Sgt. Michael H. Ollis/ Image: Fort Drum Public Affairs
The family of Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis,24, received a call from President Trump, who shared that Michael will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously.
Staff Sgt. Ollis, from Staten Island, New York, died in Afghanistan in 2013. Michael was on his third combat deployment when a suicide bomber charged toward an already wounded Polish Army officer. In his last moment on earth, Staff Sgt. Ollis stepped in between an Afghan suicide bomber and the officer.
The officer, who credits Staff Sgt. Ollis for saving his life, honored his bravery by naming his son Michael.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) shared, “We were notified by the White House that Staten Island’s hometown hero, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis, has been approved for the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary act of heroism.”
“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.”
“Staff Sergeant Ollis’ final act was worthy of the Medal of Honor and after years of advocacy from the American Legion, our elected officials, and the Staten Island community, we are grateful to President Donald Trump for recognizing Staff Sergeant Ollis’ extraordinary heroism with our nation’s highest military honor.”
The family shared a video of the call they received from the President. President Trump spoke of their son’s valor while his parents profusely thanked him for making the honor happen after years of working on it.
President Trump invited them to the White House for the honors, which prompted Michael’s sister to exclaim, “Yes!!! We’re going to the White House! We love you! We pray for you every day. Let’s do this! MAGA!”
The President responded with a chuckle and said, “Bring them all down!”
Watch:
The moment President Trump informed the Ollis family that Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis would posthumously receive the Medal of Honor: https://t.co/bWnQL6XSEB pic.twitter.com/XyE6pqxg1h
— Kristina Wong (@Kristinawong) February 4, 2026
Staff Sgt. Ollis has received additional honors.
Per Stars and Stripes:
In the years since, Ollis has been posthumously recognized with numerous valor medals, including the Silver Star, which in 2019 was upgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest military honor.
His actions also have become part of military lore in Poland, which recognized Ollis with the Polish Army Gold Medal for valor.
The dining facility at the U.S. Army’s Camp Kosciuszko in Poznan also bears Ollis’ name. At a 2023 ceremony that christened it the Staff Sgt. Michael Harold Ollis Warrior Grill, Cierpika was on hand. Over the years, the Polish officer forged a bond with the Ollis family.
The family shared their gratitude in a letter saying, “Our Fellow Americans, We are deeply grateful to the President of the United States for recognizing the heroism of our son, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, with the Medal of Honor. As Michael’s parents, nothing can ever fill the void left in our hearts.”
That loss is shared by our daughters, Kimberly and Kelly, their spouses, Billy and Dave, and their children. 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.”
“There are many more people to thank, which we most certainly plan to do in the days ahead. For now, we wish to thank God for the 24 years that our son had on earth. Many people are alive today because Michael lived, which is a blessing.”
“Live Like Mike!”
Here’s a heartfelt statement that Bob & Linda Ollis, the Gold Star parents of Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, have kindly asked me to share with you: (3/4) pic.twitter.com/4W4PE6ihVJ
— Tom Sileo (@TSileo) February 3, 2026
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