Richard Barrett | |
|---|---|
 Army Medal of Honor, 1862–1895[1] | |
| Born | 1838 |
| Died | March 20, 1898(1898-03-20) (aged 60) |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | c. 1872–c. 1875 |
| Rank | First Sergeant |
| Unit | 1st U.S. Cavalry |
| Battles / wars | Indian Wars |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
First SergeantRichard Barrett (1838 – March 20, 1898) was anIrish-bornAmerican soldier in theU.S. Army who served with the1st U.S. Cavalry Regiment during theIndian Wars. He was awarded theMedal of Honor during theApache Wars when he voluntarily led a charge against a group of hostileTonto Apaches atSycamore Canyon on May 23, 1872.
Richard Barrett was born inCounty Mayo,Ireland in 1838. He eventually emigrated to theUnited States and settled inBuffalo, New York. It was there that Barrett enlisted in theUnited States Army and was assigned to Company A of the1st U.S. Cavalry Regiment. By 1872, he had risen to the rank offirst sergeant. On May 23 of that year, while posted to theArizona Territory, Barrett volunteered to lead a charge against a group of renegadeTonto Apaches atSycamore Canyon. He was cited for "conspicuous gallantry" and recommended for theMedal of Honor for his actions[2][3][4] which he officially received on April 12, 1875.[5] Barrett moved toWashington, D.C. after his retirement from military service. He died there on March 20, 1898, at the age of 60. He was interred at theUnited States Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery.[6][7]
Rank and organization: First Sergeant, Company A, 1st U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At Sycamore Canyon, Ariz., May 23, 1872. Entered service at: --. Birth: Ireland. Date of issue: April 12, 1875.
Citation:
Consplcuous gallantry in a charge upon the Tonto Apaches.[8]
