The White House has approved the Medal of Honor for Army Staff Sgt Michael Ollis
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The White House has approved the Medal of Honor for Fallen Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, a native of Staten Island, New York, who died in Afghanistan in 2013, while protecting an allied soldier, according to Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, RN.Y., who said she was informed of the decision in a statement posted on social media.
The decision follows years of lobbying by veterans groups, elected officials and the Staten Island community to legally recognize Ollis’ actions, which supporters have long argued meet the standard of our nation’s military honor.
In a Facebook post, Malliotakis said he was notified directly by the White House.
“We have been notified by the White House that Staten Island’s hometown hero, U.S. Army Sergeant Michael Ollis, has been approved to receive the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary act of heroism,” Malliotakis wrote.
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Separate photo of Army Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis, of the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. Ollis gave his life to protect a Polish soldier during an attack in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, August 28, 2013. Ollis is awarded the Medal of Honor. (I’ve Got Your Back/Facebook; DVIDs)
Ollis was killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 28, 2013, when he used his body to protect a Polish Army officer during a suicide bombing. He was 24 years old.
“In 2013, Staff Sergeant Ollis gave his life to save a fellow soldier, and his courage, selflessness and sacrifice represent the best of our nation,” he continued.
Malliotakis thanked the many years of advocacy efforts, adding: “After years of advocating for the American Legion, our elected officials, and the Staten Island community, we thank President Donald Trump for recognizing Staff Sergeant Ollis’ extraordinary heroism for our country’s military honor.”
The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military decoration and is awarded for actions that go above and beyond the call of duty. Although the standards for awarding the medal have changed over time, it has always recognized “conspicuous bravery and fearlessness at the risk of life,” according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
The current process was established in 1963 during the Vietnam War.
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Brig. Gen. Eric Riley, deputy commanding general, 10th Mountain Division, stands with soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division, and students in uniform from Staff Sgt. M. Ollis Junior Training Corps in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after a wreath laying ceremony in Warsaw, Poland, August 28, 2023. (US Army photo by Spc. Devin Klecan)
Under those standards, the medal may be awarded for actions taken against an enemy of the US, during wartime involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving alongside friendly foreign forces engaged in conflicts in which America is not a combatant.
Awarding the Award involves a rigorous review process. Each recommendation requires detailed reports on the action itself and battlefield conditions, at least two sworn eyewitness statements, and additional corroborating evidence.
Packages of recommendations must be approved by the full chain of military command before reaching the president, who serves as commander-in-chief.
Federal law also sets strict timelines for the process, with recommendations needing to be submitted within three years of effective action and an award issued within five years. Any deployment outside of those limits requires an act of Congress to waive the time limits.
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Army Staff Sgt. Michael Harold Ollis’ parents, Robert and Linda Ollis, his sister Kelly Manzolillo, and the Polish Army officer who saved his life, Lt. Karol Cierpika, joined the unveiling of his portrait and his memorial during the renaming ceremony of the restaurant Staff Sgt. Michael Harold Ollis Warrior Grill, Oct. 27, 2023, at Camp Kosciuszko, Poland. (US Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Karen Sampson)
Ollis’ family also addressed the reports in a statement shared by the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation.
“We are very grateful to the President of the United States for recognizing the bravery of our son, US Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, with the Medal of Honor,” the statement said. “Knowing that Michael’s life, legacy and final act of bravery has not been forgotten leaves us with a sense of great pride and eternal gratitude.”
This statement also thanked the fans who supported us in a separate statement who encouraged the recognition.
“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 on Stenen Island and beyond. It is deeply touching to know that you have not forgotten Michael or our family.”
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Fox News Digital contacted the White House and the Department of the Army for more information about the Medal of Honor process, including timelines and ceremonies.
The Ollis family did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for further comment.
