Years of service 1875–1919 Rank Rear admiral | Awards Navy Cross Name James Helm | |
 | ||
Born December 16, 1855
Grayville, Illinois ( 1855-12-16 ) Allegiance United States of America Commands held USS Hornet
USS Idaho
USS Wabash Battles/wars Spanish–American War
First Battle of Manzanillo
World War I Died October 28, 1927, Washington, D.C., United States Education United States Naval Academy Battles and wars Spanish–American War, First Battle of Manzanillo, World War I | ||
Service/branch United States Navy | ||
Rear Admiral James Meredith Helm (16 December 1855 – 28 October 1927) was an officer in the United States Navy during the Spanish–American War.
Contents
Biography
Born at Grayville, Illinois, Helm graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1875. 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.
He retired 16 December 1919 and died 28 October 1927.
Namesake
The destroyer USS Helm (DD-388) was named for him.