. Chief Roger Brandemuehl witnessed history as this was the first time a Border Patrol Agent husband presented his wife with her Border Patrol Academy graduation certificate, and the Chief would also recognize her as being number three in her class academically and one of the top shooters.​​
  • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco

1994

• The Enforcement Case Tracking System (ENFORCE) would allow Agents to automate the preparation of paperwork necessary to process immigration cases. Previously, Agents had to rely on manual typewriters to enter the information or use “homemade” programs to automate the processing, but they were not standard from Sector to Sector. ENFORCE began being deployed in San Diego Sector on June 1, 1994, with four sites as the system pilot.​
  • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco

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NEWTON-AZRAK AWARD
​ACTION ANNIVERSARIES

Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.

• An organization’s values are codified in its awards system. Recognizing the achievements, service and heroism of employees is important.  It is critical for those in positions of leadership to value the workforce.  Awards are a fundamental manner for leaders to demonstrate appreciation to the workforce for upholding the organizational values. – U.S. Border Patrol Honorary Awards

The USBP Newton-Azrak Award Scroll

1992

Jose Cisneros
Border Patrol Agent
Yuma Sector
Theodore E. Huebner
Border Patrol Agent
Yuma Sector
On June 3, 1991, seven-year-old Adrian Rose and his stepfather, Randy Velasquez, had been fishing the Arizona bank of the Colorado River.  Later that evening, they decided to swim to the California side.  Adrian reiterated that they had not expected the river’s current to be so swift and were swept away into the main channel as they entered the water.  He witnessed his stepfather cry out and then slip under the water and not resurface.  Adrian managed to swim to a spot in the river where he was able to cling to a bush and keep his head above water.  He spent several hours there calling for help and described the water as very cold and very fast.

Border Patrol Agents Jose Cisneros and Theodore E. Huebner were performing Border Patrol operations along the Arizona side of the Colorado River, near the Morelos Dam on June 4, 1991.  At approximately 2:30 a.m., they heard Randy’s cries for help coming from the California side of the river.  Border Patrol agents working the California side were summoned for assistance.  After a coordinated effort between the agents, they pinpointed the location of the cries.  Agents observed a child in the river, up to his chest in the swift moving water.  Agents on the California side of the river, nearest the child, made several attempts to reach him but were hindered by the thick brush that lined the river’s bank.
 
Realizing that time was vital if they were going to rescue the boy from drowning, Agents Theodore Huebner and Jose Cisneros elected to attempt the rescue from their side of the river.  Disregarding their own safety, in the hours of darkness, they unselfishly entered the river into unseen hazards.  By wading and swimming, they crossed approximately 200 yards of river to reach seven-year-old Adrian Rose and carried him to safety.  The location of the rescue was about ¾ of a mile north of Morelos Dam, where water from the Colorado River is diverted into Mexico.  The Imperial County Diver’s Team estimated the water’s temperature on that day at 55 degrees and flowing at a rate of 1.5 feet per second.  
 
The river at this point varies in depth, is approximately 200 yards wide, and is covered with quick sand and deep holes.  Due to the varying strong undercurrents, these conditions change constantly and are unpredictable.
 
This stretch of the Colorado River has been the site of numerous boating mishaps and drownings.  Although this information is common knowledge to the general public and Border Patrol agents alike, Agents Huebner and Cisneros knowingly entered the river without regard for their personal safety, to accomplish the rescue of Adrian Rose.


1998

Alexander Kirpnick
​(1970-1998)
Border Patrol Agent
Tucson Sector
Posthumously Awarded
On June 3, 1998, Border Patrol Agent Alexander Kirpnick was assigned patrol duties at Ephraim and Mariposa Canyons in the Nogales area of the Tucson Sector during the midnight shift.  He and his partner responded to sensor traffic.
 
About an hour after setting up, they heard foot traffic approaching and spotted five individuals carrying what appeared to be illegal contraband.  When the suspects came closer, the agents identified themselves as Border Patrol agents and moved forward to contact the suspects.
 
Agent Kirpnick moved toward two suspects close to him and his partner moved toward three in his area.  Agent Kirpnick’s partner heard Agent Kirpnick order the two suspects to sit down and soon after heard a gunshot.  He then went to Agent Kirpnick’s position and found him prone with a wound in the head.  Agent Kirpnick passed away at the University Medical Center in Tucson.


2023

Javier A. Padilla - award set 1, award set 2
Border Patrol Agent
Tucson, Arizona
On May 30, 2022, Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Javier Padilla was performing the duties of a Field Training Officer (FTO) for two BPA trainees in the vicinity of Amado, Arizona, when he observed a Chevrolet Trailblazer crash into a ditch. As Agent Padilla rushed to render aid, he realized there was a fire beneath the SUV and the doors had been rendered inoperable by the crash. Amid rapidly increasing heat and smoke, Agent Padilla led the effort to extract and relocate to safety a total of seven subjects seconds before the entire accident scene was engulfed in flames. Without his immediate and decisive action taken with no regard for his own safety, seven people would have perished. Border Patrol Agent Javier Padilla's courage and willingness to lay down his own life for others brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol.

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U.S. BORDER PATROL FALLEN 
ANNIVERSARIES

U.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning Band

As of March 6, 2023, HonorFirst.com solemnly acknowledges the loss of 154 brave individuals who have fallen in their line of duty:

• 3 Mounted Watchmen who served before 1924.
• 49 Border Patrol Inspectors who fell between 1924 and 1970.
• 101 courageous Border Patrol Agents who have given their lives since 1970.
• 1 dedicated Enforcement Analysis Specialist.

The names listed below are respected and remembered for their ultimate sacrifice in fulfilling the oath to protect and defend the United States of America.

In preserving the historical context, the descriptions about each officer's circumstances are presented with minimal editing to maintain the original "language of the day".

Complying with the Privacy Act of 1974, any causes of death related to lethal illnesses contracted in the line of duty will not be disclosed.

It's noteworthy that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax's name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial, yet his sacrifice is not officially recognized by the Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol.

However, ​HonorFirst.com​ proudly acknowledges and includes Agent Gigax among our memorialized heroes.

1929

Benjamin T. Hill
Date of Birth:                       October 23, 1901                            
Entered on Duty:                 May 14, 1929
Title:                                      Patrol Inspector                             
End of Watch:                      May 30, 1929  
Historic documents of the shooting.                                       

Details:
Patrol Inspector Benjamin T. Hill was shot and killed near the international boundary, El Paso, Texas, on May 30, 1929, while pursuing a narcotics smuggler he had seen cross the Rio Grande River. While being pursued on foot through an alley, the smuggler suddenly wheeled and shot Inspector Hill through the heart, killing him instantly.​

​Gravesite


1998

Alexander Kirpnick
Date of Birth:                   September 9, 1970
Entered on Duty:             September 25, 1996
Title:                                  Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                  June 3, 1998
 
Details:
On June 3, 1998, Agent Alexander Kirpnick was assigned patrol duties at Ephraim and Mariposa Canyons in the Nogales area of the Tucson Sector during the midnight shift. He and his partner responded to sensor traffic.  About an hour after setting up, they heard foot traffic approaching and spotted five individuals carrying what appeared to be illegal contraband. When the suspects came closer, the agents identified themselves as Border Patrol Agents and moved forward to contact the suspects.
 
Agent Kirpnick moved toward two suspects close to him and his partner moved toward three in his area. Agent Kirpnick’s partner heard him order the two suspects to sit down and soon after heard a gunshot. He then went to Agent Kirpnick’s position and found him prone with a wound in the head. Agent Kirpnick passed away at the University Medical Center in Tucson.
 
Agent Kirpnick, an immigrant from the Ukraine, was a graduate of the 322nd session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Charleston, South Carolina.

​Gravesite


2014

Alexander I. Giannini
Date of Birth                         October 14, 1989
Entered on Duty:                  October 16, 2008
Title:                                       Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                       May 28, 2014
 
Details:
On May 28, 2014, Border Patrol Agent Alexander I. Giannini, of the Willcox Station, was involved in an on-duty, single-vehicle accident on Interstate 10 near Benson, Arizona. He died of injuries at the hospital shortly after the accident. Another agent in the vehicle was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
 
Agent Giannini, 24, entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on October 16, 2008, as a member of the 822nd session of the Border Patrol Academy. He served the Willcox Station loyally throughout his career.
 
Agent Giannini is survived by his mother, father, sister and fiancée.

Burial Details Unknown


2021

Juan M. Urrutia
Date of Birth:                        July 28, 1975                            
Entered on Duty:                  August 4, 2003
Title:                                       Border Patrol Agent 
End of Watch:                       May 28, 2021
 
Details: 
Agent Urrutia entered on duty on August 4, 2003, as part of the 560th Session of the Border Patrol Academy.  He was first assigned to the Falfurrias Station in what was then called the McAllen Sector in Texas.  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.  At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Brownsville Station, Rio Grande Valley Sector, Texas.  He was also a certified EMT/Paramedic. 
  
He is survived by his wife: Shayla Lee Urrutia; Brothers: Martin J. Urrutia, Carlos Urrutia, David Urrutia: and his sisters; Juvita Urrutia and Maria Barron-Urrutia.

Gravesite