Bomb experts honoured with George Cross for extraordinary heroism

A heroic Army bomb disposal expert said yesterday he felt "out of this world" after being awarded the George Cross along with a close friend who was killed tackling a Taliban device.

Staff Sergeant Kim Hughes, 30, was honoured for what was described as "the single most outstanding act of explosive ordnance disposal ever recorded in Afghanistan".

He paid tribute to his comrade Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid, 30, who will receive the George Cross posthumously for his incredible bravery in tackling improvised explosive devices (IEDs) laid by insurgents.

Staff Sgt Schmid, known as Oz, was killed attempting to disarm a bomb in the deadly Sangin area of Helmand Province in October. His widow, Christina, described it as "a legendary award for my legendary husband".

She said: "I am as proud of my husband as he was magnificent and I'm truly thrilled. The George Cross is a fitting tribute to decorate Oz for his outstanding bravery."

Sitting alongside her, Staff Sgt Hughes added: "To be honoured, to be sat here with Chrissie, to know that I've achieved the award and Oz has achieved that award, is out of this world to be honest. It's really good."

On August 16 last year, Staff Sgt Hughes dismantled seven connected IEDs in a minefield in Sangin by hand without any protective clothing so four seriously wounded soldiers and the bodies of two dead comrades could be recovered.

The soldier, from Telford, Shropshire, said it was "amazing" to receive the George Cross but was matter-of-fact about his achievement.

The George Cross ranks along with the Victoria Cross as Britain's highest award for bravery.

It is presented to civilians and members of the armed forces who carry out acts of great heroism not in the presence of the enemy.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief of the Defence Staff, said the two soldiers were "the bravest of the brave". He said: "As one of our top two operational honours, the George Cross is awarded only rarely. Its recipients must have displayed the very highest levels of gallantry. The actions of Staff Sgt Hughes and the late Staff Sgt Schmid meet this most demanding test in full measure. Their selfless commitment, unswerving devotion to duty and unsurpassed courage are both awe-inspiring and humbling."

Staff Sgt Hughes and Staff Sgt Schmid, both of the Royal Logistic Corps, deployed to Afghanistan last year as part of the elite high-threat bomb disposal unit.

Not wearing specialist protective clothing to save time, he found another IED on reaching the first casualty.

He manually defused the bomb in a situation where "any error would have proved instantly fatal", his medal citation said.