I came across the name of John Decatur Barry, a native of North Carolina, was born June 21, 1839, in Wilmington, NC. He had just graduated from the University of North Carolina when the war broke out and he enlisted in the 8th NC Infantry as a private in Co. I, April 15, 1861, 3 days after Sumter was fired upon.
On November 14, 1861, the regiment was redesignated as the 18th NC. When it was reorganized in April 1862, Barry was elected captain. The regiment participated in the Seven Days Battles, 2nd Manassas, and Sharpsburg. Barry was promoted to Major in November.
At the Battle of Chancellorsville, it was the 18th NC that fired upon General Thomas Jackson. The regiment's commander, Col. Thomas J. Purdie was killed and the Lt. Col., Forney George was wounded and Barry took command.
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
