President Trump had an emotional telephone name with the dad and mom of Staten Island native and Military Employees Sgt. Michael Ollis to tell them that their son can be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroically sacrificing his life in Afghanistan over a decade in the past.
Robert and Linda Ollis have been within the kitchen of their Staten Island house on Monday when the commander in chief greeted the couple on the telephone and requested how they have been holding up, in line with a video posted on the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Basis Fb web page.
“We’re very nervous,” Robert mentioned on speakerphone.
“Try to be, as a result of your son goes to get the best honor you can have,” Trump shared. “There isn’t any larger honor than the Congressional Medal of Honor.”
The soldier’s father’s eyes lit up on the announcement, his expression shifting right into a proud smile.
“He’s wanting down at you proper now, he’s saying, ‘Nicely, my mother and pop are dealing with this gorgeous effectively,’” Trump mentioned of their son.
Ollis was simply 24 years previous, serving as an Military infantryman, when he was killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 28, 2013, throughout a Taliban assault on Ahead Working Base Ghazni.
Within the chaos of the assault, Ollis threw himself between a suicide bomber and a Polish officer, absorbing the lethal blast and laying down his life in an act of pure selflessness.
Witnesses mentioned his actions probably protected greater than 40 service members and civilians on the bottom.
Ollis was initially awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Military’s second-highest fight award, earlier than efforts started to raise the popularity to the Medal of Honor, in line with Army Occasions.
After years of advocacy by his household, veteran teams, elected officers — most notably Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-NY — and the Staten Island group, Trump authorised the nation’s highest army honor for Ollis.
The Medal of Honor is reserved just for service members who go above and past the decision of obligation by exhibiting outstanding valor and selflessness within the warmth of battle, on the danger of their very own lives.
The Medal is awarded after circumstances are rigorously reviewed, a course of that requires detailed battlefield studies, not less than two sworn eyewitness accounts, and extra corroborating proof.
The couple expressed deep gratitude to the president for approving the Medal of Honor, which has been awarded posthumously 618 occasions, in line with the Military.
“Thanks a lot, Mr. President. You don’t have any concept the happiness we now have,” Robert shared.
“Thanks for facilitating this! That is so fantastic,” Linda mentioned, including that the household had advocated for his or her son to obtain the respect for years and reached out to numerous individuals earlier than he lastly authorised it.
Trump additionally applauded the dad and mom for his or her tireless work to maintain their son’s story alive for greater than a decade.
“In any other case, how are we going to know, proper? You already know, individuals don’t know. So I feel that’s incredible,” Trump mentioned.
Trump then informed the pair that they’d head to the White Home for the ceremony, the place a “few” recipients would additionally obtain the respect, noting that they have been “all courageous individuals.” The president didn’t make clear whom he was referring to.
“I learn what your son did, and it’s — I wouldn’t do it, Linda,” Trump informed Ollis’ mom about her son’s bravery.
“I’m not courageous sufficient both,” Linda mentioned with a mushy giggle.
“Neither am I. Although I’m a Vietnam Vet, I nonetheless wouldn’t have achieved it,” Robert added.
Trump inspired them to collect the household and “go have fun,” reminding them their son can be proud earlier than ending the decision.
