2 Military Appointments for George Helmes - Survivor of the USS Maine Sinking

Description

Two Presidential Appointment Documents - For a Survivor of the USS Maine
Neither document is signed by the President but both are authentically signed by the Secretary of the Navy at the time.   Both are approximately 16x20 and in very good condition with expected age wear.
* December 4, 1920 - appointing George Helms as "Assistant Naval Constructor in the Navy with the Rank of Lieutenant" - signed by Josephus Daniels as Secretary of the Navy.
* January 3, 1929 - appointing George Helms as "Naval Constructor in the Navy with the Rank of Lieutenant" - signed by Curtis D. Wilbur as Secretary of the Navy.
Lieutenant George Helms was a career Navy officer and the Chief Carpenter on the USS Maine when it exploded in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898. Helms enlisted in the United States Navy on December 10, 1894, and was one of 23 Naval officers and 60 enlisted sailors, as well as one Marine Corps officer and 11 Marine Corps enlisted men, that survived the Naval disaster, a catalyst to the 10-week-long Spanish-American War. In all 260 Naval and Marine personnel lost their lives as a result of the explosion and the subsequent sinking of the USS Maine. Helms served in the U.S. Navy for 34 years before his retirement on April 26, 1929. Helms is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Of the 94 survivors, 16 were uninjured. Helms and most of the officers survived, because their quarters were in the aft portion of the ship.
The sinking of the USS Maine was the catalyst for Theodore Roosevelt to leave his position as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to lead the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War. That role would soon propel him to the White House.
We authored the Presidential Autographs chapter in the 7th Edition of The Sanders Autograph Price Guide. We guarantee the authenticity of this item with our written certification, without time limit. We are full-time autograph dealers specializing in Presidential, Historical and Sports collectibles.
Additional information and/or images gladly sent promptly. Some images are stock photos for items we have multiples of. All buyers will receive our once-a-month specials email. Please alert us if you would prefer not to receive these specials. Please view our other auctions for additional material including historical autographs, Steiner Sports and Yankees memorabilia and Presidential signatures.
Shipping
on this item is within the Continental USA. All international orders are sent at buyers risk and all customs forms fully declared. All items sent via USPS with their insurance as well as private insurance.
We prefer
payment
via Paypal and ship within one business day. We can also accept VISA, Mastercard and Discover cards directly. All NY residents must pay 8.625% sales tax unless a valid NY State resale certificate is submitted.
We are full-time autograph dealers. We appreciate your interest in Shafran Collectibles.