Edward Albert Ostermann
Major General, U.S. Marine Corps
Medal of Honor Recipient
Haiti

Edward Albert Ostermann (23 November 1882-18 May 1969) was a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the capture of Fort Dipitie on 24 October 1915 during the U.S. occupation of Haiti.

Ostermann began his military career in the U.S. Army in 1899. However, in 1907, he was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. After over 40 years of military service, he was promoted to the rank of Major General upon his retirement in 1943.

The Early Years and Army Service

Edward Albert Ostermann was born at Columbus, OH, on 23 November 1882. He attended the public schools of Milo , Columbus, and Dayton, OH.

After attending Ohio Northern University at Ada for two and one-half years, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on 21 October 1899, where he served as a Musician. After three years, he was discharged at the rank of Chief Trumpeter. After a year and a half as a civilian, he re-enlisted in the Army on 28 April 1904. He was honorably discharged on 12 November 1905, as a Chief Trumpeter with the First Band, Artillery Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Career

He accepted a Second Lieutenant's commission in the Marine Corps on 20 March 1907 and served continuously until his retirement as a Major General on 1 January 1943.

On 24 October 1915, the 15th Marine Company captured Fort Dipitie during the U.S. occupation of Haiti. Ostermann along with Major Smedley Butler, Captain William Upshur and Gunnery Sergeant Dan Daly were awarded the Medal of Honor for actions at during this battle.

Medal of Honor

Citation:

In company with members of the Fifteenth Company of Marines, all mounted, First Lieutenant Ostermann left Fort Liberte, Haiti, for a 6-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 3 sides by about 400 Cacos concealed in bushes about 100 yards (91 m) 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, First Lieutenant 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.

Later in the Haitian campaign, on 11 November 1917, Ostermann was wounded in action and returned to the U.S. for hospitalization.

In 1938, he was ordered to Washington, DC, where he became the Assistant Adjutant and Assistant Inspector General of the Marine Corps. In 1939, he was advanced to the rank of Brigadier General and promoted to Adjutant General and Inspector General of the Marine Corps.

With the coming of World War II, Brigadier General Ostermann requested combat duty as either a Brigadier General or as a Colonel. In refusing the request as "impracticable at this time," the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Thomas Holcomb, expressed his appreciation to the Adjutant and Inspector.

Retirement

Brigadier General Ostermann was retired because of physical disability on 1 January 1943. Because of having been "specially commended for his performance of duty in actual combat" by virtue of the award of the Medal of Honor, Ostermann was promoted to the rank of Major General on the retired list.

Major General Ostermann's long career had taken him to Cuba, Panama, China, Nicaragua, Mexico, Haiti, Hawaii, and the Philippines.

After his retirement from the Marine Corps, General Ostermann retired to Wakefield Manor in Huntly, VA.

Military Medals and Awards

Medal of Honor
Purple Heart
Cuban Pacification Medal
Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal with 2 Stars
Mexican Service Medal
Nicaraguan Campaign Medal
Haitian Campaign Medal
World War I Victory Medal with West Indies Clasp
American Defense Service Medal
American Area Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Republic of Haiti's Distinguished Service Medal in the grade of Officer.

Death and Burial

Major General Edward Albert Ostermann died 18 May 1969.  He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.