STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Distinguished U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis posthumously received the Medal of Honor from President Donald Trump in the White House’s East Room in Washington, D.C.
The New Dorp resident is the third Staten Islander to receive the nation’s highest military decoration.
Ollis’ parents, Robert and Linda, accepted the award on behalf of their son just before 12:30 p.m.
Robert and Linda joined Trump on stage and he handed them the medal encased in a wooden frame. The president shook hands with each of Ollis’ parents amid applause before the exited the stage.
The ceremony
In addressing several hundred guests in the East Room, Trump lauded the three Medal of Honor recipients’ heroism and bravery.
“There’s no ceremony that can be more important than this,” Trump said to begin the East Room ceremony.
Trump
In addition to Ollis, retired Command Sgt. Maj. Terry P. Richardson was recognized for actions during the Vietnam War that were credited with saving the lives of 85 other service members.
Master Sgt. Roderick W. Edmonds, who died in 1985, was recognized for his leadership and resistance as a prisoner of war in Germany during World War II.
Michael Ollis
Ollis was killed on Aug. 28, 2013, during a Taliban attack on Forward Operating Base Ghazni while serving with Bushmaster Company, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division. During the assault, Ollis placed himself between a suicide bomber and a Polish allied officer, shielding the officer from the full force of the explosion and sacrificing his own life.
“He knew what was going to happen,” said the president. “He shielded him with his own body. You know, bravery’s amazing. You never really know who’s brave, who’s not, until they’re really tested.”
Ollis family, Trump
Witnesses have said Ollis’ actions not only saved the life of Polish Army 2nd Lt. Karol Cierpica but also helped preserve the lives of more than 40 military and civilian personnel on the base.
“Your son’s selflessness in the face of real evil reminds us of the courage that keeps us free,” said Trump, calling the Ollis genetics “very strong.”
Trump
Lt. Karol Cierpica speaks at ceremony
Cierpica was in attendance for the Medal of Honor ceremony, and after Trump’s comments, the president invited the Polish soldier to the podium.
“A soldier is not something you are from time to time,” said Cierpica, after acknowledging the Ollis family. “It is who you are forever. … These are not roles given to us for a while. They are a great gift, but also a great lifelong commitment.”
Ollis Medal of Honor
Cierpica said sometimes are simply not enough, emphasizing he was “deeply moved, happy, and grateful to God” for his service, family, and home in Poland, but also, “for my second family from Staten Island, and for my second home in America. God bless you all.”
Ollis family, Trump
The Polish soldier attended the event with his wife and their two sons, Jacob and Michael — named after the late Ollis.
“Michael,” said Cierpica, “thank you for your service, and I will see you in our heavenly homeland. Thank you for your service. Thank you so much.”
“Michael is named after the American hero who saved his father’s life,” said Trump.
Ollis Medal of Honor
This is a developing story. Additional information will be posted as it become available.
Read the original article on silive.com. Add silive.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.