SSG Michael Ollis: Soon to Receive the Medal of Honor Posthumously

Saved the life of a Polish army officer from a suicide bomber

At age 17, Ollis enlisted in the United States Army right after high school. He completed Ranger and Airborne School and became a part of the 10th Mountain Division. On his third combat tour in Afghanistan, his base was attacked by suicide bombers in cars and with vests. Setting up a defense, Ollis saw to the safety of his men and repelled the attack with fellow Polish officer Karol Cierpica. When Cierpica was wounded in both legs, with a suicide bomber approaching him, Ollis stood between them and took out the bomber but the ensuing blast killed Ollis. The Polish Officer survived and after going home to Poland, named his son after Ollis. Michael Ollis is set to receive America’s highest award posthumously: The Medal of Honor. He also received a Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross, and the Polish Army Gold Medal.

Michael Ollis was 24 at the time of his death, but his Valor will live on as an example of the price and greatness of what it means to be an American. Valor is in you. Set it free.