STATEN ISLAND, New York (Fox News) — White House approves Medal of Honor for fallen Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis.

Key Facts:

• Ollis died in Afghanistan in 2013 while shielding an allied soldier during a suicide bombing.
• Rep. Nicole Malliotakis announced the approval on social media after years of advocacy efforts.
• The Medal of Honor is the highest military honor, recognizing acts of gallantry and sacrifice.
  

  Image:
  

  
  Caption: Split image of Army Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis, of the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. Ollis is being awarded a Medal of Honor.

  Further Details:
  

• The Medal of Honor criteria were established in 1963 during the Vietnam War.
• Recommendations for the medal must go through a rigorous review process and be approved by the president.
• Ollis’ family expressed gratitude for the recognition and thanked supporters for their advocacy efforts.