Veteran of the Day – March 4, 2026
Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis
United States Army – Medal of Honor
Name: Michael Henry Ollis
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Branch: United States Army / New York Army National Guard
Unit: 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
Born: October 13, 1986 – Staten Island, New York
Killed in Action: August 28, 2013
Location: Ghazni Province, Afghanistan
Age: 26
Early Life
Michael Ollis grew up on Staten Island, New York, where he was known for his strong character and loyalty to friends and family. After graduating high school, he joined the New York Army National Guard, becoming part of the historic 69th Infantry Regiment lineage, often called the “Fighting 69th.”
He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The Attack – Ghazni Province, Afghanistan
On August 28, 2013, insurgents launched a complex attack on a coalition base in Ghazni Province. The base housed U.S., Polish, and Afghan forces.
During the attack:
- A suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest breached the perimeter.
- The attacker charged toward Polish Army Lt. Karol Cierpica, who was helping defend the compound.
- Without hesitation, SSG Ollis threw himself between the bomber and the Polish officer.
The suicide vest detonated.
Ollis absorbed the blast, saving the Polish officer’s life.
Medal of Honor
For his selfless courage and sacrifice, Staff Sgt. Ollis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
His actions demonstrated:
• Extraordinary bravery
• Absolute self-sacrifice
• A commitment to protecting allied soldiers
His heroism also strengthened the bond between American and Polish forces.
Legacy
Staff Sgt. Ollis is remembered widely in both the United States and Poland.
Honors include:
- Statues and memorials in Poland
- The Michael H. Ollis VFW Post on Staten Island
- Numerous schools, parks, and memorial dedications
- Recognition as a symbol of NATO brotherhood
Polish soldiers continue to honor him as a man who gave his life to save one of their own.
Final Tribute
Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis showed that heroism sometimes happens in a single instant.
In the face of certain death, he chose to protect another soldier.
His sacrifice reminds us that the brotherhood of arms crosses borders, languages, and nations.
Honor The Fallen | Support the Living | Teach The Next Generation
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