Austin News

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz announced the Senate's approval of a bill to rename the United States Post Office on Main Street in Bastrop, Texas, as the "Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh Post Office." This legislation honors Sergeant Major Billy Waugh, a decorated war veteran and Bastrop resident.

Senator Cruz stated, "Sergeant Major Billy Waugh dedicated his life to serving his state and country. As an Army paratrooper, Special Forces Soldier, CIA paramilitary officer, Postal Service member, and eight-time Purple Heart recipient, he embodied the highest ideals of American patriotism and sacrifice. By naming the Bastrop Post Office after Sergeant Major Waugh, we honor his legacy of resilience, courage, and sacrifice."

Senator John Cornyn expressed support for the bill alongside Senator Cruz: “I am proud to champion legislation alongside Senator Cruz to designate the post office in Bastrop, Texas, after Sergeant Major Waugh, a decorated combat war veteran and eight-time Purple Heart recipient who dedicated five decades of service to our country. Now that this bill has passed the Senate, we are one step closer to renaming this facility in his honor.”

Representative Michael McCaul added his remarks: “Sergeant Major Waugh was a true American hero whose courage, patriotism, and service must never be forgotten. He epitomized what it means to be a proud American and a brave Texan — fighting to push back evil around the world and saving countless lives in the process."

Born in December 1929 in Bastrop County, Texas, Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh served as an Army paratrooper and Special Forces Soldier from 1948 until 1972. His military career included participation in both Korean and Vietnam wars where he received numerous awards including the Silver Star and eight Purple Hearts.

After retiring from military service, Waugh joined the United States Postal Service before working with the Central Intelligence Agency as a paramilitary operations officer targeting terrorists such as Carlos the Jackal and Osama Bin Laden.

Waugh returned to Bastrop later in life where he passed away at age 93 in April 2023.