United States Army - Provost Marshal General

Item CDV-11430

Description

James Barnet Fry (February 22, 1827 – July 11, 1894) was an American soldier and prolific author of historical books.
In July 1861 he served as chief of staff to Brigadier General Irvin McDowell at the First Battle of Bull Run. He was promoted as an assistant adjutant general with the rank of captain on August 3, 1861.

On November 15, 1861, he was assigned as chief of staff to Major General Don Carols Buell. General Buell successively commanded the Department of the Ohio and the Army of the Ohio. In this assignment, Fry participated in the Battle of Shiloh and the Siege of Corinth in April and May 1862. Fry was promoted to the rank of major on April 22, 1862, and to lieutenant colonel on December 31 of the same year. On October 8, 1862, Fry participated in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky.

Fry then served as assistant in charge of the appointment branch of the Adjutant-General's Office, at Washington, D. C. from November 12, 1862, until he was appointed provost marshal general of the United States Army.  In this capacity he was responsible for tracking deserters, enforcing military laws and overseeing the Invalid Corps.  He was appointed to the position, with the rank of colonel, on March 17, 1863, and was promoted to brigadier general on April 21, 1864. Fry served as provost marshal general until the office was abolished on August 27, 1866. 

Effective on March 15, 1865, but probably awarded later, Fry was brevetted to the rank of major general in the Regular Army in recognition of his service at the First Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Shiloh and for "faithful, meritorious and distinguished service as Provost Marshal General during the war." 
Source:  Wikipedia