Trump calls family of Staff Sgt Ollis to confirm Medal of Honor award
In a heartfelt moment captured on video, President Donald Trump called the family of Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis to personally confirm that the fallen U.S. Army Ranger would receive the...
By Fox News · Fox News
In a heartfelt moment captured on video, President Donald Trump called the family of Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis to personally confirm that the fallen U.S. Army Ranger would receive the Medal of Honor, recognizing his heroism and sacrifice after he died shielding an allied soldier in Afghanistan in 2013. In the video, Ollis’ father, Robert, was seen taking the call from the president, with his shock written across his face. "We’re very nervous," Robert can be heard saying on speakerphone. "You should be, because your son is going to get the highest honor that you can have," Trump said. "There is no higher honor than the Congressional Medal of Honor." TRUMP SIGNS 'MEDAL OF HONOR ACT' TO RAISE PENSIONS FOR AMERICA'S MILITARY HEROES Robert’s mouth hung open in disbelief before his expression turned to joy, breaking into a wide smile. "He’s looking down at you right now, he’s saying, ‘Well, my mom and dad are handling this pretty well,’" Trump said of their son. "Thank you so much, Mr. President. You have no idea the happiness we have," Robert said. "Thank you for facilitating this! This is so wonderful," Ollis' mother, Linda, said, adding that the family had advocated for years for their son to receive the honor and had reached out to countless people before it was finally approved. Trump acknowledged the family’s efforts, noting that such actions are often how acts of heroism are ultimately brought to light. "Otherwise, how are we going to know, right? You know, people don’t know. So I think that’s fantastic," Trump said. The decision follows years of advocacy from veterans' groups, elected officials and the Staten Island community in New York City to formally recognize Ollis’ actions, which supporters have long argued met the standard for the nation’s highest military honor. Ollis was killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 28, 2013, when he used his body to shield a Polish army officer during a suicide bombing. He was 24 years old. TRUMP TO HONOR USA 'MIRACLE ON ICE' TEAM DURIN…