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White House Approves Medal of Honor for Fallen Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis
The decision follows years of advocacy from veterans' groups, elected officials, and the Staten Island community.
Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:55pm
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The White House has approved the Medal of Honor for fallen Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, a Staten Island, New York, native who died in Afghanistan in 2013 while shielding an allied soldier. The decision follows years of advocacy from veterans' groups, elected officials, and the Staten Island community to formally recognize Ollis' actions, which supporters have long argued met the standard for the nation's highest military honor.
Why it matters
Awarding the Medal of Honor is a rigorous process that involves detailed reports, sworn eyewitness statements, and approval through the full military chain of command. This recognition of Ollis' extraordinary heroism and sacrifice highlights the importance of honoring those who go above and beyond the call of duty to protect their fellow soldiers and allies.
The details
In 2013, Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, 24, was killed in Afghanistan when he used his body to shield a Polish Army officer during a suicide bombing. The decision to award him the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration, comes after years of advocacy from veterans' groups, elected officials, and the Staten Island community, who argued that Ollis' actions met the standard for the prestigious honor.
- Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis was killed on August 28, 2013, in Afghanistan.
- The White House approved the Medal of Honor for Ollis in 2026.
The players
Michael Ollis
A U.S. Army Staff Sergeant who died in Afghanistan in 2013 while shielding an allied soldier during a suicide bombing.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis
A U.S. Representative from New York who advocated for Ollis to receive the Medal of Honor.
What they’re saying
“We were notified by the White House that Staten Island's hometown hero, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis, has been approved for the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary act of heroism.”
— Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, U.S. Representative
“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.”
— Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, U.S. Representative
“We are extremely grateful to the President of the United States for recognizing the heroism of our son, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, with the Medal of Honor.”
— Ollis Family
What’s next
The Medal of Honor award ceremony for Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis is expected to take place in the coming months.
The takeaway
The approval of the Medal of Honor for Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis underscores the importance of recognizing extraordinary acts of heroism and sacrifice, even years after the fact. This decision honors Ollis' legacy and serves as a reminder of the bravery and selflessness of those who serve in our nation's military.
