Ostendorf's Purple Heart

Thursday, 13 September 2007

Although it came 60 years after the fact, it certainly wasn't too late.   The late Roman Ostendorf was honored Wednesday with a Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign medal, Honorable Service lapel button, WWII Victory medal and the Bronze Star.   The award was given to Ostendorf's brother Clarence Ostendorf by U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann at a ceremony at the VFW 428 in St. Cloud.   Roman Ostendorf went missing April 20, 1945, in Germany. His body wasn't found until four years later. He was 19 years old.   "We're so grateful for Roman and what he did," Bachmann said.   Bachmann presented the awards to Clarence Ostendorf, who fought back tears as he accepted them.   "(Roman Ostendorf) deserves our gratitude," Bachmann said.   It took decades to get Roman Ostendorf's medal because the paperwork was in St. Louis and the building that it was in had a fire, Warren Ostendorf said.   Warren Ostendorf is Roman Ostendorf's nephew and a Minnesota National Guard master sergeant who returned home with the Red Bulls in July.   Warren Ostendorf said he started the process of getting his uncle's medals almost two years ago.   It took him a long time to get proof of what Roman Ostendorf did in WWII.   "We are proud and honored to accept these awards," Warren Ostendorf said.   Clarence Ostendorf remembers his brother as a smart kid who was valedictorian when he graduated from high school in Upsala.   The Ostendorf family gathered to watch the ceremony Wednesday; Roman Ostendorf was one of 10 children.   Warren Ostendorf said the medals remind him of the price that is paid for the United States' freedom.   "Freedom's not free," he said. from The Saint Cloud Times

Last Updated ( Sunday, 23 September 2007 )

 

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