A bomb disposal specialist who had defused more than 60 improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan died when one went off as he tried to disarm
it.
Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid, 30, was on his last day before two weeks of rest and recuperation after a five-month tour in charge of an improvised
explosive device (IED) search team in Helmand province. He was due back there next month.
He died instantly when an IED that he was examining by the British forward operation base in the town of Sangin
www.timesonline.co.uk...
It is people like Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid, that make this world a better place. He risked his life to save the lives of other.
It's one thing to risk one's life to protect your fellow troops in the heat of the battle, but this Staff Sargent risked his from the word go.
Is he a hero? Some people might say no because he was simply doing his job.
But I think that to the countless number of troops that could have been harmed by these IEDs, he is a hero. And no doubt a hero in my book.
To the men and women who seek out these IEDs and put their life on the line, I salute you. There are very few people willing to do the job that you do
with so much pride.
To Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid, may you rest in peace and may God bless your family.
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A SALUTE TO THE GALLANT FEW.
A poem from Palace Barracks memorial garden
Holywood Co down Northern Ireland
By L/CPL ABarr RAMC
Heroes of Arnhem, 'Gallant Few',
You showed what British grit can do;
Through each succeeding day and night,
You battled on without respite.
Outnumbered by a desperate foe,
You dealt them many a mortal blow
The Second Army, in your rear,
Tried hard, but couldn't reach your sphere.
At last, Montgomery's order came,
But your withdrawal meant no shame.
Yours was an epic, gallant deed,
Victory your sacrifice will speed.
Undaunted still, you came away,
You mean to fight another day.
You'll have revenge for those who fell,
In Arnhem's blazing patch of Hell.
Throughout the world you've earned fame,
Each country hails your gallant name.
We of the Second Army, too,
Proudly SALUTE THE GALLANT FEW..
RIP S/SGT O Schmid
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In my eyes he was a hero.
God Bless Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid. Rest in peace.
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reply to post by jam321
Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid
May he find peace.
My thoughts and prayers goes out to his family and loved ones.
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