RECOGNIZING MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT MICHAEL OLLIS

RECOGNIZING MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT MICHAEL OLLIS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)] [House] [Page H2427] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT MICHAEL OLLIS (Ms. Malliotakis of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. MALLIOTAKIS. Madam Speaker, this past Monday, I joined President Trump at the White House as he posthumously awarded United States Army Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis of Staten Island, New York, the Medal of Honor, the Nation's highest military honor that can be bestowed. Madam Speaker, I rise to share the bravery exhibited by my district's hometown hero. On August 28, 2013, Staff Sergeant Ollis gave his life weeks before his 25th birthday. He gave his life to save an allied soldier during a Taliban raid on Forward Operating Base Ghazni in Afghanistan, after a truck carrying 3,000 pounds of explosives slammed into the base and terrorists advanced. Without wearing any armor, Staff Sergeant Ollis fired back, then chose selflessness and placed himself between a suicide bomber and a fellow allied soldier. He did not pause. He did not stop to calculate. He acted, knowing that the cost would be his life, but he chose to save the life of a NATO ally, Polish Second Lieutenant Karol Cierpica. Michael's courage, selflessness, and sacrifice represent the very best of our Nation, earning him the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross, as well as the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, the highest Polish decoration for a foreigner. On Staten Island, we are so proud of Michael. We have a ferry named after him. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9587 is also named for Michael. The Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation supports veterans and students in his memory, continuing his legacy of service to others. Yet, the Medal of Honor, a statement of national memory, tells the entire world and future generations of the courage, patriotism, sacrifice, and service exhibited by Michael Ollis. These are all values that the United States holds sacred. His final act requires no embellishment or argument. It stands on its own, resolute and selfless, and is worthy of the highest military recognition that our country can bestow. We are grateful to President Donald Trump for recognizing Staff Sergeant Ollis' extraordinary heroism. Today, I add this tribute to the official Congressional Record. We congratulate his family, especially his parents, Bob and Linda, who accepted the honor, and the entire Staten Island community, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the ultimate sacrifice made by our hometown hero, Michael Ollis, received the recognition that it deserves. Staff Sergeant Ollis may no longer be with us physically, but he lives on in our hearts and in our minds. His valor and devotion to our Nation and his fellow soldiers will never be forgotten by our proud community and by our grateful Nation. ____________________