Ollis, who posthumously received the Distinguished Service Cross in 2019 and will now be awarded the Medal of Honor, shielded Polish Captain Karol Cierpica during an insurgent attack in Afghanistan in 2013.
According to Stars and Stripes, the U.S. military newspaper, Ollis stepped in front of a wounded Polish officer to protect him from a suicide bomber, an act credited with saving multiple lives.
Cierpica was wounded in the leg, while Ollis lost his life protecting his fellow officer.
"This story is a symbol of the unbreakable bond that connects Poland and the United States," Kosiniak-Kamysz wrote on X on Wednesday.
"Our nations serve shoulder to shoulder, defending shared values, freedom and democracy. Sergeant Ollis’ bravery reminds us that our alliance is not just words, but a readiness to make the ultimate sacrifices. Honor to his memory!"
The minister added that the American soldier’s sacrifice underscores the depth of the U.S.-Poland partnership, highlighting cooperation that extends beyond military operations.
Ollis had previously been recognised with Poland’s Gold Medal of the Army and the Afghanistan Star in 2013.
Read more on this topic:
(mp)
Source: IAR/X/@KosiniakKamysz