The town of Bastrop has commemorated the service of one of its own, dedicating its post office to local Army veteran and hero, Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh. A ceremony was held on Tuesday morning, which saw the presence of Waugh's widow, Lynn Waugh, along with family members who witnessed the unveiling of the new nameplate, KXAN reports.
Speaking at the event, Lynn expressed her pride, "It means a lot, it means that his local people that he grew up with are very in tune to what he did for the country for all those years." In an intimate gesture of public memory, those who pass through the doors of the post office will encounter the legacy of a man whose life seemed woven into the fabric of national service, according to a statement obtained by CBS Austin.
Sergeant Major Waugh's military career spanned over two decades, beginning in 1948. He was a paratrooper and Special Forces soldier who saw combat in Korea and Vietnam. He remarkably earned eight Purple Hearts among other military honors for his service, making him one of the most decorated servicemen in U.S. history. The U.S. Postal Service praised Waugh as a "true American hero whose courage, patriotism, and service will never be forgotten."
The dedication of the post office has not only solidified Waugh's memory within Bastrop but also elevated his story to a national profile. McCaul commented, "He's a real historic figure in the United States, beyond Bastrop -- for the whole country." This sentiment underscores not only the respect for military service in the community but also the universal recognition of individual heroism, as McCaul told KXAN. The move to rename the post office required legislative action, a bill passed unanimously by Congress, and was signed by the president last year, highlighting the importance of Waugh's legacy.
Waugh continued his life of service beyond the military, joining the Postal Service himself after his retirement. He later worked as a paramilitary operations officer with the Central Intelligence Agency. Waugh's journey came full circle as he returned to Bastrop before passing away in April 2023 at the age of 93.
