- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Hauptmann (Captain)
- Unit:
- Führer, Divisions-Bataillon 260, 260. Infanterie-Division
- Awarded on:
- August 26th, 1943
Awarded for his actions in March 1943. At this time he and his Bataillon were in positions north of Spas-Demensk between the Grenadier-Regiment 460 (on the left) and the Grenadier-Regiment 480 (on the right).
After three days of artillery drumfire the Soviets succeeded in breaking through at multiple locations. In the process a force of around 180 men and 3 tanks attacked Hauptmann Ostermann’s command post. He defended this place with only 18 men of his own. During the combat one of the attacking tanks opened its commanders’ hatch. Hauptmann Ostermann fought his way to it, threw explosives into it and eliminated the crew.
He then led a counterattack with a captured T-34 tank. The tank was destroyed, but Ostermann himself was not wounded. The Soviets were thrown back here with the help of newly arrived reinforcements. However the Soviets attacked again and captured the command post. However Hauptmann Ostermann was able to at least temporarily restore the situation with the help of some hastily cobbled up reserves. He would be recognized appropriately for distinguishing himself here.