Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid of 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, the Royal Logistic Corps was killed in Afghanistan on 31st October 2009 when the IED he was disarming exploded; it was the 65th IED he had had to deal with during his five months on the frontline. He died on his last mission just before he was due to return home.
S Sgt Schmid's exceptional courage and professionalism had saved the lives of many of his friends and comrades in 2 Rifles Battle Group.
Described by his CO simply as "the bravest and courageous man I have ever met" and by his friends as "a legend who stared death in the face", S Sgt Schmid is to be awarded the George Cross for his bravery.
The GC ranks alongside the VC as it is the highest military award for outstanding heroism not in the presence of the enemy.
Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid GC, hero
The Times: Bomb disposal hero to get George Cross
MoD: Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid killed in Afghanistan
also
The Independent: Gallantry awards to mark brutality of Afghan combat
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