James Meredith Helm
American military officer (1855–1927)
- Spanish–American War
- World War I
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
James Meredith Helm was born on December 16, 1855, in Grayville, Illinois. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1875.[1]
Career
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
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
The destroyer USS Helm (DD-388) commissioned in 1937 was named for him.[1]
References
- ^ 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
Media related to James Meredith Helm at Wikimedia Commons
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