INTRODUCTION:

This pictorial journal has been prepared to focus us all on a work that has been part of the heart and soul of so many of us over the past many years. When asked to share my skills and to create a larger than life model of Patrol Inspector John Ward and his now famous mount, Lee O’Daniel, I fixed my sights steadfastly with one singular purpose in mind…to honor the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol past and present. What has passed is not only legacy, but now more than ever before, it is the foundation of our future. Wisdom teaches…to know our past is to know who we are. And to know who we are forms the essence of who we will become. As we move forward into service under the Department of Homeland Security, we must remain steadfast in our motto and be the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol.

This brochure begins with a photograph of PI John Ward and his mount, Lee O’Daniel taken in 1943 at Strauss, New Mexico. The story goes that Lee O’Daniel was named after a unique Texas Governor who allegedly had some of the same characteristics as the horse, which at that time belonged to the US Border Patrol at Ysleta, TX. Inspectors assigned to horse patrol at that location were unable to ride this horse. Lee was scheduled for disposal but it was suggested that he be transferred to Strauss, NM and that John Ward be given a chance to break him. John Ward was a well known horse wrangler and rodeo performer. It was thought that if anyone could manage this horse it would be John. This photograph has been the logo of The Border Patrol Museum since it’s inception in 1985. More recently it became the logo used by the U.S. Border Patrol Academy.



My role is to work diligently to prepare a work that will enhance the museum, not for some cosmetic purpose, but more importantly to achieve a representation that will embody the spirit of all whom have served faithfully.



My hope is that as you see this finished pieced of work all the memories each of you have of “riding the river” will surface and that none of you will allow the past to depart from memory so long as you shall live.



HONOR FIRST

John L. Carter
Patrol Agent in Charge
Pecos, Texas



HISTORY OF THE “WARD AND LEE” PROJECT

Since the establishment of the U.S. Border Patrol in 1924, and even prior to that, its Patrol Inspectors and Agents have always had “symbols” that represented the fabric of its officers and the essence of its values. HONOR FIRST was chosen as its first and only motto. It spoke then and speaks now of the attribute of integrity that serves as the mainstay of the tie that has bound and still binds us after more than eighty-four years. Icons, symbols, only represent ideas or things. Though icons may link the past to the present, they are not substitutes. The HONOR of the past…INTEGRITY must be modeled. Ward and Lee will only represent the essence of the past to the extent it may remind, but it is our role, our duty, to model these principles for future generations.



On March 01, 2003, the Patrol was integrated into the newly organized Department of Homeland Security. Throughout its history, the Patrol has served proudly in the Department of Labor, the Department of Justice, and now serves the nation proudly under the new Department. Unaffected by wherever it is administered, the Patrol remains committed to leading the way in integrity and purpose. We are the Patrol. We are the United States Border Patrol.



The struggles and efforts of men of purpose and integrity, such as Senior Patrol Inspector Tommy Box, Chief Patrol Inspector T. Ball, Chief Patrol Inspector Bill Sabin, Chief Patrol Inspector G. Harrison, Chief Patrol Inspector C. McBee, Chief Patrol Inspector D. Wright, Chief Patrol Inspector E. Fallis, Chief Patrol Inspector DeBrail, Bill Toney, Bill Jordan, Horace B. Carter, Chief Patrol Inspector H. Moore and Chief Patrol Inspector Harlon B. Carter, have lived, not as mere memories and personalities worthy only of historical documentation. These patrol inspectors and many notable others were all of the same fiber.



They were men of honor. These men and others have become symbolic of all we were and must remain. They have lead the way for the men and women who now share the task of defending the nation against terrorists and protecting the sovereignty of the nation. “I am proud to bring honor to these men and women with whom I was raised, who nurtured me in the wellspring of Honor First.”



Biography:

PAIC Carter was born to Harlon B. Carter and Mary Juanita Lange on August 6, 1944 in Atlanta Georgia, while Mr. Carter was serving as Officer In Charge of a Detention Facility for German Prisoner’s of War. He comes from a family of officer’s who have served since the beginning of the Border Patrol in 1924. They are Horace B. Carter, Harlon B. Carter and his brother, J. William Carter.



He graduated from Texas A&I College, Kingsville, Texas as a Distinguished Military Graduate and commenced public service on May 17, 1967 as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served as an Infantry, Airborne, Ranger officer in Vietnam and received two bronze stars for valor and one for meritorious service in 1969. He retired from the U.S. Army in December 1995 as a Lieutenant Colonel.



He joined the U.S. Border Patrol in February 13, 1977. He is presently the Patrol Agent in Charge at Pecos Border Patrol Station and is a past member of the Border Patrol National Pistol Team, 1490 shooter.



He is an avid shooter and a Benefactor member of the National Rifle Association. He is a Distinguished Rifleman (Department of Defense Award) with the service rifle, and distinguished with the revolver and semi-automatic pistol.

In addition to his interest in metal art he is a graduate of the Sunset School of Preaching, churches of Christ and author, Representational studies and poetry.



He has served as Vice-President, Ortega Trails Park and Recreation District, Lake Elsinore, CA, and is now the President of the Big Bend Law Enforcement Officer’s Association for West Texas.

BORDER PATROL INSPECTOR JOHN WARD
AND
HIS HORSE LEE O’DANIEL
Circa 1943

This commemorative work is in recognition of those who have served their Country in the United States Border Patrol, and rests as an inspiration for others to follow. May it remind us of our past, of those who have devoted their lives and suffered for the cause of Liberty. It is a testament of those who represented nobility of spirit, dedication to duty, devotion to justice, and service to a higher authority than themselves. May we faithfully follow the Border Patrol motto which we proudly defend,

“HONOR FIRST”
ARTIST: JOHN L. CARTER,
PAIC, PECOS, TEXAS MUSEUM GOVERNORS AND
NATIONAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2008

Lee O’Daniel
Strauss, NM
1940’s

nspector John Ward
And his horse
Lee O’daniel
Circa 1943

Lee O’Daniel
Strauss, NM
1940’s