He was commissioned a Master, 12 February 1984; a Lieutenant 123 March 1880; a Lieutenant Commander 3 March 1899; a Commander 2 July 1901; a Captain 19 February 1906; a Rear Admiral 4 December 1909 and was placed on the retired list 15 June 1913.

He was recalled to active duty during World War I serving from 11 April 1917 until 1 November 1920 when he was relieved of active duty and returned home.

His flag commands included the Second Division, Atlantic Fleet; the Mare Island Navy Yard; the 12th Naval District; and the Atlantic Fleet. During World War I he received the Navy Cross for services in the Office of Naval Districts. he died 11 June 1927 at Castle Point, New York.

His son, Hugo Wilson Osterhaus, Rear Admiral, United States Navy, is buried in an adjacent gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery.

Citation:

The Navy Cross is presented to Hugo Osterhaus, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility while serving in the office of Naval Operations as Director of Naval Districts.

OSTERHANS, MARY W W/O HUGO
DATE OF DEATH: 09/10/1942
BURIED AT: SECTION SOUTH  SITE 4169
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
 WIFE OF HUGO OSTERHAUS, REAR ADM US NAVY