Posted on 11/02/2009 9:22:08 PM PST by Steelfish
'Legendary' Soldier Who Defused 64 Taliban Bombs Is Blown Up On His Last Day On The Front Line
By IAN DRURY 03rd November 2009
An army bomb disposal expert who saved countless lives in Afghanistan was killed on his final mission in the warzone. Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid, 30, died instantly when a roadside bomb he was trying to disarm blew up.
The Improvised Explosive Devices are the favoured weapon of the Taliban and since June Sergeant Schmid had successfully dealt with 64 of them.
Legendary figure: Olaf Schmid was renowned for his expertise in disarming explosive devices. Colleagues described him as an inspiration Senior military officers described the Royal Logistics Corps warrior as a 'legend' who 'stared death in the face on a daily basis'.
He was on his last operational day of a five-month stint when he lost his life. He was due to fly home for a two-week break with his family this Saturday before returning to Afghanistan for a final month.
Offering a chilling insight into the mortal dangers he faced, Sergeant Schmid - nicknamed 'Oz' - told ITN News before he deployed of the gruelling 'mental, emotional and physical challenge' of disarming bombs. His devastated wife Christina said last night she felt overwhelming grief but 'took comfort' in knowing that her husband had saved dozens of lives.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
At least he didn’t feel it, if they said he died instantly.
God bless that guy and his family.
i sing of Olaf glad and big
whose warmest heart recoiled at war:
I wonder if they shouldn’t send these guys out after they know for certain they’re going to be going home. I just wonder if knowing that it was his last day if his mind didn’t hesitate or wander or something.
I also have heard some of these bombs are being set up now to also detonate by a cell phone call. Maybe it was one of those types.
I would think that it could be detonated from a safe distance with a remote device.
.......or am I just too ignorant for words in this matter?
Wow. I am so sorry. God rest his soul.
Perhaps you are right. Perhaps the thought that this was his last mission became a distraction and therefore a self fulfilling prophecy?
My question too.
“’Legendary’ Soldier Who Defused 64 Taliban Bombs Is Blown Up On
His Last Day On The Front Line”
As I’ve opined before...one reason you know Hollyweird is really
mentally freaked-up...
is they haven’t developed a modern version of the old British
show “Danger UXB” (UnExplodedBomb).
Only just updating to what is going on in the Afghanistan and Iraq.
I won’t hold my breath hoping some film maker gives these incredibly
(even insanely?) brave folks their due in the cinema.
“In one 24-hour operation to clear one of the most dangerous routes in Afghanistan, nicknamed the Pharmacy Road, he found 31 roadside bombs.”
Sergeant Schmid had steel, my friends. Steel nerves, spine, and other body parts I won’t mention here. I have no doubt he saved a lot of his fellow soldiers’ lives with his work.
RIP to a truly brave man, and prayers for his wife and family.
Or disarmed by a bomb squad made up of Al Queda prisoners.
Godspeed to one fine soldier.Prayers for his family.
God Bless him and his family. He is on a rocket-ship to Paradise.
In the words of The Christ:
“Greater love hath no man than this,: that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
“Greater love hath no man than this,: that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Amen. God bless Sargeant Oz!
I feel ill after reading this sad news. That poor family. My heart breaks for them.
“Thank you for your service.” and “May you rest in peace” are just inadequate and lame for this hero. Words escape me to voice my gratitude for this man and sadness at his passing.
I bet the British have little access to that equipment, their government has underfunded them from the start.
Well said, he was awe-inspiring.
Such a loss.
God Speed.
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