Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, a U.S. soldier who died in 2013 protecting a Polish officer during an attack in Afghanistan, has been approved to receive the Medal of Honor, according to a statement from his parents issued Tuesday.
President Donald Trump approved the award for Ollis, who was serving with the 10th Mountain Division when insurgents attacked his outpost in Ghazni province. Ollis, 24, shielded Polish Lt. Karol Cierpika from a suicide bomber, an act credited with saving Cierpika’s life and others.
“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,” Robert and Linda Ollis said in a statement.
Since his death, Ollis has received multiple medals for valor. His Silver Star was upgraded in 2019 to the Distinguished Service Cross, the U.S. Army’s second-highest award for heroism. He also received Poland’s Army Gold Medal for valor.
The dining facility at the U.S. Army’s Camp Kosciuszko in Poznan, Poland, was renamed the Staff Sgt. Michael Harold Ollis Warrior Grill in 2023, in a ceremony attended by Cierpika. Over the years, Cierpika has maintained ties with the Ollis family.
Details of Ollis’ life and military service in Germany, Iraq, and Afghanistan were published in the 2024 book “I Have Your Back,” written by Tom Sileo. Sileo acknowledged on social media that years of advocacy contributed to the Medal of Honor decision.
“Many of us pushed for Michael to receive this award & tonight our mission is complete,” Sileo posted Tuesday on X. He credited combat veteran Eric Geressy, a senior adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, for continued efforts to secure the recognition.
