New York Soldier Killed in Afghanistan Will Finally Receive Medal of Honor

After waiting more than a decade, Army hero Michael Ollis will receive the nation’s highest military honor. 

Staff Sgt. Ollis, from Staten Island, New York, who was killed in action protecting a fellow NATO comrade, will posthumously be awarded the Medal of Honor. The announcement came on Tuesday from Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York, who said she received direct word from the White House that Ollis will be honored. 

For several years, veterans’ advocacy groups, political leaders and the Staten Island community pushed hard for Ollis to receive the Medal of Honor. Serving in Afghanistan in 2013, Ollis put his body on the line, shielding a Polish Army officer amid a suicide bombing. He paid the ultimate price. Advocates promoted Ollis’s story for years, pointing to the New York native’s supreme act of valor. 

Ollis’s supporters finally received the news they had waited for.  

“We were notified by the White House that Staten Island’s hometown hero, US Army Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis, has been approved for the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary act of heroism,” Malliotakis posted on Facebook. 

The staff sergeant was just 24 years old when he sacrificed his life. 

“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 wrote. 

One Soldier Awarded, Another Waits 

Ollis’s story mirrors that of Vietnam soldier Fred Brown, who jumped on a live grenade to save three servicemembers after already carrying them out of harm’s way. Brown, also an Army staff sergeant, was killed on March 15, 1969. His hometown of Hamilton, Ohio still waits for his Medal of Honor. 

In Ollis’s case, advocacy efforts paid off. 

“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,” Malliotakis wrote. 

“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 wrote. 

The Medal of Honor, an idea proposed by Iowa Sen. James W. Grimes, was signed into law as the Navy’s Medal of Honor by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861. Since then, 3,547 medals have been bestowed upon soldiers for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life,” according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. 

While the criteria have changed some in the last 165 years, current stipulations were formed in 1963 as casualties from the Vietnam War began adding up. 

Through those guidelines, the Medal of Honor could be given for defense against a foreign enemy during battle, or while serving with allies from other nations involved in conflict in which the U.S. is not a “belligerent party.” 

Since it is the nation’s highest honor, the review process for potential recipients can be long and laborious. Every recommendation must be accompanied with detailed accounts of the act of bravery, circumstances of the battle, and a minimum of two sworn testimonies from eyewitnesses, along with additional evidence to legitimize the application. 

Applications also must be reviewed and approved by senior military officers prior to being sent to the president’s desk for final approval.

Through federal law, recommendations must be filed within three years of the act of valor, with the Medal of Honor being given out within five years. A soldier could receive the medal past the stringent time limit, but that would take an act of Congress.  

Family, Advocates Grateful 

Through the SSF Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation, Ollis’s family released a statement staying they are “extremely grateful” for the president for recognizing their son’s heroism.

“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 statement read. 

In a separate statement, the Ollis family praised supporters for not giving up on their fight for the Medal of Honor. 

“We also greatly appreciate the letters, emails and phone calls of support from government and military officials, local leaders, non-profit organizations and the many friends we are blessed to know here in Staten Island and beyond. It is deeply moving to know that you haven’t forgotten Michael or our family.”

It is not yet known when the family will receive Ollis’s medal, but for now, they can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their son will get the recognition he deserves.