James Meredith Helm

James Meredith Helm
Born	(1855-12-16)December 16, 1855 Grayville, Illinois
Died	October 28, 1927(1927-10-28) (aged 71)
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1875–1919
Rank	Rear Admiral
Commands held	USS Hornet USS Idaho USS Wabash
Battles/wars	Spanish–American War First Battle of Manzanillo 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.