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T/Sgt Charles E. Ostrom attended Grants Pass High School for two years and was employed at the Beaver Portland Cement Company before he enlisted in Portland, Oregon on 11 April 1942. He was sent overseas in April 1944.

He was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery in Andilly, France.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation cited: For gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of Amance, France, on 20 September 1944. Sgt Ostrom, a platoon sergeant, deployed his troops on **** Hill in defensive positions, and moved freely among the men of his platoon during the course of a strong enemy counterattack, directing their fire upon enemy targets. While so engaged he observed two enemy soldiers armed with machine guns crawling toward the defense line in the vicinity of an anti-tank gun. Without hesitation he crawled forward and killed the enemy soldiers with well-aimed hand grenades. He returned to his platoon and was engaged in directing the action of his troops when he was himself killed by enemy fire. Sergeant Ostrom's gallantry, aggressive fighting spirit, and skillful leadership prove him a credit to his military training. His courageous actions are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.