Bomb disposal expert 'to get posthumous George Cross'

A bomb disposal expert killed in Afghanistan will be awarded a posthumous George Cross, it was reported yesterday.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Mar 2010, 09:31 BST
Updated 15th Mar 2010, 09:31 BST

Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid, 30, of the Royal Logistic Corps, died while trying to disarm an improvised explosive device in Helmand Province on October 31 last year.

The Ministry of Defence will announce the award on Friday, according to the Sunday Telegraph.

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His widow, Christina, is expected to receive the medal from the Queen later this year.

The George Cross ranks along with the Victoria Cross as the country's highest award for gallantry but is awarded to military personnel for acts of heroism not in the presence of the enemy.

It is also the highest gallantry award for civilians.

During his time in Afghanistan Staff Sergeant Schmid made 64 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) safe and found 11 bomb-making centres.

After his death Lieutenant Colonel Rob Thomson, commanding officer of 2 Rifles Battle Group, described him as "simply the bravest and most courageous man I have ever met". Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Bex, commanding officer of the counter-IED task force, said he was a "legend".

Related topics:Afghanistan