Barry Francis Graham, the son of Frank and Dorothy Graham,  was born in Jersey City on March 1, 1939. He entered Saint Peter’s College in 1957 and joined the ROTC program. He graduated on June 4, 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in English and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Army. Graham subsequently married Ellen.

Graham served in Vietnam and achieved the rank of major. He was given command of the 39th Cavalry Platoon (signifying 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, which was an ACV (air cushion vehicle). The ACVs were designed with flat decks to carry 12 troops, powerful engines and twin machine gun turrets in a wide cabin.  Tragedy struck the 39th Cavalry Platoon on August 3, 1970 when ACV No. 903 was destroyed in combat, killing its unit commander, Major Graham, and the crew.  The official casualty report shows that Major Graham was "Killed in Action" when his ACV hit a mine.

Major Graham is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medals, a National Order 5th Class, a Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and Parachute Badge.