Otho William Helm, 85, of Annandale, Va., passed away on Wednesday, June 6, 2007. He was born in Roanoke, Va. and graduated from Jefferson High School, the son of Cliff and Louise Helm. Mr. Helm joined the U.S. Navy in 1940 where he served as a crew member of the USS Chester, USS Massachusetts, USS Lexington and was selected for submarine duty on the USS Sea Poacher. He has received the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal (3 bronze stars), European African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal w/Clasp and w/Asia Clasp, Honorable Service Lapel Pin (Ruptured Duck), World War II Victory Medal, American Defense Medal w/clasp and w/Fleet clasp, and American Campaign Medal. Helm was a Gunner's Mate 2nd Class when he was honorably discharged in November 1946. While assigned to the USS Chester and about a week before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS Chester (CA27) left a boat crew of 13 men (of which Helm was one) at Pearl Harbor while it went out to sea. This boat crew was caretakers of the captain's gig and other small boats assigned to the Chester. This boat crew was in port on December 7, 1941 when the Japanese attacked. The Chester returned to Pearl after the attack. Helm was a 19 year-old seaman at the time. Mr. Helm also participated in the Marshall Islands battle. Mr. Helm was later assigned to the USS Massachusetts (BB59) and is an original crew member (plank owner) of the battleship which was commissioned March 12, 1942 and participated in the successful invasion of Casablanca, Morocco (November 8, 1942) as well as the destruction of numerous Japanese island strongholds and fortifications in the Pacific over a three-year period. Helm served as a gunner's mate on the Massachusetts, topside, and was captain of a quad 40mm anti-aircraft gun during the Casablanca invasion as well as other aerial attacks in the Pacific. In late 1945, Helm was selected for submarine training and served on the USS Sea Poacher (SS406) until his honorable discharge in November 1946. After the war, Mr. Helm earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration degree from Virginia Tech followed by advanced degrees from George Washington University and Harvard University ('54 and '62 respectively). In 1954, Mr. Helm was attached successively to the Department of the Navy, Office of Naval Material, Office of Naval Personnel and subsequently, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) where he served for 20 years. During his tenure at NAVPERS, he served for six months as staff member of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations. He retired from ONR in 1974 as Director of the Plans, Programs and Appraisal Office. After retirement from the Office of Naval Research, Helm became the controller for the American Institute of Biological Sciences. He also worked as a consultant to the National Institute for Infectious Diseases. Mr. Helm was a member of Elmer Timberman Masonic Lodge #54 in Annandale, Va. where he served as treasurer for 17 years and was a founding member of the Elmer Timberman Masonic Scholarship Fund. He served as its first president as well as in other capacities. Helm was an Elder Emeritus in the Presbyterian Church and a charter member of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Annandale. He was a life member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, the VFW, and belonged to the American Legion. He enjoyed singing and soloed at different events as well as being involved in the neighborhood watch. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, a daughter, a granddaughter,; a twin sister, and numerous nieces and nephews. Viewing will be at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, Va. on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 from 5 to 8 p.m. and the funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at First Presbyterian Church of Annandale, Va. Burial will follow at Fairfax Memorial Park. Memorials may be made in his name to the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 806, Annandale, VA 22003 or the Elmer Timberman Masonic Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 27, Annandale, VA 22003. Otho W. Helm (right) and friend Richard Cassius Lee Moncure Jr. (left) in Honolulu circa May 1941. Helm, of Annandale, is the recipient of the Pearl Harbor Survivor's Medal.

Published in the Roanoke Times on 6/12/2007.