KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Britain has given a soldier who defused 139 bombs in Afghanistan one of its highest decorations, the army said.
Staff Sgt. Karl Ley, 29, who put more improvised explosive devices out of commission than any other British soldier in history, was awarded the George Medal, the second highest award for bravery, The Daily Telegraph reported.
Within three days, the "high threat operator" removed 42 bombs from a village. Sometimes he had to clear them with Taliban mortars and bullets falling only 30 yards away.
Ley, who has since been promoted, modestly insisted he was not doing "a dangerous job" and actually was more scared of gunfire.
He was among two dozen soldiers the British army recognized for combat during a six-month tour of Helmand province.
UPI
