In 1909 he joined the German army and on March 20, 1911, he was promoted to Leutnant.

In 1937 the newly promoted Oberst Kurt Schmidt moved with his family to the German town of Hamelin.

During his time in Norway he was promoted to Generalleutnant, the highest rank he would hold.

Generalleutnant Kurt Schmidt died on March 3, 1945, in Aalsmeer whilst commander of the 526th Reserve Division.

He was first buried at the Nieuwe Oosterbegraafplaats in Amsterdam but later re-buried at the Ysselsteyn German war cemetery.