The name is William “Billy” Waugh (left). A Texas native who became a legend within the military and intelligence community. Serving a total of 50 years, in 3 different wars and multiple conflicts.
The following is only a short list of his accomplishments. His love for the military began at the age of 15, after meeting 2 Marine WW2 vets. He tried to enlist at that age, but had to wait it out until 1948; that’s when Waugh joined the Army. In 1951, he was assigned to the 187th Airborne RCT and deployed to Korea during the war.
After Korea, Waugh became a green beret and in 1961 found himself conducting operations in South Vietnam and Laos. During a commando raid in 1965, Waugh's unit found itself engaged against 4,000 NVA soldiers. While he and his men attempted to retreat from the battle, Waugh received numerous wounds to his head and legs. Unconscious, he was taken for dead by NVA soldiers and left alone. Despite his injuries, Waugh returned to friendly lines.
He spent much of 1965 and 1966 recuperating at Walter Reed Hospital. Realizing that laying in the hospital was for suckers, Waugh escaped the hospital and returned to Vietnam. By then, he was assigned to MAC-V-SOG and ran clandestine operations in Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam for 5 years. Waugh is credited for the first HALO jump in a combat zone (1970), also led the last combat Special reconnaissance parachute insertion by American Army Special Forces (HALO) parachutists into denied territory (North Vietnam) in June 22, 1971.
After retiring from the Army as a Sgt.Maj in 1972, Waugh worked for the CIA’s Special Activities Division. Conducting operations in Libya, Sudan and other places. During the 90s, Waugh conducted numerous intelligence operations against Osama Bin Laden, Carlos “The Jackal” and other terrorist leaders.
At the age of 71, Waugh participated in Operation Enduring Freedom as a member of a CIA team that went into Afghanistan to work with the Northern Alliance to topple the Taliban regime and Al Qaeda at the Battle of Tora Bora.
During his career, Waugh earned the Silver Star, 4 Bronze Stars, 8 Purple Hearts and much more. Just goes to show you that the zero life has no bounds.