Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Citation:
Lieutenant Colonel Edwin J. Ostberg, O-22043, 507th Parachute Infantry, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on 6 June 1944, in France. During an assault upon a vital bridge, Lieutenant Colonel Ostberg's battalion was pinned down by heavy enemy fire. Lieutenant Colonel Ostberg, completely disregarding his own safety, placed himself at the head of a reorganized assault group and led them through the intense enemy fire. This action so inspired his men that they smashed through the enemy defenses and seized one end of the bridge. From a position lacking protection from the artillery fire falling all around him, he maintained fire against the enemy on the other side of the bridge and directed the annihilation of their forces. While directing the operation from his exposed position, Lieutenant Colonel Ostberg was seriously wounded. The personal bravery and courageous leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Ostberg reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.