First Lieutenant Edward Albert Ostermann, a Marine in the U.S. Marine Corps, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on October 24, 1915 at Fort Dipitie, Haiti during the 1915 Haitian campaign. At the time he was serving with 15th Company of Marines (Mounted). Ostermann was 32 years old.
2 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on 1917, 2 years after the action. He later rose to the rank of Major General.
Ostermann was born on November 23, 1882 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. His Medal of Honor is credited to Ohio. Ostermann died on May 18, 1969 in Fairfax, Virginia, at the age of 86. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
Ostermann is one of 6 Medal of Honor recipients from the 1915 Haitian campaign and one of 256 credited to Ohio.
Official Medal of Honor citation
In company with members of the 15th Company of Marines, all mounted, 1st Lt. Ostermann left Fort Liberte, Haiti, for a six-day reconnaissance. After dark on the evening of 24 October 1915, while crossing the river in a deep ravine, the detachment was suddenly fired upon from three sides by about 400 Cacos concealed in bushes about 100 yards from the fort. The marine detachment fought its way forward to a good position, which it maintained during the night, although subjected to a continuous fire from the Cacos. At daybreak, 1st Lt. Ostermann, in command of one of the three squads which advanced in three different directions, led his men forward, surprising and scattering the Cacos, and aiding in the capture of Fort Dipitie.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, Edward Albert Ostermann received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Life beyond the battlefield
- Education: Ohio Northern University
Source: Wikidata.
Places
From the archives
Additional information on his action comes from U.S. Navy General Order No. 319, dated August 25, 1917:
"On October 22, 1915, Capt. Upshur, First Lieut. Ostermann, First Lieut. Miller, Asst. Surg. Borden, and 35 enlisted men of the Fifteenth Company of Marines, all mounted, left Fort Liberte, Haiti, for a six-day reconnaissance. After dark on the evening of October 24, while crossing river in deep ravine, the detachment was suddenly first upon from there sides by about 400 Cacos concealed in bushes about 100 yards from fort. The Marine detachment fought its way forward to a good position, which it maintained during the night, although subjected to a continuous fire form the Cacos. At daybreak, the Marines in three squads commanded by Capt. Upshur, Liet. Ostermann, and Gunnery Sergt. Daly, advanced in three different directions, surprising and scattering the Cacos in all directions. The expeditionary commander commented on the gallantry displayed by the officers and men of this detachment in the following language:
‘The action of the 35 men in the attack made upon them during the night of October 24 can not be commended too highly. It is true that these men were in pitch darkness, surrounded by 10 times their number and fighting for their lives, but the manner in which they fought during that long night, the steady, cool discipline, that prevented demoralization is remarkable. Had one squad failed, not one man of the party would have lived to tell the story. The actual assault upon the enemy, made in three different directions and beginning as soon as the light permitted them to see, was splendid. It meant success or utter annihilation. It succeeded thanks to the splendid examples given by the officers and noncommissioned officers supported by the men. Upshur and Ostermann advancing from two directions captured Fort Dipitie with a total of 14 Marines, putting garrison to flight. Demolished and burned fort. All three squads burned all houses from which fire had been coming. I believe, therefore, that Capt. William P. Upshur, First Lieut. Edward A. Ostermann, and Gunnery Sergt. Daniel Daly should be given medals of honor for this particular engagement and the work of the following day.’
It will be noted that Gunnery Sergt. Daniel Daly is mentioned by the commandant for conspicuous gallantry at both Fort Dipitie and Fort Riviere."
Timeline
- November 23, 1882Born in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio
- October 24, 1915Act of valor — Fort Dipitie, HaitiAge 32. 15th Company of Marines (Mounted)
- 1917Medal of Honor presented
- May 18, 1969Died in Fairfax, VirginiaAge 86.
- Resting placeArlington National CemeteryArlington, Virginia
Biography
Edward Albert Ostermann (November 23, 1882 – May 18, 1969) was a United States Marine Corps major general who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the U.S. occupation of Haiti. Ostermann began his military career in the United States Army in 1899, was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1907, and retired as a major general in 1943.
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