AD1 Robert John Helms

Comments: Aviation Machinist's Mate First Class Helms was a crew member of a P2V-5 Neptune patrol bomber with Patrol Squadron 22, based at Naval Air Station Naha, Okinawa. On January 31, 1953, while on patrol, the aircraft crashed into the mountains of northern Okinawa. All 11 crew members were killed.

From VP-22 Historian.

31 JAN 53 A/C: P2V-5P2 Neptune LOCATION: Okinawa, Japan DEATHS: 11 BUNO: 127751 LOCATION: 26-47N 128-18E. On return to base the weather was marginal VFR- IFR, the plane gave a 100mi. position report and estimated over base at 1915. When the aircraft failed to appear, intensive SAR measures were started. The wreckage was found the next morning, about 45-50miles. from base on a sheer hillside at 1000-ft level up a 12- 1300-ft cliff. Crew killed: Pilot: LT(jg) D. E. Russell, LT(jg) J. L. Kreeting, USN (co-pilot), ENS C. D. Oliver, USNR A (navigator), AD1 R. J. Helms (plane captain), AOAN N. J. Nellis (ordanceman), AOAN J. H. Franks (ordanceman), AL2 L. Baltzar (radioman), AL2 A. G. Sanderson (2nd radioman), ATAN G. A. Knochel (2nd radarman), AT2 J. D. Norris (radar observer), and AD3 K. E. Johnson (2nd mechanic).

Rensselaer Republican, pg. 1, col. 4, top, Tuesday, 3 Feb. 1953

Pacific Fleet headquarters, announcing the crash Sunday, said it occurred early Saturday. A navy spokesman, according to an Associated Press dispatch, said a helicopter crew, searching for the missing plane, sighted the wreckage shortly before noon Sunday and that there were no survivors. He said a rescue party which reached the scene of the crash reported the entire crew had perished. The crew consisted of three officers and eight enlisted men. The spokesman said the plane had crashed in a "fairly inaccessible spot," delaying the rescue party. The Neptune, the Associated Press said, was attached to Patrol Squadron 22 and formerly was based at Barber's Point, Oahu, Hawaii.

Son of Robert Helms and Edith Helms.