June 23 - June 29Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week, we delve into significant moments that have shaped the Patrol over the decades. On June 23, 1909, an announcement was issued that paved the way for modern border enforcement roles. In 1936, a pivotal change occurred when a memo authorized the wearing of slacks on the northern border, signaling the end of the era of puttees and boots. We also reflect on the bravery of Patrol Inspector Earl F. Fleckinger, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on June 23, 1945, near Calexico, California. His sacrifice remains a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by Border Patrol agents. Additionally, we look at Commissioner-General Harry E. Hull’s 1931 efforts to bolster manpower and the heroics of Agent Jay Visconti on June 24, 1999, whose swift actions during a life-threatening situation in San Diego exemplified the courage and dedication of the Border Patrol. Join us as we uncover these stories and more, providing a detailed look into the storied past 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 MILESTONESJune 23
On June 23, 1909, an announcement was issued for the position of Immigration Guard. The document also states that the announcement will be used to hire the position of watchmen.
On June 23, 1936, a memo was written to the field authorizing the wearing of slacks on the northern border April-October. This memo appears to mark the end of the wearing of puttees and boots by Patrol Inspectors. See the related documents below:
Line of Duty Death anniversary Earl F. Fleckinger Date of Birth: July 25, 1917 Entered on Duty: September 8, 1941 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: June 23, 1945 Details: At about 3:00 p.m. on the afternoon of June 23, 1945, Patrol Inspectors Earl F. Fleckinger and Wilbur E. Kinney were patrolling on U.S. Highway No. 98 about 1 1/2 miles east of Calexico, California, when they stopped and searched an automobile driven by a Mexican alien. Search of the automobile disclosed a quantity of liquor in the rear compartment, whereupon the alien was placed under arrest. The officers then started west toward Calexico with the alien. Inspector Fleckinger was driving the government automobile with the alien seated beside him and Inspector Kinney was following immediately behind in the alien's automobile. They had proceeded about one mile when Mr. Kinney heard two shots and observed the government automobile swerve off the road and into an adjacent canal bank. Mr. Kinney stopped the alien's car about 10 or 15 yards ahead of the government car, and while he was attempting to get out of the automobile, the alien fired four shots, which failed to hit him. Inspector Kinney pursued, caught and subdued the alien, and left him in an apparently unconscious condition lying prone in the center of the highway. Mr. Kinney then went to the aid of Inspector Fleckinger, at which time his attention was drawn back to the alien who was observed to be staggering across the international boundary into Mexico. Inspector Fleckinger was taken to a hospital in Calexico by a passerby. He had been shot in the head, which resulted in his death about 6:15 p.m. on the same day. Gravesite June 24 On June 24, 1931, Commissioner-General Harry E. Hull (1864-1938) responded to a manpower request submitted by the Commissioner of Immigration for the Montreal District. The document provides the positions and locations for all employees in the district. On June 24, 1931, Commissioner-General Hull responded to an invitation for Patrol Inspectors to compete from the National Rifle Association. Interestingly, the document identifies the NRA's headquarters as the Barr Building in Washington D.C. The building is still standing an is located one block award from CBP's H Street facility. On June 24, 1940, an order for 25 Thompson submachine guns and 30,000 rounds was submitted. The memo identifies which sectors would receive the firearms. Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Jay Visconti - photo, photo, statuette Border Patrol Agent San Diego Sector On June 24, 1999, Border Patrol Agent Jay Visconti observed a vehicle driving erratically on northbound Interstate 15 in San Diego, California. Agent Visconti, on duty and returning from firearms training, maneuvered his marked Border Patrol sedan closer to the erratic vehicle and determined that the driver was in serious distress, with the front seat passenger attempting to steer. Recognizing the gravity of the situation amid heavy traffic, Agent Visconti activated his overhead lights to create a traffic break. The erratic vehicle pulled over to the shoulder but continued moving slowly. Agent Visconti pulled over, exited his vehicle, and ran alongside the offending vehicle until he was able to jump through the passenger window and turn off the ignition. The driver was suffering from a heart attack. Agent Visconti immediately activated the emergency medical system and began rendering first aid. When the San Diego Police and Fire Departments arrived, the driver was in full cardiac arrest, and Agent Visconti was performing CPR. Agent Visconti’s actions ensured the safety of other motorists and provided essential support to the grieving passenger. His quick thinking and bravery in a critical situation exemplify the dedication and heroism honored by the Newton-Azrak Award. June 25 Line of Duty Death anniversary Robert W. Kelsay Date of Birth: January 23, 1899 Entered on Duty: July 1, 1927 Title: Senior Patrol Inspector End of Watch: June 25, 1930 Details: During the night of June 25, 1930, Senior Patrol Inspector Robert W. Kelsay and another officer were watching a river crossing near Laredo, Texas. They were fired upon by liquor smugglers whom they had attempted to stop. During the gunbattle, Senior Patrol Inspector Kelsay was fatally wounded. There is no information available regarding the identity of the smugglers. Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $58.33 per month. Gravesite June 26 On June 26, 1924, the Commissioner-General sent a response to the Commissioner of Immigration of the Montreal District (District #1), confirming the name of the new position:
Line of Duty Death anniversary Charles F. Inch Date of Birth: April 8, 1902 Entered on Duty: October 14, 1930 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: June 26, 1932 Details: The limited information available relative to Patrol Inspector Charles F. Inch indicates that he was attempting to board a moving freight train but was thrown from it, the wheels passing over his body. He was pursuing two aliens who were attempting to enter illegally from Canada. The fatal accident occurred in the Michigan Central tunnel yard at Detroit, Michigan, on June 26, 1932. Survivor benefits - As per this document, his mother and father received $46.50 per month. Gravesite June 27 On June 27 1924, the Acting Commissioner-General sent a memo to the Acting Secretary of the Department of Labor, informing him of the names and locations of newly hired Patrol Inspectors for District 22 which include the modern-day Del Rio, Laredo, and Rio Grande Valley Sectors. On June 27 1924, the Acting Commissioner-General sent a memo to the Acting Secretary of the Department of Labor, informing him of the names and locations of newly hired Patrol Inspectors for District 25 which include the modern-day Tucson, El Paso, and Big Bend Sectors. On June 27, 1959, Patrol Inspectors of Ogdensburg Sector assisted the U.S. Secret Service in providing security for Vice-President Richard Nixon and Queen Elizabeth II at the dedication of the Moses-Saunders Power Dam on the St. Lawrence River.
June 28 On June 28, 1970, all Border Patrol Inspectors were converted to Border Patrol Agents. All new badges and credentials issued after that date would have the new title. Many of the old Patrol Inspector badges were retired and had a metal panel affixed with the date June 27, 1970. Session 95 of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy at Los Fresnos, TX, was the last class to graduate with the title Patrol Inspector.
June 28, 2017, “The U.S. Border Patrol became a part of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History's Many Voices, One Nation exhibit in Washington, DC, when uniform items donated by Associate Chief Banco and others from U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters, were displayed. The exhibit showcases "how the many voices of people in America have shaped our nation" and is the story of 500 years of immigration and the evolution of the United States into the great Nation it is today.
June 29 On June 29, 1926, the Commissioner-General sent a memo to the Secretary of the Department of Labor, recommending that all Chief Patrol Inspectors receive raises. There are several items of interest in this 2-page document:
On June 29, 1943, the El Paso District sent a memo to the Central Office inventorying items that were old and tarnished, and being returned to headquarters. The memo offers insight into those early uniform items and their designs, e.g. pin-back versus screw-back attachment mechanisms. Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Juanita Santana - photo Border Patrol Agent Tucson Sector On June 29, 1995, Border Patrol Agent Juanita Santana of the Tucson Border Patrol Station, was assigned to patrol a major smuggling route south of Tucson, Arizona. Shortly after 5:00 p.m., Agent Santana observed a suspicious vehicle and conducted a normal vehicle stop. When she reached the rear door of the car, the driver, without warning, pointed a handgun out of his window and immediately began firing at her. Two shots struck her in the chest directly over her heart. Both bullets were stopped by a bulletproof vest she was wearing. A third shot struck her left forearm and completely penetrated it below the elbow. The fourth shot struck her ammunition pouch, which was fastened to her gun belt. This fourth bullet disintegrated on impact and Agent Santana was struck in the abdomen by shrapnel from the bullet. Although struck four times and seriously wounded, Agent Santana drew her revolver and returned fire at the driver. Agent Santana ran back to her patrol vehicle and immediately began to pursue the fleeing suspects. She radioed for assistance and informed the Communications Center that she had been shot. Even though she was injured and bleeding heavily, she maintained her composure and clearly broadcast all pertinent suspect information. Agent Santana also received the USBP Purple Cross for this action.
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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
October 2024
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