Staff Sgt Michael H Ollis

Staten Island soldier dies in Afghanistan attack

08/28/13

A soldier from Staten Island has died after an insurgent attack in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis, 24, died on Wednesday, August 28, 2013, in Ghazni Province when a group of insurgents attacked his unit with improvised explosives, small arms, and mortar fire, the Pentagon said.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered U.S. and state flags on state government buildings to be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, September 4, in Ollis's honor.

"Along with all New Yorkers, I extend my sympathy to the friends, family and fellow Soldiers of Staff Sgt. Ollis," Cuomo said. "We mourn the loss of this young Soldier but we will remember and honor his service to our nation."

Ollis, an infantryman, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light) at Fort Drum in northern New York.

Ollis joined the Army in August 2006. He arrived at Fort Drum in November 2011. He previously had done tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. His unit was deployed to Afghanistan in January.

His numerous awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, four Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, the Valorous Unit Award, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and more, according to Fort Drum's public affairs unit.

Ollis leaves behind his mother and father, the Army said.