Senator Skelos Inducts John F. Barry Into Veterans' Hall of Fame

Dean G. Skelos

June 14, 2011

Colonel Barry of Rockville Centre has an exemplary military record and has demonstrated a true and unwavering commitment to his country.

 
Commissioned through the Reserve Training Corps at St. Bonaventure University in 1968, Colonel Barry is a graduate of the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, the Field Artillery and Transportation Officer Advanced Course and the United States Naval Transportation Management School as well as the Command and General Staff College.  

Colonel Barry proudly served his country in the First Cavalry Division in Vietnam where he served as Forward Observer, Executive Officer and Battery Commander of A Battery, 1st Battalion, 21st Artillery.  As a member of the New York Army National Guard he served as Battery Commander; Commander, B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 104th Field Artillery; as an Army Reservist his duties included Assistant Inspector General, Headquarters, 77th United States Army Command; Chief, Internal Review, 77th United States Army Command; Battalion Commander, 354th Transportation Battalion and the Army Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer for the State of Rhode Island.  

Colonel Barry has been awarded with numerous commendations and is the proud recipient of the Legion of Merit, Combat Infantry Range, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal, Army Commendation medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service medal with Service Star Vietnam Service Medal, with two Service Stars.  Additionally, he received and Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, Valorous Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Vietnam Civil Action Medal.

Colonel Barry retired from active service in 2000 and remains an active member of the American Legion, Association of the United States Army and Reserve Officers Association.