The naming ceremony was held in Cierpica's hometown and attended by Polish President Karol Nawrocki, the US consul-general in Kraków, Gretchen Cureton, and Cierpica, who is now a retired Army captain, among others.
"For me, brotherhood simply has a face, it has a name: Michael Ollis," Cierpica said in a speech.
The attack began when a truck carrying explosives was detonated near the base perimeter. Cierpica was wounded, while Ollis was killed shielding him from the blast of a suicide bomber's explosive vest.
"Michael Ollis gave his life for his friend, serving with honour and serving his country, the United States, and showing how strong the Polish-American alliance is," Nawrocki said.
Cureton thanked the local community and said Ollis’ name would remain a symbol of courage, honour and lasting friendship between Poland and the United States.
Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz also sent a letter describing the two soldiers' story as a symbol of "extraordinary brotherhood in arms."
(sp/gs)
Source: IAR/PAP, dzieje.pl
Click on the audio player above for a report by Agnieszka Bielawska.