5:18pm Thursday 18th March 2010
"A LEGENDARY award for my legendary husband"
That was the words of a Hampshire widow after her late husband was awarded the George Cross for his heroics in Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt Olaf Schmid, a bomb disposal expert, was given the posthumous honour at a special London ceremony today.
The 30-year-old, from Harestock, Winchester, made safe 64 devices before he died on the final day of his five-month tour last October.
"I am as proud of my husband as he was magnificent and I'm truly thrilled," said Christina Schmid. "'The George Cross is a fitting tribute to decorate Oz for his outstanding bravery."
Staff Sgt Schmid died instantly after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated in the Sangrin region of Helmand province. The 30-year-old was serving with the Royal Logistic Corps when he died on October 31, 2009.
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