President Trump Calls Family of Fallen Hero Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis to Announce Medal of Honor Award

In an emotive video call, former President Donald Trump personally informed the family of Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis that the fallen U.S. Army Ranger would be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. This prestigious recognition honors his bravery and ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan in 2013, where he died protecting an allied soldier.

During the video call, Robert Ollis, Michael’s father, received the momentous news from Trump. At first, Robert’s expression was one of disbelief, but it soon changed to overwhelming joy as the news sank in.

“We’re very nervous,” Robert said over the speakerphone.
“You should be, because your son is going to get the highest honor that you can have,” President Trump reassured him, “There is no higher honor than the Medal of Honor.”

Michael Ollis was killed on August 28, 2013, during a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan. Demonstrating extraordinary courage, he shielded a Polish army officer with his body, saving the officer’s life but losing his own at the age of 24.

Over the years, a concerted effort by veterans’ groups, local politicians, and the Staten Island community has been made to ensure Ollis’ actions were officially recognized. These supporters have long argued that his heroics warranted the nation’s highest military award.

Trump acknowledged Michael’s story would have remained untold if not for the family’s persistent advocacy. “Otherwise, how are we going to know, right? You know, people don’t know. So I think that’s fantastic,” he stated, appreciating the family’s dedication.

The Medal of Honor is awarded for acts demonstrating “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.” These criteria, established in 1963 during the Vietnam War, remain the standard for recognizing exceptional military service.

Recounting Michael’s bravery, Trump praised the young soldier’s courage, acknowledging he himself might not have been able to do the same. Linda and Robert Ollis, Michael’s parents, along with their daughter Kelly and Lt. Karol Cierpika, the Polish officer whose life was saved, attended a ceremony in Poland honoring Michael’s memory by renaming a dining facility at Camp Kosciuszko.

During the heartfelt call, Trump encouraged the Ollis family to come together and celebrate Michael’s extraordinary bravery, affirming that their son would be immensely proud. In the background, Michael’s sister could be heard expressing her excitement at the prospect of a White House visit in his honor.
“Hey Robert, bring them all down,” Trump said, concluding the call on a note of warmth and camaraderie.