James Meredith Helm
James Meredith Helm | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Helm in 1919 | |
| Born | December 16, 1855 Grayville, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | October 28, 1927 (aged 71) Takoma Park, Maryland, U.S. |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1875–1919 |
| Rank | Rear Admiral |
| Commands | USS Hornet USS Idaho USS Wabash |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Navy Cross |
| Spouse(s) |
Elizabeth Benham (m. 1920) |
James Meredith Helm (December 16, 1855 – October 28, 1927) was a rear admiral in the United States Navy during the Spanish–American War.
Early life and education
[edit]James Meredith Helm was born on December 16, 1855, in Grayville, Illinois. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1875.[1]
Career
[edit]Helm served on various ships and abroad until the Spanish–American War. He then commanded the gunboat Hornet. In the blockade of Cuba, he captured a Spanish steamer and three contraband schooners. He was advanced five numbers in grade for outstanding performance at the Battle of Manzanillo on June 30, 1898. Helm subsequently commanded the Idaho and Wabash.[1]
During World War I, Helm was Commandant of the 4th Naval District and received the Navy Cross for his achievements. He retired on December 16, 1919.[1]
Personal life
[edit]Helm married Elizabeth Benham, daughter of Admiral Andrew E. K. Benham, on April 20, 1920. She worked as social secretary in Woodrow Wilson's White House.[2]
Helm died following two heart attacks on October 28, 1927, in Takoma Park, Maryland.[1][3] He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.[4]
Legacy
[edit]The destroyer USS Helm (DD-388) commissioned in 1937 was named for him.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "Helm". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Archived from the original on 2015-01-07.
- ^ "Miss Benham Weds Admiral". The Washington Herald. 1920-04-21. p. 8. Retrieved 2024-05-22 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Death Claims Hero of Naval War on Spain". The Dayton Herald. 1927-10-29. p. 2. Retrieved 2024-05-21 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Helm". The Sunday Star. 1927-10-30. p. 7. Retrieved 2024-05-22 – via Newspapers.com.
External links
[edit]
Media related to James Meredith Helm at Wikimedia Commons
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- 1855 births
- 1927 deaths
- Recipients of the Navy Cross (United States)
- United States Navy admirals
- United States Naval Academy alumni
- Burials at Arlington National Cemetery
- American military personnel of the Spanish–American War
- United States Navy personnel of World War I
- People from Grayville, Illinois
- Military personnel from Illinois
- United States Navy personnel stubs