Herbert Helpingstine was born on December 28, 1919, in Whiting, Lake County, Indiana. He was the son of Grover Cleveland Helpingstine and Julia Hartleroad Helpingstine.

He served in Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade as a Corporal during World War II. He was Killed in Action on July 26, 1944, during the Battle for Guam.

Navy Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Herbert Helpingstine (MCSN: 353308), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as bazooka man serving with the First Battalion, Fourth Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against the enemy Japanese forces on Orote Peninsula, Guam, Marianas islands, 26 July 1944. When the first platoon was pinned down by a withering barrage from an enemy pillbox during an advance across an open field, Corporal Helpingstine unhesitatingly left his place of comparative safety and fearlessly proceeded to a position on the firing line. Again exposing himself to intense hostile fire in order to obtain a new position closer to the Japanese emplacement, he knelt and coolly sighted his objective but was struck down by a sudden volley from enemy guns before he could use his weapon. Although mortally wounded, Corporal Helpingstine resumed his position and, fighting with determined aggressiveness, succeeded in silencing the Japanese pillbox with a well-aimed burst of fire. By his daring initiative and great personal courage in the face of grave peril, he contributed materially to the saving of many lives, and his valiant conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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