On April 4th, 1938 Waugh would enlist in the State National Guard in Augusta. On December 1st, 1939 Waugh enlisted in the United States Army. Waugh was assigned to the Air Corps at Langley Field Virginia, where he served as a Line Mechanic. In January of 1941, Waugh was transferred to Losey Field, Ponce, Puerto Rico. During his time in Puerto Rico, Waugh again served as a line mechanic. Later, following a promotion to sergeant he was assigned to be Supply Clerk.  While at Losey Field, Waugh applied for to be an Aviation Cadet. After being rejected Waugh requested and was transferred to the Infantry.

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Joining the Infantry

Upon Joining the Infantry, Waugh was sent to Camp Wolters, Texas, where he served as a Recruit Instructor. Eventually in September of 1942, Waugh entered the Infantry officers Candidate School. He would graduate as a Second Lieutenant and be assigned to the 339th Infantry Regiment of the 85th Infantry Division, at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. He trained  remained with his Regiment in Mississippi unit December 23, 1943, the date he departed to Italy.

 

North Africa

Before landing in Italy the 85th made a stop at Casablanca, Morocco. The 339th was the first to dock and walk the streets of the city. Eventually the Regiment would make there way to Camp Don D. Passage. From their Arrival on January second, to their departure on March 27, 1944, the 85 Infantry would be moving across North Africa. Eventually departing from Casablanca, Port-aux-Poules, and Oran. Eventually landing in Naples on March 10.

 

Naples

When the 339th landed in Naples, the once mecca tourist city was reduced to city whose populus was suffering from the prevalence of acute hunger. The harbour was decimated and the city was extremely warm. To make things stranger the troops noticed an unusual fog coming over the city, occasionally at nights. This ‘fog’ would turn out to be the Chemical Warfare Services doing. Multiple times they set up “smoke pots” in and around the city to ward of German Bombers. Eventually, by April 10th, 1944 the 85th was on there way to the Gustav line near North of Minturno.

 

The Gustav Line/ The First Offensive

On April 10th the first major offensive committed by the 85th and 339th was the attack on the Gustav line. The same offensive that Waugh would receive his Purple Heart and Medal of Honor.

 

Waugh’s Citation

The following citation mentions actions that took place on May 11-14, taking place at Hill 79:

 

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy. In the course of an attack upon an enemy-held hill on 11 May, 1st Lt. Waugh personally reconnoitered a heavily mined area before entering it with his platoon. Directing his men to deliver fire on 6 bunkers guarding this hill, 1st Lt. Waugh advanced alone against them, reached the first bunker, threw phosphorus grenades into it and as the defenders emerged, killed them with a burst from his tommygun. He repeated this process on the 5 remaining bunkers, killing or capturing the occupants. On the morning of 14 May, 1st Lt. Waugh ordered his platoon to lay a base of fire on 2 enemy pillboxes located on a knoll which commanded the only trail up the hill. He then ran to the first pillbox, threw several grenades into it, drove the defenders into the open, and killed them. The second pillbox was next taken by this intrepid officer by similar methods. The fearless actions of 1st Lt. Waugh broke the Gustav Line at that point, neutralizing 6 bunkers and 2 pillboxes and he was personally responsible for the death of 30 of the enemy and the capture of 25 others. He was later killed in action in Itri, Italy, while leading his platoon in an attack.”

 

Not noted in the citation is how Waugh ran back forth from Hill 79 to Hill 66 and 69. Waugh did this because of communication failure. Which was a result of the constant mortar and heavy artillery shelling that bombarded the  Hills and surrounding terraced and flat land. To keep communication Waugh ran through the constant shelled battled field.

 

Waugh’s efforts spread through the Regiment quickly and he soon became a talking point. He actions were so moving that is rejuvenated men to fight hardening and look beyond their physical fatigue.

 

Itri/ Death

After being successfully breaking the Gustav line and overrunning the German forces, the 339th as well as the rest of the 85th was ordered to keep pressing on toward Itri. On May 19th Waugh was pronounced dead. (I don’t know how I should say he died, even with the paperwork)

 

Upon his death, Waugh was posthumously promoted to First Lieutenant awarded, as well as awarded the Medal of Honor for his service gallantry far beyond the call of duty.

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