In Honor of Memorial Day, Maloney Holds Surprise Flag Presentation Ceremony for 100 Year-Old WWII Veteran
Chester, NY —In honor of Memorial Day, Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) held a flag presentation ceremony in Chester, NY for a 100 year-old World War II veteran to recognize his service and celebrate his 100th birthday. The veteran’s family worked with Rep. Maloney’s office to organize the event, which was a surprise. Rep. Maloney presented Edward Otterstedt, a World War II veteran, with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol on his 100th birthday.
Born and raised in Chester, NY, Mr. Otterstedt volunteered for the United States Army in 1943. He served in the Army until he was injured as a result of an artillery blast, which left him with a 100-percent service connected disability. After returning home, Mr. Otterstedt served as a volunteer firefighter in the Chester Fire Company.
“This man is an American hero – and I couldn’t be prouder to celebrate his 100th birthday with him and his family. Not only did he volunteer to serve his country in World War II, but he came home and served his community as a member of the Chester volunteer fire department. My dad served in the Navy and he too came home with a service connected disability – I know all too well the courage it takes and the sacrifice these men made to keep our country safe. I want to thank Mr. Otterstedt and his family for their service and for letting me join them today – happy birthday!” said Rep. Maloney, son of a Navy veteran.
“Mr. Otterstedt answered the call to serve his country and deserves this recognition in honor of his service and his 100th birthday. As a Navy Officer, I was honored to be part of today’s ceremony, and to have a chance to speak with Mr. Otterstedt. We all owe a debt of gratitude to brave men such as him,” said Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus.
“Ed Otterstedt is cut from the cloth of the greatest generation. The recognition he received today is a credit to his service to his country in combat during World War II and his service to his community in the decades to follow. I want thank Congressman Maloney for recognizing one of our local heroes as we begin to celebrate Memorial Day weekend,” said Senator Bill Larkin.
Biography of Mr. Edward Otterstedt
Mr. Edward Otterstedt was born and raised in Chester on April 5th, 1917. In 1943, Mr. Otterstedt volunteered for the U.S. Army along with two of his childhood friends – Charlie Stoll and Wendy Conklin. After completing basic training at Fort Riley in Kansas, Mr. Otterstedt served in Company B, 32nd Battalion, 1st Replacement Depot. He served in the Military Police and was in the European- African- and Middle Eastern Theaters of Operation. After receiving an injury related to an artillery blast, he was honorably discharged in 1944.
Following World War II, Mr. Otterstedt served as a member of the Chester Fire Company as well as a Village Board Trustee. He also was a member of the Chester Historical Society and of the Chester Kiwanis. Edward Otterstedt survives his wife Evelyn, who he was married to for 74 years and passed away in 2014. His children, who both reside in Chester, are Sr. Martha Otterstedt, a Presentation Sister from New Windsor, and his son James, along with his life partner Alison Schmitz.
Although he was seriously injured during his service in World War II, Mr. Otterstedt has not yet received a Purple Heart Medal. Rep. Maloney’s office became aware of Mr. Otterstedt’s situation after a recent telephone town hall. Once the office was alerted to the situation, veterans advocates initiated the process to secure the medal on his behalf.