Ssgt Gerald R. Helms

SSgt Gerald R. Helms, born June 19, 1915, was reported missing in action on October 2, 1944 while on a lone scouting mission during Operation Market Garden near Katerbosch, Netherlands. He was a glider pilot assigned to Company E, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency accounted for his remains on July 26, 2021.

Loving husband of Mae Helms (deceased). Beloved son of Rex and Van Dora Helms (deceased) and loving brother to Christine (Gilford) Legate and Viva Quattlebaum, (deceased). He is survived by his only niece JoAnne (Donald, deceased) Born and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 2, 2022 at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 Francis Road, New Lenox, IL 60451 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 pm at the funeral home. Interment, with full military honors, to follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his name to United Methodist Church, 339 W. Haven Ave., New Lenox, IL 60451 or to the Gary Sinise Foundation at GeraldHelms .