Congressman champions for local ‘hero’

A Bastrop County native and decorated veteran may soon be honored with a lasting tribute in his hometown.

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul defended a bill on the House Floor Dec. 17 to rename the Bastrop post office at 1106 Main Street in honor of Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh. 

“(Waugh) epitomized the American values of courage, patriotism and self-sacrifice,” said McCaul, who represents Bastrop County as part of Texas’ 10^th Congressional District. “Naming this post office after him is a testament to a life well-lived and an opportunity for all Texans to pay homage to this great American hero.”

The bill passed by unanimous consent and now awaits the President’s signature. 

Waugh, born in Bastrop in 1929, served in the U.S. Army Special Forces for over 20 years. During his military career, he saw combat in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, participating in the first high-altitude, low-opening parachute mission documented. 

His many commendations include a Silver Star, four Bronze Stars and eight Purple Hearts — placing him third in U.S. history for the most Purple Hearts awarded, according to military records.

“He led a lifelong commitment to his country from a young age,” McCaul said. “He understood, as (President) Reagan did, that ‘Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for and protected.’”

After retiring from the military in 1972, Waugh continued serving his country as a CIA paramilitary officer, the congressman added, actively involved in counterterrorism operations. At age 71, he was deployed to Afghanistan as part of the CIA's mission following the 9/11 attacks.

Waugh died in 2023 at the age of 93.

McCaul spoke on the local’s legacy for five minutes, detailing his journey to become “the unparalleled godfather of the Green Berets.” 

According to the representative, renaming the post office would serve as a permanent tribute to Waugh’s extraordinary life and legacy.

“After a life of service to his country, it is only fitting,” he said.