Medal of Honor for Fallen Ranger
In an emotionally charged moment shared online, President Donald Trump reached out to the family of Sgt. Michael Orris to inform them that he will receive the Medal of Honor. This recognition comes posthumously for his bravery after he died in Afghanistan in 2013, protecting an allied soldier.
The video shows Robert, Orris’ father, visibly taken aback during the phone call with the president. “We’re very nervous,” he says, clearly overwhelmed.
“You should be, because your son will get the highest honor you can get,” responded Trump. “There is no greater honor than the Congressional Medal of Honor.”
Robert’s shock quickly turned into joy, a smile breaking across his face. President Trump remarked about Michael, saying, “He’s looking down at you right now and saying, ‘Well, mom and dad are handling this situation pretty well.’”
“Thank you so much, Mr. President. You have no idea how happy we are,” Robert replied, his voice filled with gratitude. Linda, Orris’ mother, chimed in, expressing their long-term efforts to secure this honor, noting how they had lobbied numerous people until it finally came to fruition.
Trump acknowledged the family’s perseverance, emphasizing how many heroic deeds often go unrecognized. “Otherwise, how would we know? People don’t know. So I think that’s great,” he said.
The decision to award the Medal of Honor follows years of advocacy from veterans groups, local officials, and the Staten Island community, all advocating for the recognition of Orris’ actions that many believe meet the highest military honor standards.
Orris lost his life on August 28, 2013, when he used his body to shield a Polish officer during a suicide bombing. He was only 24.
The Medal of Honor is the most prestigious military decoration, awarded for extraordinary acts above and beyond the call of duty. The criteria have changed over time, but they always highlight “conspicuous gallantry and daring at the risk of one’s life,” according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Current standards were set during the Vietnam War in 1963.
As their conversation progressed, Trump reflected on Orris’ courageous actions, admitting, “I read what your son did, and that’s—I wouldn’t do that, Linda,” he said to Orris’ mother.
“I’m not brave enough either,” Linda laughed quietly. Robert added, “Neither do I. Even if I were a Vietnam veteran, I still wouldn’t have done that.”
Trump encouraged the Orris family to come together in celebration, mentioning how proud Michael would be. As the call wrapped up, a voice in the background shouted excitement about visiting the White House. Robert told his daughter to calm down, prompting Trump to jokingly say, “Hey, Robert, get everyone down,” before ending the call.
