Michael H. Ollis

Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 28 August 2013, while serving as an Infantryman with Company B, 2d Battalion, 22d Infantry Regiment, 1 st Brigade Combat Team, 10 th Mountain Division in Afghanistan. On this date, a complex enemy attack involving multiple vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, suicide vests, indirect fire and small arms fire was launched against Forward Operating Base Ghazni. Staff Sergeant Ollis ordered his fellow soldiers who were located in a building to move to bunkers to shield themselves from enemy fire. After accounting for his soldiers, he reentered the building to check for any casualties and then moved toward the enemy force that had penetrated the perimeter of the Forward Operating Base. Staff Sergeant Ollis located a Coalition Forces Officer and together they moved toward the point of attack without their personal protection equipment and armed with only their rifles. Upon reaching the attack point he and his comrade linked up with other friendly forces and began a coordinated effort to repulse the enemy from the airfield and adjacent buildings. While under continuous small arms, indirect and rocket propelled grenade fire, Staff Sergeant Ollis and his comrades moved from position to position engaging the enemy with accurate and effective fire. Fighting along the perimeter of the Forward Operating Base, an insurgent came around a corner, whom Staff Sergeant Ollis immediately engaged with three rifle rounds. With complete disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Ollis positioned himself between the insurgent and the Coalition Forces Officer who had been wounded in both legs and was unable to walk. Staff Sergeant Ollis fired on the insurgent and incapacitated him, but as he approached the downed insurgent, the insurgent’s suicide vest detonated and mortally wounded him. Staff Sergeant Ollis’ exceptional courage and complete disregard of personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon him, his unit, and the United States Army.