Eli Alva Helmick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eli Alva Helmick
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| Born | September 23, 1863 Quaker, Indiana |
| Died | January 13, 1945 (aged 81) Honolulu, Hawaii |
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| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1888–1927 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Service number | 0-213 |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War Moro Rebellion Border War (1910–19) World War I |
| Awards | Silver Star Distinguished Service Medal |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Allen Clarke |
| Children | 3 |
Eli Alva Helmick was an important officer in the United States Army. He lived from 1863 to 1945. He served in several wars, including World War I. For his brave service, he received the Distinguished Service Medal.
Contents
Biography of Eli Alva Helmick
Early Life and Education
Eli Alva Helmick was born in Quaker, Indiana, on September 23, 1863. He studied hard and graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1888. This is a famous school for training army officers.
First Military Assignments
After graduating, Helmick became an officer in the 11th Infantry Regiment in June 1888. For about four years, from 1888 to 1892, he worked on the American frontier. He was in Idaho when there were labor union riots in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, in 1892.
Later, he helped at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This was a big world's fair. From 1894 to 1896, he taught military science at Hillsdale College. He also commanded Fort Reno from 1898 to 1899.
Service in Wars and Conflicts
Helmick took part in the Spanish–American War from 1899 to 1901. He worked as a provost marshal and helped organize the Rural Guard of Cuba. For his efforts, he earned a Silver Star, a medal for bravery.
After that, he went to the Philippines. In 1902, he led a group of soldiers on the island of Mindanao. They were fighting against the Moros during the Moro Rebellion.
When he returned to the U.S., Helmick helped recruit new soldiers in Springfield, Massachusetts, from 1903 to 1906. He then commanded Fort Liscum from 1906 to 1907. He continued his military education, graduating from the School of the Line in 1909 and the United States Army War College in 1910. He also earned a law degree from Kansas State University. From 1915 to 1916, Helmick served along the border with Mexico.
Later Career and Retirement
On August 8, 1918, Helmick was promoted to the rank of major general. This is a very high rank in the army. He commanded the 8th Infantry Division for a few months in 1918.
After that, he commanded a supply base in Brest, France, during World War I. For his excellent service there, he received the Distinguished Service Medal. This is another very important award.
Helmick joined the General Staff of the Army in August 1919. He served as the Chief of Staff for the Central Department until May 1921. He later became the Inspector General, a role he held until his retirement on September 27, 1927.
After retiring, Helmick lived in Honolulu, Hawaii. He passed away on January 13, 1945. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many American heroes are laid to rest.
Personal Life
Eli Alva Helmick married Elizabeth Allen Clarke on November 20, 1889. They had three children together.
