The mission of Border Patrol Foundation (BPF) is to honor the memory of fallen U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents and provide support and resources to the families. BPF provides support to Border Patrol employees, USBP agents and their families for on- and off-duty deaths, injuries, illnesses, family medical emergencies, special circumstances and student scholarships.
Ralph L. Anderson
End of Watch
October 25, 1968
Patrol Inspector Anderson was assigned to the 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. shift on the international boundary near San Ysidro, California. Shortly after 4:00 p.m., Patrol Inspector Charles Thompson found Patrol Inspector Anderson in a Service-owned vehicle in a remote area near the Mexican border east of the San Ysidro Port of Entry. There was a bullet wound in Inspector Anderson’s right temple and a 218 “Bee” Savage bolt action rifle inside the vehicle, with the muzzle pointing upward and leaning toward the decedent. An investigation conducted by FBI Agent Nicks revealed the rifle was carried loose inside the vehicle with the muzzle upward. There was no indication of any other person or persons having been in the area. San Diego County Deputy Coroner Murphy concluded the mode of death to be accidental.