Bravery Under Fire

 

By Lt Col. (hon) Ben Weider

 

 

Lt Col Ositguy (right)

with his wife Madeleine and son Philippe (left)

 

It was a warm summer day on 23 July 1944, in Etavaux, France, when Major Joseph Wilson Ostiguy displayed valor, honor, and courage as he fearlessly engaged the German positions while attempting to capture Etavaux upon the orders of his superior officers.  Major Ostiguy was commanding C Company on the outskirts of Etavaux when his company came under a massive and deadly attack.  Enemy snipers well positioned made advancement extremely dangerous and to make matters worse, D Company, which was assigned to assist in this battle, suffered heavy losses as their company commander and 40 out of 60 men were killed.

 

Major Ostiguy accompanied by his signaler and runner realized his company was pinned down and if they did not continue moving, the mission would fail and they may all lose their lives. 

Not willing to accept defeat and determined to complete his mission, Major Ostiguy filled a sack with grenades and charged forward.  Under intense enemy gunfire, he systemically destroyed four machine gun posts.  His act of bravery so inspired his Company that they rushed forward, captured several hundred prisoners and most importantly completed their mission.

 

For displaying courage and extraordinary heroism, English Field Marshall B.L. Montgomery and Lieutenant General G.G. Simonds, Commander of the Second Canadian Army Core, signed and authorized Major Ostiguy to receive the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).

 

Due to his exemplary military record and distinguished performance, Major Ostiguy was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.

 

For the tremendous courage he displayed in liberating Etavaux, a ceremony was held on 7-8 June 2003 to name a Boulevard in his honor. Attending this ceremony were members of the Ostiguy family, the Mayor, City Councilors and many grateful citizens.

 

A true gentleman and military hero, Lt Col Ostiguy’s direct actions greatly helped bring an end to hostilities and brought positive distinction and admiration to himself as well as the Canadian Army.