Austin News

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has introduced a bill to designate the United States Post Office on North Tancahua Street in Corpus Christi as the "Captain Robert E. 'Bob' Batterson Post Office." This move aims to honor Capt. Batterson's service as a United States Navy veteran and former Naval Aviator.

The bill was initially introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Michael Cloud and successfully passed on December 5, 2024.

Senator Cruz remarked, "Captain Robert E. ‘Bob’ Batterson was a man of great integrity with a heart for service. He bravely faced one of the worst assaults on American soil, the attack on Pearl Harbor... By naming this post office in his honor, we will ensure his legacy endures here in Corpus Christi."

Rep. Cloud added, "I am honored to introduce legislation to designate a post office in downtown Corpus Christi in the name of Captain Robert E. ‘Bob’ Batterson for his legacy of service... Naming this post office in his honor ensures that his contributions to our nation and our community are remembered for generations to come."

Capt. Batterson enlisted in 1939 and served for 35 years in the U.S. Navy, earning his wings at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi after being stationed there during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7th, 1941. He flew F6F Hellcats until World War II ended and continued serving until retiring from the Supply Corps in 1974.

After retirement, he volunteered for over two decades at the U.S.S. Lexington Museum, particularly focusing on preserving history related to Pearl Harbor. Capt. Batterson passed away at age 102 in 2023.