SCHMIDT Helmut (Schmidt Helmut)

(p. 1918)
Born December 23, 1918 in Hamburg in the teacher's family. In high school he was a member of the 'Hitler Youth', and later participated in the program of national support workers. During the Second World War - Oberleutnant, awarded 'Iron Cross'. In the British captives met with the social-democratic ideas. He graduated from the University of Hamburg in 1949. In the years of study became a member of the Social Democratic Party. In 1953 he was elected to the Bundestag. In 1962-1965 served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the free city of Hamburg. In 1968 - Deputy Chairman of the party, in 1969, after Willy Brandt led the coalition government, became Minister of Defense. In 1972 - Minister of Economy and Finance, in 1973, Minister of Finance. Brandt's successor as Chancellor after the latter's retirement in 1974.
Schmidt continued to lead the coalition in the elections 1976 and 1980. Resigned October 1, 1982, remained a member of the Bundestag until 1987. Author of several books on politics and international relations.