USBP Achievement Award Recipients

*** Under construction ***
​Originally designed to be the Chief's Commendation Medal under the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the design was repurposed as the USBP Achievement Award. The Chief's Commendation Medal was awarded to one person in 2002. 
 
USBP Achievement Award graphic by TIOH.
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Criteria
Awarded to an employee or a group for meritorious achievement or service based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature, and shall be of such merit as to warrant more recognition than is possible by non-traditional awards, but which is not significant enough to justify the U.S. Border Patrol Commendation Award, or
  • Awarded to an individual or a group for lifesavings efforts, exceeding expectation, not involving heroism,
  • Awarded to an individual or a group for heroism, not justifying the U.S. Border Patrol Commendation Award.
Awards of the U.S. Border Patrol Achievement for acts of heroism are distinguished with the addition of a “V” device affixed to the suspension ribbon and ribbon bar.

To add your USBP Achievement Award to this page, send an email to cliff@honorfirst.com.  Please include a photo of the award, certificate and other relevant information.
Award links

Recipients

Omar S. Rascon
Citation for heroism

On December 14, 2014, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Sierra Blanca station attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle containing the driver and two passengers.  The vehicle attempted to evade and a pursuit was initiated. During the pursuit, the suspects fired at and struck the Border Patrol vehicle.  The pursuit was joined by other agents and local law enforcement.  Shortly thereafter, the suspect vehicle went off-road and became disabled at which point the three armed suspects engaged law enforcement with firearms.  During the gunfight, one suspect suffered multiple gunshot wounds ending the firefight.  All three suspects were taken into custody and subsequently convicted of numerous crimes. The actions of the Border Patrol Agents brought credit upon themselves and the United States Border Patrol.
Photo pending
Clifford A. Gill (second award)
Citation for meritorious achievement

From May 18, 1998 to December 31, 2020, Assistant Chief (ASC) Clifford A. Gill's accomplishments displayed a passion for duty and service in each assignment he undertook.  ASC Gill started his career at the Laredo South Station.  He was a dedicated member of the USBP Honor Guard for over 20 year-end the founding commander of the USBP Pipes and Drums.  At USBP headquarters, ASC Gill led the effort to create the Untied States Border Patrol's official Awards and History Programs. Through the Awards Program, employees can now receive meaningful and lasting recognition for their achievements.  His arduous hours of detailed research at the National Archives revealed numerous records documenting significant action in Border Patrol History that would have otherwise, never been found.  The distinctive accomplishments of Chief Gill's performance brought credit upon himself, his family and the United States Border Patrol.
Travis J. Carter
Citation for meritorious achievement

For exceptionally meritorious service while assisting in the life saving rescue efforts on April 24, 2020.  Border Patrol Agent Travis J. Carter distinguished himself by displaying the highest attributes of professionalism, technical competence, and leadership ultimately resulting in the saved life of National Guardsman Micheal Watson.  His exemplary performance reflects great credit upon himself, Yuma Sector, and the United States Border Patrol.
Multiple Recipients

​Stephen Lopez
Howard Craig
Mark Nelson
Jonathan Tacbian 
Robert C. Nila
Guadalupe F. Salazar
Joyce Golosino
Ricardo R. Rios
Basilio Rosales
Tim W. Nickell
Jeffery C. Swanson
​Kristen Hill
On May 14, 2016, the CBP Pipes and Drums competed in the 15th annual Steve Young Pipe Band Competition, winning the 1st place Performance Award, and the award for Best Dress and Deportment.  Their self-discipline and personal devotion to excellence allowed them to overcome the obstacles created by their desperate geographic duty stations, and still maintain the high standards to be successful.  For this achievement, the team received the Commissioner's Unit Citation.  Their professionalism and performance brought credit upon themselves and the United States Border Patrol.
Multiple Recipients


Stephen Lopez (second award)
Mark Nelson (second award)
Ronald J. Muscate 
Robert C. Nila (second award)
Joyce Golosino (second award)
Drexel R. Fruits
Ricardo R. Rios (second award)
Basilio Rosales (second award)
Tim W. Nickell (second award)
​Matthew P. Renner
Jeffery C. Swanson (second award)
​Kristen Hill (second award)
Citation for meritorious achievement

​On May 14, 2019, the U.S. Border Patrol Pipes and Drums took first place at the National Honor Guard Competition.  Although the band members are from various sectors and perform regular law enforcement duties, they excelled at the competition and put on an exceptional performance the earned them first place in the Nation.  Their exceptional performance brought credit upon themselves and the United States Border Patrol.
Multiple recipients

Nathan G. Davis
Willie T. Davis Sr.
Silvino Arias
Citation for heroism

On July 26, 2020, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Ysleta Station, in the face of great danger and personal risk of bodily harm, heroically saved the life of a male who otherwise would have perished in the American Canal.  The agents' actions, work ethic, initiative, and dedication reflect highly on them and the United States Border Patrol.