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Ostermann, Felix (Divisions-Bataillon 260)

Date of birth:
December 22nd, 1917 (Hötting-öst/Tyrol, Austria)
Date of death:
October 1st, 1996 (Völs/Tyrol, Austria)
Nationality:
Austrian

Biography

01.09.1936: joined the Heer
00.03.1943: Hauptmann, Chef, Divisions-Bataillon 260, 260. Infanterie-Division - North Spas-Demensk
07.08.1943: Soviet offensive East of Roslavl, Smolensk - destroyed 1 tank with a handgrenade and started a counter-offensive with a captured T34

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Awarded on:
1936
Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht 4.Klasse, 4 Jahre
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
August 15th, 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1941
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Schwarz
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
October 15th, 1941
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1941
Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
August 1942
Medaille
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
August 1943
destroyed 1 T-34 with a handgrenade around the 10.08.1943
Panzervernichtungsabzeichen in Silber
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.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

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