He served in various ships and abroad until the Spanish -- American War , when he commanded the gunboat Hornet .
Born at Grayville , Illinois , Helm graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1875 .
Helm served in various ships and abroad until the Spanish -- American War , when Helm commanded the gunboat Hornet .
Born at Grayville , Illinois , Helm graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1875 .