Austin News

The House of Representatives has passed a bill to designate the United States Post Office on Main Street in Bastrop, Texas, as the "Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh Post Office." This legislative effort was led by U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz.

Senator Cornyn expressed his pride in championing this legislation alongside Senator Cruz, stating, "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." He noted that with the bill's passage in the House, they are closer to renaming the facility in honor of Waugh's legacy.

Senator Cruz highlighted Sergeant Major Waugh's dedication to his state and country: "Sergeant Major Billy Waugh dedicated his life to serving his state and country," he said. He praised Waugh as embodying "the highest ideals of American patriotism and sacrifice" through various roles including Army paratrooper and CIA paramilitary officer. Naming the post office after him is seen as an honor for his legacy.

Billy D. Waugh was born in December 1929 in Bastrop, Texas. His military career spanned from 1948 to 1972, during which he served as an Army paratrooper and Special Forces Soldier with significant contributions during the Korean and Vietnam wars. Notably, he participated in military history's first high-altitude, low-opening (HALO) combat parachute assault.

Waugh earned numerous awards for his service including the Silver Star and eight Purple Hearts. After retiring from military service, he worked with the United States Postal Service before joining the Central Intelligence Agency as a paramilitary operations officer where he was involved in tracking terrorists like Carlos the Jackal and Osama Bin Laden.

After returning to Bastrop later in life, Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh passed away at 93 years old in April 2023.