Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

January 17th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 16th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

7. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Lehr-Regiment "Brandenburg" z.b.V. 800, Heer

Awarded on:

December 13th, 1942

Award 251/22.
Name is written in Patzwall / Scherzer as Karl Heinz.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

Chef, 7. Kompanie, II. Bataillon, Lehr-Regiment "Brandenburg" z.b.V. 800, Heer

Awarded on:

April 30th, 1943

During the fighting east of Krymskaja, in April 1943, a German Kampfgruppe commander fell out of action and the Soviets managed to break into the German main line. Without hesitation Oberleutnant Oesterwitz took over command of the Kampfgruppe, reorganized the defense and then led a mixed group of Grenadiers and Gebirgsjäger that managed to recapture the old frontline. Oesterwitz had already distinguished himself by capturing a bridge near Beloretschkaja on 11.08.1942 in classic Brandenburger fashion by getting close to the bridge in captured Soviet uniforms and vehicles. For these two actions he would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross.

1769th Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-colonel)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Jäger-Regiment 2 Brandenburg, Panzergrenadier-Division "Brandenburg", Heer

Awarded on:

February 10th, 1945

On the night of the 16-17.01.1945 Oesterwitz and his Regiment detrained at Petrikau. The Regiment then retreated back towards Kalisch-Ostrowo while fending off hostile attacks to the left and right, in order to prevent being encircled. Along the way they were forced to breakout near Staw on the 23.01.1945. The bravery and leadership qualities exhibited by Oesterwitz during this retreat, at a time when many other German units were being overrun, proved vital to the Regiment eventually reaching relative safety at the Oder river near Rützen (north of Steinau). For his actions during this time he would receive the Oakleaves.

734th Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)