Video: Trump Gives Medal Of Honor To Who?

A Staten Island Soldier Who Answered America’s Call

Michael Ollis enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2006 after graduating from The Michael J. Petrides School. Like many young Americans in the years following the September 11 attacks, he felt a deep sense of duty to serve.

President Trump reflected on Ollis’ roots during the ceremony.

“Michael grew up looking across the bay at the World Trade Center,” the president said. “The people of Staten Island are incredible.”

For Americans over 50 who vividly remember 9/11, that detail carries weight. Ollis was part of the generation that stepped forward when the country needed defenders.

The Day That Defined His Legacy

On August 28, 2013, while deployed at Forward Operating Base Ghazni in Afghanistan, Ollis faced a moment no training manual can fully prepare someone for.

A Taliban terrorist wearing a suicide vest rushed toward a group of NATO forces — including Polish soldier Karol Cierpica.

Without hesitation, Ollis stepped directly between the bomber and his fellow soldiers.

He absorbed the full force of the explosion.

He was killed just weeks before his 25th birthday.

Military officials later confirmed that his actions likely saved more than 40 service members and civilians.

President Trump described it simply:

“Bravery is amazing. Nobody was more brave.”

A Life Saved — And A Name That Lives On

Karol Cierpica, the Polish service member rescued by Ollis’ heroic actions, was present at the White House ceremony alongside his young son, whom he named Michael to pay tribute to the American soldier who saved his life.

Visibly emotional, Cierpica expressed gratitude to Ollis and his family.

He thanked God.
He thanked America.
And he thanked the soldier who gave everything.

Honoring Courage Across Generations

President Trump also awarded the Medal of Honor to two additional American heroes:

Army Master Sergeant Roderick “Roddie” Edmonds, who defied Nazi officers during World War II and protected 200 Jewish-American POWs by ordering all 1,200 U.S. soldiers under his command to stand together.
Army Command Sergeant Major Terry Richardson, who, despite being wounded during a 1968 Vietnam ambush, called in air support that saved 85 fellow soldiers.

Three wars.
Three generations.
One common thread — courage under fire.

A President Who Personally Called The Family

Before the ceremony, President Trump personally called Bob and Linda Ollis to tell them their son would receive the Medal of Honor.

The emotional phone call, later shared publicly, captured a moment of genuine gratitude and pride.

“Thank you so much, Mr. President,” Robert Ollis said.
“You have no idea the happiness we have,” added Linda.

For a Gold Star family, recognition matters.

And for Americans who believe in honoring military service, moments like this resonate deeply.

Keeping A Hero’s Legacy Alive

Michael Ollis’ parents have worked tirelessly to preserve their son’s memory. Through the SSG Ollis Freedom Foundation, they support veterans and families in need.

New York City also honored Ollis in 2022 by launching a new class of Staten Island ferries bearing his name — ensuring his legacy sails across New York Harbor every single day.

Why This Story Still Matters

In today’s divided political climate, stories like Michael Ollis’ remind Americans of something bigger than party lines.

Duty.
Faith.
Sacrifice.
Country.

For many Americans over 50 — who remember the aftermath of 9/11, who watched sons and daughters deploy overseas, who still stand for the national anthem — this ceremony was more than symbolic.

It was a reminder that heroism still exists.

And thanks to President Trump’s Medal of Honor ceremony, the name Michael Ollis now stands permanently among America’s greatest warriors.