U.S. Army Soldier Who Died Shielding Polish Ally to Receive Medal of Honor

Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis sacrificed himself to protect a wounded Polish officer during an insurgent attack in Afghanistan.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A U.S. Army staff sergeant who died during a 2013 insurgent assault on Forward Operating Base Ghazni in eastern Afghanistan is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously. Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis moved toward the fight, linked up with wounded Polish Lt. Karol Cierpica, and placed himself between the attacker and the injured officer, keeping fire on the assailant until the suicide vest detonated, killing Ollis.

Why it matters

The Medal of Honor is the U.S. military's highest decoration for valor, awarded to only 618 people in American history. Ollis's sacrifice in shielding his Polish ally highlights the international cooperation and camaraderie among allied forces in Afghanistan, as well as the continued risks and dangers faced by U.S. troops even after major combat operations ended.

The details

During the 2013 attack on Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Ollis engaged the insurgents and linked up with the wounded Polish Lt. Karol Cierpica. When a bomber confronted them, Ollis placed himself between the attacker and the injured officer, continuing to fire until the suicide vest detonated, killing Ollis. His award history was upgraded from a Silver Star to the Distinguished Service Cross, and his sacrifice is honored in Poland.

  • On August 28, 2013, Ollis died shielding the Polish officer during the insurgent attack on Forward Operating Base Ghazni.
  • In 2019, Ollis's award was upgraded from a Silver Star to the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army's second-highest combat award.
  • In 2025, President Donald Trump called Ollis's parents to inform them that he would be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

The players

Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis

A U.S. Army infantry squad leader with the 10th Mountain Division who died shielding a wounded Polish officer during an insurgent attack in Afghanistan in 2013.

Lt. Karol Cierpica

A Polish officer who was badly wounded in both legs during the insurgent attack on Forward Operating Base Ghazni, and was protected by Ollis until the suicide bomber detonated.

President Donald Trump

The U.S. president who called Ollis's parents to inform them that their son would be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Ollis's courage, selflessness, and sacrifice represent the very best of our nation.”

— Nicole Malliotakis, Congresswoman (Statement)

What’s next

The Ollis family has spent years advocating for the upgrade to the Medal of Honor, and the award ceremony at the White House is expected to take place in the coming months.

The takeaway

Ollis's posthumous Medal of Honor recognizes his heroic actions in shielding a wounded ally, even at the cost of his own life, demonstrating the bravery and selflessness of U.S. service members serving alongside international partners in Afghanistan.