Sergeant Major Karl Ley (UK), of 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment of the British Army, has made safe 139 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by the Taliban during a six-month tour in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, and been awarded the UK George Medal. According to the medal citation, he has cleared more IEDs than any other operator in history. In one three-day period, he removed an incredible 42 bombs form a village outside the town of Grereshk. The George Medal is the second highest gallantry that a civilan can be awarded in the UK and it may be awarded to military personnel if their act does not qualify for a military gallantry award.