One of the highest awards in the gift of the Montana National Guard was 
presented to Townsend's Troy Helmick on Saturday, April 7.  The Montana 
National Guard Outstanding Service/Contribution Plaque is only awarded in 
recognition of outstanding contributions to the National Guard. 

The presentation took place at the national guard armory in Helena and was 
made by Major General John E. Pendergast.  It was made in recognition of 
Helmick's efforts in researching and documenting a plane crash by a national 
guard air craft in the Big Belt Mountains near Townsend on September 16, 1947. 

Helmick complied a report at the request of the military affairs committee of the 
Townsend area Chamber of  Commerce and it has been printed with the assis- tance of Del Schubring with copies given to the families of the two national 
guardsmen who died in the crash, [Lt.] Colonel Willard Sperry and Sergeant 
Charles Glover.   Copies are also in the files of the Montana National Guard, the 
Montana Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division, and certain libraries, 
historical societies and museums.  Printing of copies was funded in part by the 
Broadwater Community Foundation. 

Major General Pendergast said, “This plaque is presented to Troy Helmick in 
recognition and with greatest respect for your untiring efforts and commitment in 
support of the members of the Montana National Guard.  Your sense of honor in 
ensuring the sacrifice made by Col. Willard Sperry and Sgt. Charles Glover are 
remembered for giving their lives in service to our country, your actions reflect the 
highest ideals of military service and pride.” 

“As many other guardsmen and women who perished in the line of duty, these 
men are remembered for their devotion to duty and it is fitting that there be a 
permanent record of their sacrifice,” commented Lt. Colonel Joe Foster.  Local 
military affairs committee members who attended the ceremony were: Mr. and 
Mrs. Bill Kearns, Chairman of the Military Affairs Committee, Mr. and Mrs. Bob 
Wells, Gene Cook, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Watterson, Bill Knowles, Del Schubring 
and Broadwater American Legion Post Commander Chuck Allen.  Family 
members present were Shirley Helmick and Charmon and Karl Pendecost. 

The report is available at the Broadwater Community Library and the Broadwater 
County Museum.