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'Legendary' Soldier Who Defused 64 Taliban Bombs Is Blown Up On His Last Day On The Front Line
Daily Mail (UK) ^ | November 02nd, 2009

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 ...


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Military/Veterans
KEYWORDS: afghanistan; dangeruxb; fallen; ied; oef; uxb
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To: VOA
"I won’t hold my breath hoping some film maker gives these incredibly (even insanely?) brave folks their due in the cinema."

It has been done. Get a copy of "The Hurt Locker." It's a great movie, and honest too.

21 posted on 11/03/2009 12:19:12 AM PST by Rocco DiPippo
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To: Steelfish

Prayers lifted for him.


22 posted on 11/03/2009 2:51:36 AM PST by TASMANIANRED
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To: 1066AD

Possible, and the Buffalo is less effective in Afghanistan than in Iraq (terrain and all). Still, a better option, I would think, is “recon by fire.” But, each unit has their own way of doing things and I have no doubt that they do what is best in their AO.

That aside... I have heard and seen too many cases of a soldier getting killed within weeks or days of redeploying. It is sad, but it shows that the enemy is smart. Attacks tend to increase as units change out.


23 posted on 11/03/2009 4:22:14 AM PST by raynearhood ("As for you, when wide awake you are asleep, and asleep when you write"-Jerome (Against Vigilantius))
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To: Steelfish

Godspeed Srgt. Schmid.


24 posted on 11/03/2009 4:27:39 AM PST by IamConservative (I'll keep my money. You keep the change.)
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To: Right Brother

>Or disarmed by a bomb squad made up of Al Queda prisoners

Douche Liberalism: Loving your enemies outside the blessing and name of Christ.


25 posted on 11/03/2009 10:23:46 AM PST by ROTB ("By any means necessary" is evil. See what God thinks of "rising oceans" in Jeremiah 5:22)
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To: Steelfish

God bless him and his family. This is so heartbreaking.

VirginiaMom


26 posted on 11/03/2009 10:26:01 AM PST by VirginiaMom
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To: Steelfish

Something in my eye...


27 posted on 11/03/2009 10:27:54 AM PST by listenhillary (A "cult of personality" arises when a leader uses mass media creating idealized/heroic public image)
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To: Steelfish

Tears of sorrow and anger. Sorrow that this young man is lost to his family and friends after such dedication to the well-being of his fellow man. Anger that an equal dedication cannot be found in the hearts of political “leaders” whose decisions directly impact the lives of these much more patriotic, courageous, and better men than they.

Prayers of thanksgiving for the service for freedom of this young man and others like him, and supplication for strength and comfort for his family. God bless all those who love and fight for freedom.


28 posted on 11/03/2009 11:12:55 AM PST by LucyJo
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