Roll of Honor
Incident
Lieutenant Thomas Couzens, Private Littleton Rattan, Private Richard Gilbert and were killed during a fight with Indians near the headwaters of the Nueces River.
The Rangers had pursued the Indians, who had stolen several horses from their camp. They engaged in hand-to-hand combat after a nine-day pursuit. Private Gilbert and Private Rattan were both killed during the fight. Lieutenant Couzens was struck by an arrow and died from his wounds on January 11th, 1848.
Lt. Couzens, On today, the 172nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Texas.
R.I.P. USBP
Anonymous United States Border Patrol January 11th, 2020
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute - 1 candle.
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Tributes
178 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Lieutenant Couzens served with the Texas Rangers.
Thank you for your service to the Austin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Lieutenant Thomas Couzens is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In TX, 1,461 of 2,422 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.3% of this state's fallen. That is 60.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Texas Rangers, 104 of 122 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 85.2% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas Couzens's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas Couzens Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas Couzens is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas Couzens was killed by edged weapon.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
121 officers from Texas Rangers are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
