The White House has approved Medal of Honor Dedicated to the fallen Chief of Army Staff. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, D-N.Y., who died while protecting an allied soldier in Afghanistan in 2013 after Michael Ollis, a Staten Island, N.Y., native, said she learned of the decision in a statement posted on social media.

The decision comes after years of advocacy by veterans groups, elected officials and the Staten Island community for formal recognition of Ollis’ actions, which supporters have long argued met the standards of our nation’s highest military honor.

Malliotakis said in a Facebook post that she was notified directly by the White House.

“The White House informs us that Staten Island’s hometown heroes, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service extraordinary act of heroism,” Malliotakis wrote.

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Split image of Army Chief. Michael H. Ollis, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. On August 28, 2013, Ollis gave his life protecting a Polish soldier during an attack in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. Ollis was awarded the Medal of Honor. (I Support You/Facebook; DVID)

Aulis was killed in Afghanistan On August 28, 2013, he used his body to protect a Polish officer during a suicide bombing. He was 24 years old at the time.

“In 2013, Staff Sergeant Ollis gave his life saving an Allied soldier. His courage, selflessness and sacrifice represented the best of our nation,” she continued.

Malliotakis praised the years of advocacy efforts, adding: “After years of advocacy by the American Legion, our elected officials and the Staten Island community, we thank the President Donald Trump Recognizing Staff Sergeant Ollis’ extraordinary heroism with our nation’s highest military honor. “

The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest military decoration, awarded for conduct above and beyond the call of duty. While the criteria for awarding the medal have changed over time, it has always recognized “conspicuous gallantry and bravery at the risk of life.” Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

The current standards were established in 1963 during the Vietnam War.

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Brig. Gen. Eric Riley, 10th Mountain Division deputy commander, poses with Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division and uniformed students from Staff Sgt. On August 28, 2023, in Warsaw, Poland, the M. Ollis Junior Training Corps held a wreath-laying ceremony in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Devin Klecan)

Based on these criteria, the medal may be awarded for actions taken against an enemy of the United States in a military conflict with a hostile foreign power, or for actions performed alongside friendly foreign forces in an armed conflict in which the United States is not a belligerent.

Awarding medals involves Rigorous review process. Each recommendation requires a detailed report on the act itself and battlefield conditions, the sworn testimony of at least two eyewitnesses, and other corroborating evidence.

The package of recommendations must be approved by the entire military chain of command before reaching the president, who serves as commander in chief.

Federal law also imposes strict timelines on the process, with recommendations requiring submission within three years of an act of heroism and awarding the medal within five years. Any submission beyond these limits would require an act of Congress to waive the time limits.

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Chief of Army Staff. Michael Harold Ollis’ parents, Robert and Linda Ollis, his sister, Kelly Manzolilo, and the Polish Army officer whose life he saved, Lt. Karol Cierpika, unveiled his portrait and memorial plaque at a ceremony renaming the dining facility Staff Sgt. Michael Harold Ollis Warrior Grill, October 27, 2023, Camp Kosciuszko, Poland. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Karen Sampson)

Ollis’ family also responded to the reports in a statement shared by the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation.

“We are deeply grateful to the President of the United States for the Medal of Honor for Heroism bestowed upon our son, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Michael Ollis,” the statement said. “Knowing that Michael’s life, legacy and final act of courage has not been forgotten gives us immense pride and eternal gratitude.”

The statement also thanked supporters who advocated for the recognition in a separate statement.

“We are also deeply grateful for the support we received from letters, emails and phone calls from government and military officials, local leaders, non-profit organizations, and the many friends we have been privileged to meet In Staten Island and beyond. I am so touched to know that you have not forgotten Michael or our family. “

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Fox News Digital has contacted the White House and the U.S. government war department More details about the Medal of Honor process, including timing and ceremony plans.

The Ollis family did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for additional comment.