Staten Island Soldier Posthumously Awarded Medal of Honor

Family of Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis to receive nation's highest military honor for his heroic sacrifice in Afghanistan.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, a soldier who graduated from Basic and Ranger School at Fort Benning, will posthumously receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for sacrificing his life in Afghanistan to save another soldier. His sister, Kelly Manzolillo, and author Tom Sileo, who wrote about Ollis' heroics, discussed the long journey to this recognition and the lasting impact of Ollis' bravery.

Why it matters

The awarding of the Medal of Honor to Staff Sgt. Ollis highlights the continued sacrifices made by U.S. service members in the Global War on Terrorism, even over a decade after 9/11. Ollis' story of heroism in confronting a suicide bomber to save a Polish soldier is a rare and inspiring example of the selflessness and courage of American troops.

The details

On August 28, 2013, Ollis was serving in Afghanistan when he confronted a suicide bomber who was approaching a Polish Army officer named Karol Cierpica. Ollis pushed the bomber away, causing the explosive device to detonate and killing Ollis, but saving Cierpica's life. Ollis' actions were described as "the ultimate sacrifice" by author Tom Sileo, who wrote about Ollis' story in his 2024 book "I Have Your Back".

  • Ollis graduated from Basic and Ranger School at Fort Benning.
  • Ollis was killed in action in Afghanistan on August 28, 2013.
  • Ollis will posthumously receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.

The players

Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis

A 24-year-old soldier from Staten Island, New York who was killed in action in Afghanistan while saving the life of a Polish Army officer.

Kelly Manzolillo

The sister of Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis and the director of the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation.

Tom Sileo

A former WTVM producer who wrote the 2024 book "I Have Your Back" about Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis and his heroic actions in Afghanistan.

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What they’re saying

“To see it come to fruition is a big relief.”

— Kelly Manzolillo, Sister & Director Of SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation

“When Michael confronted him, the suicide bomber blew himself up and Michael was killed. In his final act of heroism, he saved the life a foreign soldier, a Polish Army officer named Karol Cierpica. That was something I found very rare and unique in the Global War on Terrorism, post 9-11.”

— Tom Sileo, Author

What’s next

The Ollis family will travel to the White House to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor on behalf of Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis.

The takeaway

The posthumous awarding of the Medal of Honor to Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis serves as a poignant reminder of the continued sacrifices made by U.S. service members in the Global War on Terrorism, and the lasting impact that one soldier's heroism can have in saving the life of an allied foreign soldier.