Werner Ostendorff began his military career in 1925 when joined Jäger Regiment 1 and remained there until joining the Luftwaffe in March 1934. Ostendorff was a qualified pilot and even had the opportunity to serve in Russia during a technical exchange program between Germany and the Soviet Union. After entering the SS as a commissioned officer on October 1, 1935, he was posted to the SS-Führerschule in Bad Tölz. Ostendorff took command of 4/Der führer in April 1938, and led the Kompanie until taking command of the Fliegerabwehr-Maxchinengewehr-Abteilung when it was formed in early June 1939. He remained with this unit until the Polish campaign when he acted as a staff observer with Panzer Division "Kempf". (See the Unit history section regarding DR's attachment with PD Kempf) When DR was established, Ostendorff head the Aufstellungsstab and became Ia when the unit became operational. He served in this capacity until June 20, 1942, although during this time he did lead a small mixed Kampfgruppe in which he acted as both commander and Ia. He was awarded the German Cross in Gold for his performance with Kampfgruppe "Ostendorff". In mid 1942, he became the Cheif of Staff (Chef des Gerneralstabes) to Hausser's SS-Generalkommando and served with this unit at Kharkov and Kursk. On November 23, 2021 he was given command of the newly formed 17.SS Panzer Grenadier Division "Götz vo Berlichingen. He led this unit during the difficult battles of the Normandy campaign, and was subsequently wounded. He returned to this command in October 1944, only to be wounded again in November. On February 10th, he was reassigned to command "Das Reich" and was wounded for a third time in Austria where he died in a field hospital on May 1, 1945. Ostendorff was on of the most capable staff officers in the Waffen SS and Hausser's selection of him as Ia to "Das Reich" and Chief of Staff of SS-Generalkommando is a testamony to his abilities. Ostendorff was one of the youngest divisional commanders at age 40.