James Meredith Helm

James Meredith Helm
Helm in 1919
Born(1855-12-16)December 16, 1855
Grayville, Illinois, U.S.
DiedOctober 28, 1927(1927-10-28) (aged 71)
Takoma Park, Maryland, U.S.
Place of burial
Arlington National Cemetery
AllegianceUnited States of America
Branch
 United States Navy
Service years
1875–1919
Rank
Rear Admiral
CommandsUSS Hornet
USS Idaho
USS Wabash
Conflicts
AwardsNavy Cross
Spouse
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 Edith Benham, daughter of Admiral Andrew E. K. Benham, on April 20, 1920. She worked as social secretary in Woodrow Wilson's White House, and accompanied the President to the Paris Peace Conference.[2][3]

Helm died following two heart attacks on October 28, 1927, in Takoma Park, Maryland.[1][4] He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.[5]

Legacy

The destroyer USS Helm (DD-388) commissioned in 1937 was named for him.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Helm". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Archived from the original on 2015-01-07.
  2. ↑ "Miss Benham Weds Admiral". The Washington Herald. 1920-04-21. p. 8. Retrieved 2024-05-22 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  3. ↑ "Papers of Edith Benham Helm". Library of Congress. Retrieved April 10, 2026.
  4. ↑ "Death Claims Hero of Naval War on Spain". The Dayton Herald. 1927-10-29. p. 2. Retrieved 2024-05-21 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  5. ↑ "Helm". The Sunday Star. 1927-10-30. p. 7. Retrieved 2024-05-22 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
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