This Week in USBP History, Vol. 97

July 9 - July15

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INTRO

Good Morning!

Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!

A Tribute to Joseph Banco and His Legacy

Retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joseph Banco

As we mark the 97th consecutive week of our blog, "This Week in USBP History," we find it fitting to revisit and delve deeper into the contributions of a remarkable figure in the United States Border Patrol (USBP) history - Joseph Banco. A year ago, in Volume 45 we introduced you to this dedicated historian, and today, we celebrate his legacy in a more comprehensive manner.

Joseph Banco, a retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent, has devoted his career to preserving and sharing the rich history of the USBP. His meticulous research and commitment have resulted in a series of comprehensive books titled "HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol." These volumes provide an in-depth look into the evolution of the USBP, from its formation to the end of the 20th century.

• HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I: This volume covers the formation of the U.S. Border Patrol and its first 25 years. It delves into the history of the Mounted Guards, Mounted Inspectors, Mounted Watchmen, and Chinese Inspectors, and the birth of the U.S. Border Patrol. The book uses actual quotes from Border Patrol Inspectors, Agents, leadership, and historical documents to provide a comprehensive view of the period from 1924 to 1949.
• HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II: This volume covers the period from 1949 to 1974. It begins with the U.S. Border Patrol's involvement in the Bracero Program and enforcement efforts to stem illegal immigration during the 1950s. The book also covers operations during the Cold War, protective details for the civil rights movement, and the beginning of the War on Drugs.
• HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume III: This volume covers the period from 1975 to 1999. It begins with the story of “The Originals,” those trailblazers that were first during this period of U.S. Border Patrol history. The book also covers the evolution of BORTAC and BORSTAR, operations dealing with mass migrations, refugee crises, and the impacts of immigration reform initiatives of the 1980s and 1990s.

In addition to these volumes, Banco has also authored "HONOR FIRST: The Unsung Heroes of Oxford".  This book tells the story of the U.S. Border Patrol deployment to the University of Mississippi in 1962 to defend the U.S. Constitution and ensure the enrollment of the first African-American at Ole Miss. It highlights the U.S. Border Patrol's role in the Civil Rights Movement and how Border Patrol Inspectors were the unsung heroes during this significant challenge to the U.S. government and the Constitution.

We're excited to share that Banco is currently working on another book, "HONOR FIRST: Securing Enemy Aliens - The U.S. Border Patrol During World War II." We eagerly anticipate this new addition to his body of work.

​Banco's work is a testament to his dedication and passion for the USBP. His books are not just historical accounts but a tribute to the men and women who have served the USBP with honor and distinction. His work is a vast ocean of information, offering insights from the most reliable sources.

Beyond his books, Banco's personal journey is equally inspiring. A naturalized U.S. citizen who emigrated from the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, he has served the U.S. government for over 38 years. His distinguished career spans across various assignments, both within the U.S. and overseas.

Banco's dedication to his work has earned him numerous commendations and awards, including the Outstanding American by Choice Award, the Secretary’s Award for Excellence, the DHS Partner Award, and the USBP Commendation Medal. These awards are a testament to his exceptional service and commitment to the USBP.

As we celebrate this milestone in our blog's journey, we invite you to explore Banco's work further. Visit his website at www.migrajoe.com or the Border Patrol Museum's Gift Shop to order his books. Let's honor the past by learning from it, and let's honor Joseph Banco by appreciating his invaluable contributions to the USBP history.

​Here's to another year of exploring USBP history together, and to the remarkable individuals like Joseph Banco who help us understand and appreciate it!

From left to right: Joseph Banco, esteemed USBP historian and retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent, alongside Roger "Buck" Brandemuehl and Hugh Brien, both former Chiefs of the Border Patrol, and Clifford Gill, gathered at the 44th Annual FORBPO Convention.

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This week, we journey back to the early days of the United States Border Patrol. We start in 1931, with an intriguing correspondence between Commissioner-General Harry E. Hull and the National Rifle Association, highlighting a competitive spirit within the El Paso District. We then debunk long-standing myths surrounding the career of Jefferson Davis Milton in 1932. Fast forward to 1940, where we touch on the establishment of class numbering at the Border Patrol Training School, a tradition that continues to this day. These stories, and much more, await you in our exploration of the U.S. Border Patrol's rich and multifaceted history. 

As we delve into the past, we also pause to honor Jason S. Weatherby on the anniversary of his Newton-Azrak Award action.

During this week, we solemnly remember two of our fallen, David F. Roberson and Enrique J. Rositas, Jr., 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

Who says you can't patrol in style and rhythm? Here's a blast from the past, circa 2008-2009, when kilts, bagpipes, and drums were my go-to Border Patrol uniform. Whether I was on a U.S. Border Patrol horse or astride a U.S. Border Patrol Harley-Davidson, whether I was piping a tune or beating a drum, I was always in sync with the heartbeat of the border. Because when you're a Border Patrol agent with a penchant for Highland attire and music, every day is a parade!

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DOCUMENTS AND EVENTS

1931

• On July 15, 1931, in an ongoing correspondence with the National Rifle Association (NRA), Commissioner-General Harry E. Hull (1864-1938) sent a response of appreciation.  
  • Of note in the correspondence is the mention of an article in the NRA's American Riflemen magazine concerning a shooting match between the sub-districts within the El Paso District.  Go to page 37 in this link​ to see the article.
    • I believe that the article is referencing this:  On July 5, 1934, the Acting District Director of the El Paso District wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General touting the successes of the the El Paso and Marfa Sub-district shooting teams.  The memo provides the scores of a competition between the two sub-districts where Marfa was the winner.

1932

• On July 15, 1932, El Paso District Director Grover W. Wilmoth (1884-1951) sent a memo concerning the retirement of the famed Jefferson Davis Milton (1861-1947).  The last page of the five documents​ outlines his federal career.  Debunking decades of Border Patrol folklore, the outline clearly shows that Milton was neither a Patrol Inspector nor a member of the Border Patrol:
  • Mounted Inspector - March 1887 - October 1889
  • Chinese Inspector - April 1904 - November 1913
  • Immigrant Inspector - December 1913 - June 1932

1933

• On July 14, 1933, Irving F. Wixon (1884-1962) wrote a memo to the Jacksonville District Director, not only giving permission for Patrol Inspectors to participate in local shooting competitions, but encouraging their participation.  By Wixon's response, the District Director was concerned that by competing, Patrol Inspectors may indiscriminately use their firearms.  See the quote below (emphasis added):
  • It is believed that the participation of the patrol officers in an affair of this kind promotes good relations between the Patrol Service and the peace authorities of Florida, and that such participation will not encourage the indiscriminate use of firearms on their part, of which you appear to be apprehensive. After all, patrol officers are furnished firearms for the purpose of self-defense and in cases of extreme emergency, and there would seem to be no reason why they should not be encouraged to become proficient in the use of firearms. Under the circumstances, the Bureau approves of the officers participating in the meet.

1934

• On July 11, 1934, Chief Patrol Inspector Joseph L. Van Orshoven (1893-1987) of the Chula Vista Sub-district, wrote a memo​ to the Los Angeles District Director disapproving the wearing of a rough duty uniform by Patrol Inspectors in the district.
  • The second page of the document contains a photo of one of the earlier examples of a USBP rough duty uniform.
  • The memo also mentions Chief Patrol Inspector Herbert Clifford “Herb” Gerrish (1896-1976).

1940

• The tradition of numbering classes at the Border Patrol Training School was not established until July 10, 1940, when Class 1 began training with ninety-nine appointees. This would be the first training session under the Department of Justice, which the Immigration and Naturalization Service had become part of on June 15, 1940.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco

1954

• The third phase of Operation Wetback began on July 15, 1954, with Patrol Inspectors conducting illegal alien sweeps in Utah, Nevada, and Idaho. At the same time, Patrol Inspectors were deployed to Chicago to conduct additional sweeps.
  • ​From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

1955

• On July 15, 1955, the Attorney General wrote a letter to the Speaker of the House concerning a bill to fund the purchase and construction of a new Border Patrol Training facility.  At the time of the writing, Patrol Inspectors were being trained in buildings located in Fort Bliss that had been constructed 15 years earlier and abandoned by the U.S. Army.
  • The “Academy” has been located in 9 different cities.​
    1. El Paso, TX
    ​​     * Camp Chigas​ 
              - Unnumbered classes, 193​6-40
              - Class 1 (1940) – Class 44 (July 1951)
              - Class 48 & 49 (1953), 53 (1954), 57 (1955)​
         * Radford School ​Class 54
    ​     * Logan Heights area of the Ft. Bliss
    ​          - Class 55, 58-77 (1954-61)
    ​​2. Mesilla, NM (1951-1952)
    ​​     * Class 45 – Class 46 
    ​3. McAllen, TX (1952-54)
    ​​      * Class 47, 50-52
    ​4. Los Fresnos, TX (Port Isabel) (1962-67, 1968-77)
    ​​     * Class 78-89
         * Class 91-113
    ​5. Calexico, CA and Chula Vista, CA  (1967-68)
    ​     * Only Class 90
    6. Glynco (1977-2004)
    ​​     * Class 114-578
    ​7. Ft. McClellan, Alabama (1988)
    ​​     * Class 226, the Alabama 500
    8. Charleston, SC (1996-2004)
    ​​     * Class 315-582
    ​​9. Artesia, New Mexico (2004 - present)
    ​​​​     * Class 583-

1956

• ​As an example of a routine personnel transfer, on July 11, 1956, Acting Assistant Commissioner of the Enforcement Division Harlon Carter (1913-1991​) authorized the transfer of Border Patrol Inspector Stanley E. Gillis (1924-1972)
  • Harlon Carter was Chief of the Border Patrol 1950-1957 and the first Chief to have graduated from the Academy (photo).
  • Patrol Inspector Gillis later transferred to the U.S. Customs Service, where he remained until his untimely death at the age of 48 in 1972.

2008

• Theodore L. Newton, Jr., and George F. Azrak Border Patrol Station - On July 15, 2008, the designation would be approved with Public Law 110- 264 by the 110th Congress, signed by President George W. Bush, making Murrieta Station (formerly Temecula Station) the first to be officially named for a Border Patrol Inspector/Agent.​​
  • ​From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II 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

2019

Jason S. Weatherby - photo
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
Spokane, WA
On July 9, 2019, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Jason Weatherby responded to assist a 70-year woman whose kayak had capsized in the swift, frigid current of the Kettle River. The women was ejected from her kayak, causing her to be swept underwater for an extended length of time. She eventually emerged and ultimately became entangled with a fallen tree in a fast moving, turbulent region of the water. Due to the extended length of time that had passed, paired with the extremely hazardous environment, and the women’s increasing physical exhaustion, she was unable to make it to shore.  Determining that the woman would not be able to save herself, Agent Weatherby, beyond the call of duty and facing grave danger, entered the fast moving waters and swam to her.  As he freed the victim from the log jam, the branches snapped and both were swept further down the river in the fast current. At great effort, Agent Weatherby maneuvered into a rescue arm position and swan across the current to the adjacent shoreline saving both of their lives. Agent Weatherby’s actions brought great credit upon himself and 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.

1989

David F. Roberson
Date of Birth:                     January 9, 1941
Entered on Duty:               April 11, 1966
Title:                                    Air Operation Supervisor
End of Watch:                    July 14, 1989
 
Details:
On July 14, 1989, Pilot David F. Roberson departed the Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona, at 5:50 a.m., in Service aircraft N29162. Shortly after takeoff, he responded to a request for assistance in the Yuma freight yards where Border Patrol units were conducting freight train check operations. At 6:10 a.m., Pilot Roberson departed the freight yard area and proceeded south to County 23rd and Avenue 2E to assist ground units in working a trail of three aliens.
 
Upon arrival, Pilot Roberson commenced “sign cutting” while maintaining radio contact with Senior Patrol Agent David Ramirez and Patrol Agent Rosendo Guillen, who were working in the immediate area on the trail. At 6:24 a.m., Pilot Roberson stalled the aircraft and crashed. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and post-crash fire.  Pilot Roberson died instantly.

Gravesite


2020

Enrique J. Rositas, Jr.
Date of Birth:                        June 3, 1967                              
Entered on Duty:                  September 8, 1997
Title:                                       Border Patrol Agent 
End of Watch:                       July 11, 2020
 
Details: 
Border Patrol Agent Enrique Rositas Jr. passed away on July 11, 2020.  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.  Agent Rositas will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.
 
BPA Rositas was assigned to the McAllen Station, Rio Grande Valley Sector, where he served as a primary field training officer, collateral duty safety officer, certified ATV rider, a member of the Horse Patrol Unit, and vice-president of the McAllen Station Morale, Welfare and Recreation Association. He began his career with the United States Border Patrol on September 8, 1997 after serving nearly 12 years in the United States Air Force attaining the rank of staff sergeant. 
 
During his nearly 23-year career, BPA Rositas was known to many as "the very essence of what a USBP agent should be," and "was a loving husband and father who often spoke about his kids with such pride and joy."
 
BPA Rositas is survived by his wife and two children.

​Gravesite

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