United States Department of the Treasury - United States Customs Service, U.S. Government
End of Watch Monday, December 22, 1980
Add to My HeroesDenis Lee Van Patten
Customs Agent Denis Van Patten was killed in a vehicle crash while assigned as an attache to the United States Department of State in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Agent Van Patten was a veteran of both the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps. He had served with the United States Customs Service for six years and was assigned to the United States Customs Service's Narcotics Control Division. He is survived by his wife and son.
Bio
- Age 40
- Tour 6 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Automobile crash
- Location Overseas
Most Recent Reflection
View all 11 ReflectionsI think about my Uncle Denis often as one of the 'Few Good Men.' He visited us shortly before he returned to duty station that December and it still remains a fond childhood memory. I remember his big smile and the special gifts he gave us.
My mom and I went to the memorial in D.C. a few years ago and said a prayer to honor him.
I tell my children about him and he will never be forgotten.
April Fortune
December 2, 2022
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