Winchester soldier given posthumous honour for his heroics in Afghanistan (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Winchester soldier given posthumous honour for his heroics in Afghanistan

10:20am Thursday 25th March 2010 in

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"A LEGENDARY award for my legendary husband".

That was the words of a Winchester 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.

The 30-year-old 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."

Paying tribute to her late husband Mrs Schmid, 34, who lived with Olaf in Harestock, Winchester, with her son, five-year-old Laird, said: "It is really sad that he cannot continue to be the fantastic father, husband, father and operator that he wanted to be"

She said she would continue to raise awareness of how hard soldiers in Afghanistan were working. "I am really proud of them," she said.

Staff Sgt Schmid died instantly after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated in the Sangrin region of Helmand province. He was serving with the Royal Logistic Corps when he died on October 31, 2009.

"The George Cross is awarded only rarely; its recipients must have displayed the very highest levels of gallantry," said armed forces chief Sir Jock Stirrup, announcing the award. "The actions of the late Staff Sgt Schmid meet this most demanding test in full measure.

"His selfless commitment, unswerving devotion to duty and unsurpassed courage are both awe-inspiring and humbling."

The George Cross is the highest award for bravery in the UK with just 161 receiving it since its introduction in 1940.

Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Dominic Hiscock, said: "I’m very happy that his gallantry has been recognised but it’s unfortunate that it’s posthumous. I think it’s vital that soldiers like Olaf are recognised," he added. "I think we owe an enormous debt to soldiers fighting for us abroad."