On Monday, March 2, 2026, at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump presented the Medal of Honor to the family of the late Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, who was killed in Afghanistan while saving the life of a Polish soldier. The ceremony was attended by the rescued Polish veteran, Capt. (Ret.) Karol Cierpica, as well as the Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
Photos: corporal Wojciech Król/MON, Daniel Torok/White House Press Bureau
“It is an important ceremony, especially for me. It’s about a great honor. It is my duty. It is a part of an extraordinary mission that started 13 years ago. A soldier is not someone you can only be from time to time. A soldier is someone you are forever. It is a great gift. It is also a lifelong obligation. Today it is my obligation to keep the memory of a true and heroic act that I witnessed, what your son has done. Sometimes words are not enough. I am extremely happy and moved, thankful for your service, Michael. Michael, thank you for your service, we will meet again in Heaven,” – said Polish soldier Karol Cierpica during the ceremony at the White House.
“We meet here today to honor the heroism that transcends national borders. This is a ceremony dedicated to the memory, gratitude and allied solidarity. Polish and American soldiers stood shoulder-to-shoulder in Afghanistan in the face of a brutal attack. In that moment, it was not just the military procedures that were tested. Sergeant Michael Harold Ollis took a decision that was an act of bravery and the highest sacrifice. The Medal of Honor is a fitting recognition of his heroic action,” – said Polish Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz during a meeting at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, D.C..
During the ceremony, the family of Staff Sgt. Ollis also received a decoration awarded by Polish President Karol Nawrocki at the request of Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
“Today, Poland also posthumously awards Sergeant Ollis with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland – one of the highest awards given to foreigners for their service to our country. In accepting this award, his family accepts the gratitude of the entire Polish nation. Poland remembers that he gave his life saving a Polish soldier. Poland recognizes him as its hero.” the Minister of National Defence said during the ceremony.
On August 28, 2013, during an attack on Ghazni Forward Operating Base in Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis first ensured the safety of his soldiers and then returned to support NATO coalition forces in the fight. When the Polish soldier, Capt. Karol Cierpica, was wounded, Staff Sgt. Ollis shielded him with his own body. He gave his life while saving the life of a Polish soldier.
Polish soldier Lt. Karol Cierpica honors Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis, who saved his life in Afghanistan ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UxmyrZh5fb
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 2, 2026
