Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Elbert
Helton
1915

–

Born:

Clifton

, 

Texas

Home:

Clifton

, 

Texas

After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, Elbert Helton transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1969 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    June 20 – December 11, 1944
    Headquarters, 3d Air Division, General Orders No. 199 (February 16, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel (Air Corps) Elbert Helton (AFSN: 0-22325), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as commander of the air division and wing formations on heavy bombardment missions against the enemy. Colonel Helton demonstrated outstanding airmanship while commanding his formations on successful attacks against Milsburg, Germany, 20 June 1944; Ludwigshafen, Germany, 25 September 1944; Coblenz, Germany, 11 November 1944; and Giessen, Germany, 11 December 1944, despite adverse weather conditions on two occasions and anti-aircraft fire on each mission. The brilliant exercise of command displayed by Colonel Helton was largely responsible for the success of these missions. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    June 29, 1965 – February 28, 1969

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Elbert Helton (AFSN: 0-22325), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Helton distinguished himself as Director, J-4 Directorate, Headquarters United States European Command, from 29 June 1965 to July 1968 and as Deputy Chief of Staff for Material, Headquarters Air Training Command, from 9 August 1968 to 28 February 1969. During the critical period of the relocation of all United States Forces from France to five different countries on and off the continent, General Helton displayed consummate judgment, keen foresight, and exceptional leadership in the shipment of supplies and material associated with this movement. In this connection, he successfully resolved problems of international significance to the best interests of the Government of the United States. As Deputy Chief of Staff or Material, Headquarters Air Training Command, General Helton’s knowledge, foresight, and managerial ability were significantly responsible for the increased pilot and navigator production goals with minimal increase in manpower and equipment in support of national objectives. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Helton culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country, and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 52 (December 18, 1942)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Elbert Helton (AFSN: 0-22325), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Helton, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.