Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis's father, Robert, reacts during a phone call with President Donald Trump, who informed the family that the fallen U.S. Army Ranger will receive the Medal of Honor for his actions in Afghanistan in 2013. (SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation)
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.
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U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Harold Ollis’ parents, Robert and Linda Ollis, sister Kelly Manzolillo, and the Polish Army officer whose life he saved, Lt. Karol Cierpika, joined to unveil his portrait and memorial plaque tribute during a ceremony to rename the dining facility Staff Sgt. Michael Harold Ollis Warrior Grill, Oct. 27, 2023, at Camp Kosciuszko, Poland. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Karen Sampson)
Trump encouraged the family to gather together and celebrate, telling them their son would be proud.
Toward the end of the call, a woman could be heard shouting in the background, "Yes, we’re going to the White House, we love you, we’re praying for you every day. Yes, let's do this MAGA."
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Robert identified the woman as his daughter, motioning for her to calm down.
"Hey Robert, bring them all down," Trump said, before ending the call.
Fox News' Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report.
Michael Dorgan is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.
You can send tips to michael.dorgan@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @M_Dorgan.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-calls-family-staff-sgt-ollis-confirm-medal-honor-award