28AUG2013: With American, Polish, and Afghan Soldiers inside, Taliban fighters kicked off a deadly attack on FOB Ghazni. Initiating the fight with a massive car bomb at the gate, the insurgents opened fire from multiple directions with RPG, machine gun, and mortar fire into the base. Having opened a hole in the outer wall, ten Taliban fighters wearing suicide vests poured in, hoping to inflict as many casualties as possible. Hearing the blast, SSG Michael Ollis got moving. First checking on his men to ensure they were all alive and not wounded, he took off towards the sound of gunfire. In the process, he came across a Polish officer and a team of Special Forces Soldiers who had already killed eight of the attackers. Shortly thereafter, a ninth attacker was identified and killed, leaving only one remaining in the base. Just then, an insurgent wearing a suicide vest stepped out from behind a container, right next to Ollis and the Polish officer. Without hesitation, Ollis stepped in front of his Polish brother and engaged the fighter. As the vest detonated, Ollis was killed instantly but saved the Polish officer by shielding him from the blast. For his brave and selfless sacrifice, SSG Michael Ollis would be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. And to add a beautiful ending to the tragic story, the Polish officer who's life Ollis saved, returned home and named his first son 'Michael'.

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