Michael Ollis grew up in Staten Island, New York. He joined the Army in 2006. He deployed to Iraq in 2008 and to Afghanistan in 2010. He deployed to Afghanistan the second time in January 2013 with the 10th Mountain Division.

On August 28, 2013, Ollis was stationed at a forward operating base in Ghazni province, Afghanistan. At 3:45 am, a 3,000-pound car bomb breached the eastern perimeter wall of the base. Ten insurgents wearing suicide vests infiltrated the compound. Ollis first accounted for his men; they were safe in a bunker. Then Ollis ran to the sound of gunfire. Insurgents rained mortar shells, shoulder-fired rockets, and hand grenades from outside the post. Ollis linked up with a team of Polish soldiers and US special forces soldiers to engage the attackers.

When a suicide bomber emerged from behind a group of storage containers, Ollis stepped forward to shield a Polish soldier, Lieutenant Karol Cierpica. Ollis, a 24-year old, sacrificed his own life to save Cierpica’s.

Ollis was awarded the Silver Star for his extraordinary bravery. His recognition was later elevated to the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest military honor in the United States.

Later, to honor his fallen comrade, Cierpica named his newborn son after Ollis. Here’s a photo of Baby Michael Cierpica with a teddy bear made from Ollis’s Army fatigues.

Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis stands as a powerful example of the many men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to America and the values America stands for.

May we never forget the true cost of the freedom we enjoy today. All of us at Spirit of America honor the memory of those who have given their lives in its defense.

Jim Hake and the Spirit of America team