Edwin J. Ostberg

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Edwin J. Ostberg (0-22043), Lieutenant Colonel I(nfantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces 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. Colonel Ostberg’s courageous leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.