Medal of Honor: Edward Albert Ostermann, U.S. Intervention in Haiti, October 24, 1915

Name: Edward Albert Ostermann
Rank: First Lieutenant
War: U.S. Intervention in Haiti (Banana Wars)
Date of Action: October 24, 1915
Unit: 15th Company (Mounted), U.S. Marines
Born: 1883 – Columbus, Ohio
Entered Service At: Ohio

Summary of Action
In October 1915, during the U.S. campaign to restore stability in Haiti, First Lieutenant Edward Ostermann led his mounted Marine detachment from Fort Liberté on a dangerous six-day reconnaissance mission through rebel territory. As the column crossed a river in a deep ravine on the night of October 24, it was ambushed from three sides by some 400 Cacos insurgents hidden in the dense brush.

Under a storm of rifle fire, Ostermann rallied his men to hold their ground through the night. At dawn, he organized one of three squads to press the attack. With unwavering composure, he led his Marines forward through deadly fire, catching the enemy completely off guard. His leadership was instrumental in routing the Cacos and securing the capture of Fort Dipitie, ending one of the fiercest engagements of the campaign.

Ostermann’s gallantry in the face of overwhelming odds earned him the Medal of Honor—and the respect of every Marine who fought beside him that night in the Haitian jungle.

Medal of Honor Citation
OSTERMANN, EDWARD ALBERT
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, 15th Company of Marines (mounted). Place and date: Vicinity Fort Liberte, Haiti, 24 October 1915. Entered service at: Ohio. Born: 1883, Columbus, Ohio.
Citation: In company with members of the 15th Company of Marines, all mounted, 1st Lt. Ostermann left Fort Liberte, Haiti, for a 6-day reconnaissance. After dark on the evening of 24 October 1915, while crossing the river in a deep ravine, the detachment was suddenly fired upon from 3 sides by about 400 Cacos concealed in bushes about 100 yards from the fort. The marine detachment fought its way forward to a good position, which it maintained during the night, although subjected to a continuous fire from the Cacos. At daybreak, 1st Lt. Ostermann, in command of 1 of the 3 squads which advanced in 3 different directions, led his men forward, surprising and scattering the Cacos, and aiding in the capture of Fort Dipitie.

Would you like me to create a joint version combining Daly and Ostermann — showing how both Marines earned the Medal of Honor for the same engagement from different roles? It would make a powerful post or exhibit narrative.