James Meredith Helm

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Rear Admiral James Meredith Helm (16 December 1855 – 28 October 1927) was an officer in the United States Navy during the Spanish-American War.

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 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 30 June 1898. Helm subsequently commanded Idaho and Wabash.

During World War I, Rear Admiral 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.

The destroyer USS Helm (DD-388) was named for him.

This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.