His sacrifice will live on.An Army staff sergeant from Staten Island who died saving a fellow soldier’s life in Afghanistan was honored at an emotional ceremony at his old school Wednesday.War medals earned by Army Staff Sgt.Michael Ollis — who leapt between a suicide bomber and Polish Lt.
Karol Cierpica in Ghazni in August 2013 — were donated for a memorial display at The Michael J Petridies School during the heartfelt event.“Michael was a real hero,” said Cierpica, who flew from Poland with his family to pay respect to Ollis.“He showed me the definition of service.Michael ran after me, without helmet, without body armor, only with gun and he ran to me because he knew someone needed help,” he said.
“I feel that part of my heart is on Staten Island.”Cierpica was joined by his son, Michael, who he named after the fallen soldier.“Naming my son after Michael was my wife’s idea and it made sense to me,” said Cierpica, who was flanked by his wife Basia and elementary-school-aged son Michael.He also told attendees — including Ollis’ mom Linda and father Bob — that the Staten Island soldier’s memory will continue in his own family.“Naming my son after Michael was my wife’s idea and it made sense to me,” said Cierpica, who was flanked by his wife Basia and elementary-school-aged son Michael.During the ceremony, speakers urged the audience to “be like Mike” and students unveiled “a heroes corner” with details about his life — prompting Ollis’ family to tear up.“It’s an emotional day for us,” Linda Ollis, told The Post.
“Being here brings back so many memories for us from when he was a little boy.”Ollis’ donated medals include the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest military decoration, campaign medals and the purple heart.Robert Ollis said his son had a special connection to the school where his medals will now be kept.“Michael got into mischief but he loved coming to school.He never gave us a h...