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Fallen Brit War Hero 'To Get George Cross'
A bomb disposal expert killed in Afghanistan will be awarded a posthumous George Cross, according to reports.
Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid, 30, of the Royal Logistic Corps, was killed while defusing an improvised explosive device (IED) on October 31 last year.
He was killed on the last day of a five-month tour of duty in the country.
The Ministry of Defence will announce the award on Friday, according to the Sunday Telegraph.
His widow, Christina, is expected to receive the medal from the Queen later this year.
While on service in Afghanistan, SSgt Schmid defused 64 IEDs and discovered 11 bomb-making centres.
Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Bex, his commanding officer, praised his service at the time of his death.
"SSgt Oz Schmid was a brilliant IED operator and a superb soldier. We loved him like a brother; he was a much adored member of our close-knit family.
"His courage was not displayed in a fleeting moment of time; he stared death in the face on a daily basis.
"Many soldiers and ordinary Afghans owe their lives to SSgt Schmid's gallant actions and his sacrifice will never be forgotten."
Staff Sgt Schmid was born in Truro, but lived in Winchester, Hampshire, with Christina and stepson, Laird, five.
A spokeswoman for the MoD: "We do not discuss operational honours and awards before they have been presented."
The George Cross is awarded to military personnel for acts of valour not in the presence of the enemy.
It ranks alongside the Victoria Cross as the highest award in the call of duty.
A bomb disposal expert killed in Afghanistan will be awarded a posthumous George Cross, according to reports.
Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid, 30, of the Royal Logistic Corps, was killed while defusing an improvised explosive device (IED) on October 31 last year.
He was killed on the last day of a five-month tour of duty in the country.
The Ministry of Defence will announce the award on Friday, according to the Sunday Telegraph.
His widow, Christina, is expected to receive the medal from the Queen later this year.
While on service in Afghanistan, SSgt Schmid defused 64 IEDs and discovered 11 bomb-making centres.
Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Bex, his commanding officer, praised his service at the time of his death.
"SSgt Oz Schmid was a brilliant IED operator and a superb soldier. We loved him like a brother; he was a much adored member of our close-knit family.
"His courage was not displayed in a fleeting moment of time; he stared death in the face on a daily basis.
"Many soldiers and ordinary Afghans owe their lives to SSgt Schmid's gallant actions and his sacrifice will never be forgotten."
Staff Sgt Schmid was born in Truro, but lived in Winchester, Hampshire, with Christina and stepson, Laird, five.
A spokeswoman for the MoD: "We do not discuss operational honours and awards before they have been presented."
The George Cross is awarded to military personnel for acts of valour not in the presence of the enemy.
It ranks alongside the Victoria Cross as the highest award in the call of duty.