John Barry (VC)

John Barry (1827 – 1857) was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Born in County Cork, Ireland, Barry served as a Private in the 1st Battalion, 60th Rifles (King's Royal Rifle Corps) of the British Army during the Indian Mutiny.

On March 28, 1858, he was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at the Siege of Delhi in 1857. The citation reads: "For distinguished conduct on the 9th of July, 1857, in having, at the risk of his life, crept close to the enemy's battery, and extinguished a fire that had been caused by their shells. He also volunteered, at the imminent risk of his life, to go under the walls of the city of Delhi, and ascertain whether they were mined."

Barry died shortly after receiving the Victoria Cross, succumbing to illness later in 1857. His Victoria Cross is held by the Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum in Winchester, England.