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PAGE FOURCarl Helmstetter, Class ’38, Is Killed In Plane AccidentWas Honor Graduate And Went Through West Point; Won Wings RecentlyWord was received last week that Second Lieutenant Carl Helmstetter, Jr., of the Army Air Forces, a Western graduate of the Class of ’38, was killed in the line of duty near Moore Field, Mission, Texas, less than a week after he had received his wings His death occurred during a routine flight on Friday, December 18.He had left Moore Field in a fast pursuit plane, and, when he was reported missing, his body was found near his wrecked plane not far from the field. According to reports, Lieut. Helmstetter had bailed out of his ship, evidently because of some kind of trouble. Apparently, he had been struck on the head by the propeller in some manner unknown.An Outstanding CadetCarl Helmstetter, whose home was at Dermot, Ark., is remembered at Western as one of the most brilliant and lovable cadets of recent years. Tall, handsome, with crisp black hair and a flashing smile, he was esteemed by faculty and fellow students. During three years, he won honors in every phase of school life. He played end on the varsity football team, was captain of the tennis team, and was an all-round track star. He was an honor student and was named the Honor Graduate of the class, winning an appointment to West Point. He was on the “Recall” staff, the Senior Dance Committee, and the Glee Club.Helmstetter continued his brilliant record at West Point. He played end or the Army eleven and was a member of the cadet choir. Upon graduating from the U. S. Military Academy in 1942, he was married to Miss Virginia Houston of Kansas City last May 31. He entered the Air Corps, took his preliminary training at Pine Bluff, Ark., last summer, and received his wings at Moore Field, Texas, a few days before his fatal accident.Honored at WesternLieut. Helmstetter was 23 years old at the time of his death. He is survived by his parents and sister, members of a prominent Arkansas family, in addition to his young wife.Col. Jackson described Carl Helm-stetter’s excellent character and brilliant career to the cadet corps. In respect to him, the flag was flown at half-staff, and cadet officers placed a wreath at the foot of the flag in his memory. All cadets who passed the wreath stopped and saluted. West-tern has lost one of he most brilliant sons, and the Army a most promising young officer.
Newspaper Details
Alton Western Military Academy Shrapnel
Alton, Illinois, US
Thu, Jan 14, 1943
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Charles J.
IL, 26 May 2025
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