The community gathered June 17 to formally dedicate the Bastrop Post Office in honor of Sergeant Major William “Billy” Waugh, a Bastrop native whose five-decade career in military and intelligence service earned national acclaim.

Some background

Born in 1929, Waugh was a legendary Green Beret and took part in the first HALO combat jump. After retiring from the Army, he worked as a letter carrier before joining the CIA, where he tracked high-profile terrorists. Waugh retired from the CIA in 2005 and returned to Bastrop. He died April 4, 2023, according to his obituary.
Billy Waugh's daughter, Leslie Waugh (left), and his widow Lynn Waugh, were honored by speakers including U.S. Congressman Michael T. McCaul. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)
Billy Waugh's daughter, Leslie Waugh (left), and his widow Lynn Waugh, were honored by speakers including U.S. Congressman Michael T. McCaul. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)
Why it matters

Waugh received numerous military honors, including eight Purple Hearts for combat injuries—ranking him third among those who have received the most Purple Hearts in U.S. history.

Other honors include four bronze stars, the silver star and the CIA intelligence star, among many more.
U.S. Congressman Michael T. McCaul introduced the House version of the bill in August 2023 to designate the facility as the Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh Post Office. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)
U.S. Congressman Michael T. McCaul introduced the House version of the bill in August 2023 to designate the facility as the Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh Post Office. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)
Notable quote


“I am proud to officially dedicate the Bastrop Post Office in his honor so all Texans can remember his incredible life of service and pay homage to this great American Hero,” said U.S. Congressman Michael T. McCaul, who introduced the House version of the bill in August 2023 to designate the facility as the Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh Post Office. The bill was enacted into law on Dec. 23, 2024.