James Meredith Helm
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

James Meredith Helm was born on 16 December 1855 in Grayville, IL.

He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1875 and served in various ships. During the Spanish-American War, he commanded the gunboat USS Hornet. In the blockade of Cuba, he captured a Spanish steamer, three contraband schooners and was advanced five ranks for outstanding performance at the Battle of Manzanillo on 30 June 1898. He went on to command the USS Idaho and USS Wabash.

Promoted to Rear Admiral during World War I, he was Commandant of the 4th Naval District and received the Navy Cross for his achievements. He retired in 1919 and the destroyer USS Helm (DD-388) was named in his honor in 1937.

Death and Burial

Rear Admiral James Meredith Helm died on 28 October 1927 in Washington, DC. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.