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Dr. Simone Schmidt was a highly accomplished physician, a decorated public servant, and a courageous member of the French Resistance. Her story, as reflected through these documents, is one of professional excellence intertwined with extraordinary bravery during the darkest periods of the 20th century. Born on May 10, 1911, in Paris, she completed her medical training and earned her Doctor of Medicine degree on August 11, 1938, just before the outbreak of World War II. Her education not only enabled her to pursue a career in medicine but also became a critical tool for saving lives under the Nazi occupation. Included is her medical diploma, granted by the Faculty of Medicine in Paris and dated August 11, 1938, confirming that she successfully completed her medical education and was authorized to practice medicine.
During the war, Dr. Schmidt was stationed at the Montauban Hospital, in the Tarn-et-Garonne department, where she provided medical care to many in need. However, her role extended far beyond that of a typical physician. With the rise of German control and the collaborationist Vichy regime, Schmidt used her position to assist members of the Resistance and those persecuted by the Nazis. Her "Carte de Combattant Volontaire de la Résistance" documents her voluntary participation in the Resistance, a movement made up of individuals committed to undermining the German occupation. Through issuing false medical certificates and coordinating escapes, Schmidt risked everything to protect those in hiding, including Jews and Resistance fighters.
In the archive is Dr. Simone Schmidt's "Carte de Combattant Volontaire de la Résistance," acknowledging her voluntary participation in the French Resistance. It lists her residence in Montauban at 78 rue de la République. The card, issued on October 17, 1959, bears her photo and signatures, along with official stamps validating her involvement in the resistance movement during World War II. The designation on this card reflects her courageous efforts during the occupation.
One particularly significant act involved Mr. Goldstein, a Jewish refugee who had taken shelter near Montauban. When the militia closed in, Goldstein fled, only to be wounded and captured. Schmidt intervened by issuing a certificate stating that he was medically unfit to be transported, delaying his arrest and ultimately enabling his escape. This act of defiance came at a great personal cost, as Schmidt was arrested for aiding his escape and issuing fraudulent medical documents. Rumors spread that she had been executed, but investigations after the war revealed that she had survived, a testament to her resilience.
Her actions did not go unrecognized. After the war, Simone Schmidt was officially honored for her contributions: she was promoted to Chevalier de l’Ordre de la Santé Publique on January 15, 1950, by the French Ministry of Public Health, acknowledging her commitment to public health and her vital work during and after the war. This honor reflects not only her competence as a physician but also the impact of her service on the broader community.
Then, in 1962, she received the "Carte du Combattant," recognizing her as a veteran of the conflict. Issued by the Office National des Anciens Combattants et Victimes de la Guerre, the card recognizes Simone Schmidt as a combatant for her participation in war efforts. The card includes her name, address in the Seine department, and birth date of May 10, 1911, in Paris. It was issued on December 18, 1962, and was valid until December 17, 1967, indicating official recognition of her veteran status. The card is signed by both the secretary general and the head of the departmental office.
Simone Schmidt’s most enduring recognition came from Yad Vashem in 1991, when she was named Righteous Among the Nations for her efforts to save Jews during the Holocaust. This honor is reserved for non-Jews who risked their lives to rescue Jews from persecution, and Schmidt’s name was engraved on the Wall of Honor at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. This distinction serves as a lasting tribute to her humanity and courage. Included are photographs of Dr. Schmidt visiting Israel and her name on the Wall of Honor, as well as an earlier candid.
Finally, the lot is bolstered by dozens of pages of testimony regarding Dr. Simone Schmidt's good works, including descriptions of her courageous acts. Together, these documents tell the extraordinary life story of Dr. Simone Schmidt—a woman who embodied both professional dedication and moral courage. As a physician, she saved lives; as a member of the Resistance, she risked her own. Her recognition as Righteous Among the Nations ensures that her name and actions will be remembered, standing as an enduring reminder of the power of compassion and bravery in the face of injustice.
