James Meredith Helm
James Meredith Helm | |
---|---|
Born | Grayville, Illinois | December 16, 1855
Died | October 28, 1927 | (aged 71)
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/ | ![]() |
Years of service | 1875–1919 |
Rank | Rear Admiral |
Commands | USS Hornet USS Idaho USS Wabash |
Battles/wars | Spanish–American War World War I |
Awards | Navy Cross |
Rear Admiral James Meredith Helm (December 16, 1855 – October 28, 1927) was an American military officer in the United States Navy during the Spanish–American War.
Early life and education
Born at Grayville, Illinois, Helm graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1875.
Career
He served in various ships and abroad until the Spanish–American War, when he commanded the gunboat Hornet. In the blockade of Cuba, he captured a Spanish steamer and three contraband schooners, and was advanced five numbers in grade for outstanding performance at the Battle of Manzanillo on 30 June 1898. Helm subsequently commanded the Idaho and Wabash.
During World War I, Helm was Commandant of the 4th Naval District and received the Navy Cross for his achievements.
The destroyer USS Helm (DD-388) was named for him.
Personal life
He retired December 16, 1919 and died October 28, 1927.
References
This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.
- 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