Fallen Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis posthumously decorated with Polish state awards in New York

15 listopada, 2013

During an attack on a base in Ghazni, (August 28, 2013), Staff Sergeant (SSG) Michael H. Ollis shielded a Polish officer, Second Lieutenant Karol Cierpica, thereby saving his life. On November 12, during the ceremony at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York SSG Ollis was posthumously decorated with the “Afghanistan Star” and the “Polish Armed Forces Gold Medal.” This act of valor constitutes an ultimate manifestation of Brotherhood in Arms, which binds Polish and American soldiers in their fight against terrorism. Two medals were presented to Michael H. Ollis’ parents, Robert and Linda.

“I am honored that we have all come together today during this moving tribute to pay our respect to the life and valor of a soldier and man who embodied all of the virtues of devotion and brotherhood – who gave his life in the fight for global peace, for his country, and most importantly for all the colleagues he served alongside in Afghanistan, including lieutenant Karol Cierpica, who is present with us today, and whose life was saved by SSG Michael H. Ollis.” – emphasized Ambassador Schnepf.

“Our nations have a uniting conviction that freedom is a value to be earned and sustained even when it comes at great sacrifice. The Polish and American soldiers like Michael H. Ollis and Karol Cierpica, who served shoulder to shoulder, prove the old and famous saying ‘For Your Freedom and Ours.” – continued Ambassador Schnepf.

Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis, of Staten Island, NY, died Aug. 28, in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Fort Drum, NY. SSG Ollis has been posthumously decorated with the Silver Star, the third highest American combat award.

“SSG Ollis will always be a hero to us, and his valor will be remembered. Most importantly, however, Michal was a son, and brother. There is no greater gift than to give life to someone else, and in a sense this is what SSG Michael H. Ollis has given. This is the most profound and perfect example of who we are and what we stand for in the United States of America.” - emphasized Congressman Grimm.

Michael’s parents, Robert and Linda Ollis, said they had been extremely honored by what had been said during the ceremony, and felt that they had gained more friends, this time in the Polish community.

The ceremony gathered over 100 people, mostly SSG Ollis’ family members and friends, and a sizable group of US soldiers, including the above mentioned Brigadier General Kent Sabre, Brigadier General Daniel Krumrei from the Illinois National Guard, and the Joint Service representation (Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy) from the United States Mission to the United Nations Military Staff Committee.