Patrol Inspector Thaddeus "Thad" Pippin

Thaddeus "Thad" Pippin

Patrol Inspector Thad Pippin was shot and killed while tracking suspected smugglers along the Rio Grande River near the El Paso Brick Company plant one mile west of El Paso, Texas.

A team of four inspectors began tracking a pack train, but were uncertain which trail the smugglers had taken. The team split up to two teams to guard two different trails. During the deployment Inspector Pippin and his partner engaged the suspects in a gunfight and Inspector Pippin was fatally wounded. His partner was also seriously wounded but survived.

The other inspectors rushed to the scene to offer assistance. They were able to confiscate liquor and two burrows but no suspects were ever apprehended.

Inspector Pippin had served with the United States Border Patrol for 11 months. He was survived by his mother. He was buried in Bryan, Texas.