On August 28, 2013, Forward Operating Base Ghazni in Afghanistan came under a coordinated enemy assault involving vehicle-borne IEDs, suicide bombers, indirect fire, and small-arms attacks.

Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis of the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division immediately moved to protect his soldiers—ordering them to bunkers and ensuring accountability before advancing toward the breached perimeter.

Linking up with a Polish officer, and armed only with their rifles, they pushed into the fight without personal protective equipment.

Under constant enemy fire, SSG Ollis fought from position to position. When an insurgent rounded a corner and shot the Polish officer in both legs, Ollis stepped directly between the wounded officer and the attacker.

He fired, incapacitating the insurgent.

Moments later, the suicide vest detonated—mortally wounding Staff Sergeant Ollis.

His actions saved the life of his ally and helped defend the base during one of the most intense attacks of the war.

For his extraordinary courage and selfless sacrifice, Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

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