James Meredith Helm
Helm in 1919
Born	(1855-12-16)December 16, 1855 Grayville, Illinois, U.S.
Died	October 28, 1927(1927-10-28) (aged 71) Takoma Park, Maryland, U.S.
Place of burial	Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States of America
Service / branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1875–1919
Rank	Rear Admiral
Commands	USS Hornet USS Idaho USS Wabash
Battles / wars	Spanish–American War First Battle of Manzanillo World War I
Awards	Navy Cross
Spouse(s)	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.

James Meredith Helm was born on December 16, 1855, in Grayville, Illinois. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1875.^[1]

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]

Helm married Elizabeth Benham, daughter of Admiral Andrew E. K. Benham, on April 20, 1920. She worked as social secretary in Woodrow Wilson's White House.^[2]

Helm died following two heart attacks on October 28, 1927, in Takoma Park, Maryland.^[1][3] He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.^[4]

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

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