USBP Purple Cross Recipients
*** Under construction ***
This is the U.S. Border Patrol wound award. It may be used to commemorate injuries suffered in the scope of duty as well as injures due to assault related events.
USBP Purple Cross graphic by TIOH.
Criteria
May be awarded to any employee who, while in the scope of duty, sustains:
USBP Purple Cross graphic by TIOH.
Criteria
May be awarded to any employee who, while in the scope of duty, sustains:
- Protracted or permanent impairment of any bodily function;
- Fatal injury;
- Injury as the result of an assault with a deadly weapon, which requires treatment by a medical professional; or
- Injuries attributed, directly or indirectly, from an attack by an assailant with the following factors:
- The injury or wound cannot be attributed to bravado or gross negligence; and
- Any act of valor may be distinguished with the addition of a "V" device to affix to the ribbon.
Recipients
Under construction
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.
Also received the Newton-Azrak Award for this action.
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.
Also received the Newton-Azrak Award for this action.