We mourn the loss of Vernon Schmidt

Vernon Schmidt, a young U.S. soldier from California, arrived in Europe in 1944. On April 23, 1945, his unit liberated the Flossenbürg concentration camp. The encounter with the prisoners—who were weakened, in need of help, and often near death—left a deep impression on him. The camp SS had left behind about 1,500 prisoners, the majority of whom had been driven south on so-called death marches. In the weeks that followed, Schmidt's unit provided for the liberated people and delivered humanitarian aid.

Schmidt was subsequently stationed in Weiden as an occupying soldier. In August 1946, he returned to the United States but remained in the military. Schmidt devoted himself wholeheartedly to preserving the traditions of the 90th Infantry Division of the 3rd U.S. Army and shared his memories with others. He visited Europe several times with his family and returned to Flossenbürg each time. He felt a deep connection to the concentration camp memorial and the survivors. With his passing, we have lost one of the last liberators. Vernon Schmidt passed away on April 20, 2026, at the age of 100.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends, to whom we extend our sincere condolences.

Jörg Skriebeleit and the entire staff at the Flossenbürg Concentration Camp Memorial