Staten Island Soldier Michael Ollis to Receive Medal of Honor Posthumously

Fallen Hero's Recognition

• 🎖️ Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, who died in action nearly 16 years ago, is posthumously receiving the nation's highest military honor, the Medal of Honor.
• 📞 His family received a call from President Trump confirming the White House's approval for the award.

Sacrifice and Service

• 💔 Sgt. Ollis was killed in Afghanistan in 2013 at the age of 24.
• 🛡️ He sacrificed his life by using his body to shield a Polish army officer during a suicide bombing.
• enlistment at 17, after promising his parents he would finish high school first.

Community and Legacy

• 🌟 Ollis is one of only two people from Staten Island to have ever received the Medal of Honor.
• 🚢 The Staten Island community has honored his legacy through memorials and by naming a Staten Island ferry after him in 2023.
• 🗣️ Years of advocacy by local leaders, including the Borough President, were instrumental in urging President Trump to approve the medal.
• ✅ His parents expressed immense pride, stating they would rather have their son back but are happy for his legacy.