Billy Waugh at home in 2011. US. Air Force photo by Nick Stubbs.
William Dawson Waugh, known as Billy Waugh, was born on December 1, 1929, in Bastrop, Texas. Inspired by World War II veterans, he attempted to join the Marine Corps at 15 but was unsuccessful. He later enlisted in the United States Army in 1948.
Waugh’s military career took off when he joined the U.S. Army Special Forces, earning his Green Beret in 1954. He served in the Korean War and was later deployed to Vietnam, where he trained indigenous forces and fought against the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. During a nighttime raid in 1965, Waugh was severely wounded but continued to serve with distinction.
After retiring from the Army in 1972, Waugh joined the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 1977. His transition to the CIA marked the beginning of a new chapter in his illustrious career, where he continued to serve his country with distinction. His work with the CIA took him to 64 countries over five decades. He played a crucial role in tracking and capturing notorious terrorists, including Carlos the Jackal and Osama bin Laden.
Notable Operations
Waugh’s military and intelligence career is nothing short of legendary. During the Vietnam War, Waugh served with distinction, earning eight Purple Hearts over seven years of intense combat. His bravery and resilience were evident as he participated in numerous counterinsurgency operations against the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army. Waugh’s dedication to his mission and his ability to lead and train Vietnamese and Cambodian forces made him a formidable figure in the war.
In the 1970s, Billy Waugh was tasked with tracking Libyan military installations, providing crucial intelligence during a period of heightened tensions. This mission was of significant importance as Libya was receiving substantial military assistance from the Soviet Union at the time. Waugh’s efforts in gathering and analyzing intelligence on Libyan military capabilities helped the U.S. maintain a strategic advantage in the region. Additionally, Waugh was involved in training Libyan armed forces, sharing his extensive military knowledge and expertise to enhance their capabilities.
In the 1980s, Waugh played a key role in disrupting Soviet attempts to steal U.S. weapons technology in the Pacific. Assigned to the Kwajalein Missile Range in the Marshall Islands, he was responsible for tracking Soviet small boat teams operating in the area3. His vigilance and expertise in surveillance and counterintelligence were instrumental in preventing the Soviets from acquiring sensitive missile technology. Waugh’s contributions during this period were vital in safeguarding U.S. military advancements and maintaining technological superiority over the Soviet Union.
In the 1990s, Waugh played a crucial role in the capture of Carlos the Jackal, one of the world’s most notorious terrorists. While working in Khartoum, Sudan, Waugh’s surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts were instrumental in locating and apprehending Carlos. His meticulous work and unwavering commitment to the mission showcased his exceptional skills as a CIA operative.
Additionally, while in Khartoum, Sudan, Waugh was instrumental in tracking Osama bin Laden. At that time, bin Laden was relatively unknown to the public but was of significant interest to U.S. intelligence. Waugh’s cover involved jogging around the city, which allowed him to conduct surveillance on bin Laden’s compound without raising suspicion. His efforts in gathering intelligence and monitoring bin Laden’s activities were crucial in understanding the threat posed by the future leader of al-Qaeda.
Waugh proposed plans to eliminate Osama bin Laden while he was in Sudan. During his time in Khartoum, Waugh had several opportunities to take him out. He pitched these plans to capture or eliminate bin Laden. Despite his detailed proposals and the opportunities, he identified, the plans were not acted upon at that time, although they were transmitted up the chain of command to the White House.
Following the 9/11 attacks, he was part of a CIA team tasked with hunting down Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan. Waugh’s experience and expertise were invaluable as he navigated the treacherous terrain of Tora Bora and engaged in operations against the Taliban. His relentless pursuit of bin Laden highlighted his enduring commitment to national security and his remarkable ability to adapt to new challenges, even in the later stages of his career.
Legacy
Billy Waugh’s life and career are truly remarkable, showcasing his unwavering commitment to serving his country. His career spanned over five decades, and many of his missions remain classified, highlighting the depth and breadth of his contributions to national security. He inspired generations of special operations forces and left an indelible mark on both the U.S. Army and the CIA. Waugh passed away on April 4, 2023, at the age of 93.
Resources
Central Intelligence Agency
CIA.gov
U.S. Army Special Operations Recruiting
GoArmySOF.Army.mil
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.