Bastrop Post Office to Be Named for War Hero Billy D. Waugh

Bastrop's post office on Tuesday will be named in honor of Sgt. Maj. Billy D. Waugh, a decorated war hero who was born in the city.

The ceremony will take place beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the post office, 1106 Main St. A reception will follow from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Bastrop Museum, 904 Main St.

Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz authored the bill to honor Waugh in the Senate, where it was passed Nov. 19. Fellow Texas Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Austin, was a co-sponsor, and U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, introduced the House version of the bill. The lower chamber passed the bill in December.

Waugh "epitomized the American values of courage, patriotism, and self-sacrifice," McCaul said on the House floor. "Through his unparalleled life of service, he undoubtedly saved countless American lives and pushed back terrorism and evil around the world."

Waugh served in the Korean and Vietnam wars and had a more than 50-year career between the Special Forces and the Central Intelligence Agency. From 1948 to 1972, he served as an Army paratrooper and Green Beret, the colloquial name for Special Forces soldiers.

The service website Military.com called Waugh "the unparalleled father of the Green Berets" for the many missions he joined with them. He is among America's most decorated combatants, having won the Silver Star and eight Purple Hearts for his combat wounds and courage during his service – the third-most Purple Hearts received by any U.S. service member.

Waugh joined the U.S. Postal Service after his retirement from the Army. Later, as a CIA agent, he contributed to his country's successful pursuit of terrorists including the Venezuelan militant known as Carlos the Jackal and al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden.

After returning to Bastrop for his final years, Waugh died April 4, 2023. He was 93.