Medal of Honor Granted to Army Staff Sgt. Michael Orris
The White House has sanctioned the award of the Medal of Honor to Army Staff Sgt. Michael Orris, who passed away in Afghanistan in 2013 while protecting fellow soldiers. New York state Representative Nicole Malliotakis announced this news via a statement on social media, confirming that Orris, from Staten Island, will receive this prestigious honor.
This decision comes after enduring efforts by veterans’ groups, local officials, and the Staten Island community, all aiming to officially acknowledge Orris’s actions, which they argue exemplify the highest standards of military valor.
In her Facebook post, Malliotakis shared that she was directly informed by the White House about the decision. “I have been notified that Staten Island’s hometown hero, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael Orris, has been approved for the Medal of Honor for his incredible acts of heroism,” she stated.
Orris lost his life on August 28, 2013, at the age of 24 during a suicide bombing in Afghanistan’s Ghazni province, where he shielded a Polish military officer from the blast. Malliotakis commended his extraordinary courage and sacrifice, emphasizing that his actions represent the best of America.
She expressed gratitude to President Trump for acknowledging Orris’s heroism and noted the significant advocacy from groups like the American Legion and local leaders that helped bring attention to his story.
The Medal of Honor is the highest military award in the United States, given for actions that go above and beyond typical duties. While the criteria for this accolade have changed over the years, it has always been awarded for “conspicuous gallantry” and bravery at risk to one’s life, as noted by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
The standards for awarding the medal were solidified during the Vietnam War in 1963.
A rigorous vetting process is involved in awarding medals, requiring extensive documentation of the circumstances of the act, the accounts of witnesses, and additional evidence. This advisory packet must be approved through the military hierarchy before reaching the president.
Moreover, legal stipulations necessitate that recommendations are submitted within three years following the act of bravery and that the medal is awarded within five years. For submissions beyond these limits, congressional approval is needed to waive the timelines.
The family of Orris has also shared their sentiments regarding the announcement, expressing deep appreciation to the President for honoring their son’s bravery. “We feel an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude knowing that Michael’s life and ultimate act of bravery have not been overlooked,” they conveyed in a statement released by the SSG Michael Oris Freedom Foundation.
They also extended thanks for the ongoing support from the military, government figures, local leaders, and friends, acknowledging the emotional impact of knowing that Michael has not been forgotten.
Fox News Digital is reaching out to the White House and the Department of the Army for further insights regarding the Medal of Honor process and plans for the ceremony. The Oris family has not yet commented further on this development.
