Army Hero Michael Ollis Gets Medal of Honor After 12 Years

A fallen hero from Staten Island will finally receive America's highest military honor, more than a decade after giving his life to save another soldier.

The White House has approved the Medal of Honor for Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, who died in Afghanistan on August 28, 2013. He was just 24 years old when he used his body to shield a Polish Army officer from a suicide bomber in Ghazni province.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis announced the decision after being notified directly by the White House. The news brought an end to years of tireless advocacy from veterans' groups, elected officials, and the Staten Island community who believed Ollis deserved the nation's highest recognition.

"In 2013, Staff Sergeant Ollis gave his life to save an allied soldier, and his courage, selflessness, and sacrifice represent the very best of our nation," Malliotakis said. She credited President Donald Trump for recognizing Ollis' extraordinary heroism.

The Medal of Honor recognizes "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life" and requires a rigorous review process. Each recommendation needs detailed battlefield reports, at least two sworn eyewitness statements, and approval through the entire military chain of command before reaching the president.

Federal law normally requires recommendations within three years of the act and the medal awarded within five years. Any submission outside those limits needs an act of Congress to waive the time restrictions, which happened in Ollis' case thanks to sustained community pressure.

Why This Inspires

Ollis' story reminds us that true heroism means putting others before yourself, even when it costs everything. His final act saved the life of Lt. Karol Cierpika, a Polish officer who has since honored Ollis' memory alongside the fallen soldier's family.

"We are extremely grateful to the President of the United States for recognizing the heroism of our son," said Ollis' parents, Robert and Linda, in a statement shared by the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation. "Knowing that Michael's life, legacy and final act of courage have not been forgotten leaves us with a feeling of overwhelming pride and eternal gratitude."

The family also thanked the countless supporters who sent letters, emails, and phone calls advocating for the recognition. Buildings, training corps, and facilities have been named in Ollis' honor in both the United States and Poland, where he's remembered as a symbol of the alliance between the two nations.

The Ollis family's gratitude extends to everyone in Staten Island and beyond who refused to let Michael's sacrifice fade from memory.