A bomb disposal expert killed in Afghanistan will be awarded a posthumous George Cross, it has been reported. Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid, 30, of the Royal Logistic Corps, died near Sangin in central Helmand Province on October 31 last year. The Ministry of Defence will announce the award on Friday, according to the Sunday Telegraph. His widow, Christina, is expected to receive the medal from the Queen later this year. The George Cross ranks along with the Victoria Cross as the country's highest award for gallantry but is awarded to military personnel for acts of heroism not in the presence of the enemy. It is also the highest gallantry award for civilians. During his time in Afghanistan SSgt Schmid made 64 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) safe and found 11 bomb-making centres. After his death Lieutenant Colonel Rob Thomson, commanding officer of 2 Rifles Battle Group, described him as "simply the bravest and most courageous man I have ever met". Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Bex, commanding officer of the counter-IED task force, said he was a "legend" whose "gallant actions and sacrifice will never be forgotten". SSgt Schmid was killed while trying to disarm an improvised explosive device (IED). He had been due to return to the UK the next day. At his funeral at Truro Cathedral his widow, Christina, called on world leaders to do more to protect soldiers serving in the war-torn country. She said: "Olaf and troops like him join to serve traditional warrior values, to passionately protect the country they love, its ideals and especially their families, communities and each other." Staff Sgt Schmid, also known as Oz, was born in Truro, but lived in Winchester, Hampshire, with Christina and stepson, Laird, five. | 
