Bomb Disposal Hero Killed in Afghanistan Just Days Before Leave

[American]

Link

Tuesday , November 03, 2009

British Army explosives specialist who became a legend by risking his life to defuse more than 60 Taliban roadside bombs was killed in Afghanistan during his final mission before he took leave, the Times of London reported Tuesday.
Staff Sergeant Olaf "Oz" Schmid, 30, died instantly Saturday when an improvised explosives device he was trying to disarm blew up.
It was his last job before a planned two-week break, his widow Christina Schmid told the newspaper.
“Oz was a phenomenal husband and loving father who was cruelly murdered on his last day before two weeks off after a relentless five-month tour," she said.
The bomb disposal expert's exploits were described as "legendary." He defused one in every 19 IEDs found by British troops since his tour in Afghanistan began last June, senior officers told the Daily Mail.
In one 24-hour operation, military officials said Schmid found and disarmed 31 roadside bombs. He deployed to Afghanistan in June, and had since then rendered 64 IEDs safe.
Shortly before his death, he had been promoted to the position of "high-threat operator" and was described by the British Ministry of Defense as having a "natural aptitude" for bomb disposal work.

Good allies the British are. This man obviously saved many lives, but military and civilian. We should admire his courage.

 

[kansaswhig]

EOD = Huge Balls.

This guys are amazing and have saved countless military and civilian lives in both Iraq and AFG.

RIP, SSG.

 

[gunner]

They are the unsung heroes.

Paul