Rank Insignia Previous Honoree ID Next Honoree ID


   
honoree image
First Name: Donald

Last Name: Helm

Birthplace: Crandon, WI, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Navy (present)

Rating:

Home of Record: Corpus Christi, TX
Middle Name: F.



Date of Birth: 27 December 1915

Date of Death: 11 March 1996

Rank or Rate: Lieutenant

Years Served:
Donald Frederick Helm

   
Engagements:
•  World War II (1941 - 1945)

Biography:

Donald Frederick Helm

Lieutenant, U. S. Navy

Navy Cross

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0766 (October 30, 1944)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Donald F. Helm (NSN: 0-112585), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19) attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands.
He pressed a dive bombing attack on an enemy aircraft carrier and obtained a direct bomb hit in the face of enemy air opposition and extremely intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire that appreciably contributed to the sinking of same. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



Origin of Nickname/Handle:

Texas WWII Exceptional Gallantry

Honoree ID: 315797   Created by: drjones46

Ribbons


Medals


Badges


Honoree Photos

honoree imagehonoree imagehonoree image

honoree imagehonoree image

honoree image

Remembrances


Tributes