Barrie Davis was born on December 22, 1923, in Lenoir County, North Carolina. He attended Wake Forest College for a year before enlisting in the Aviation Cadet Program of the U.S. Army Air Forces and was commissioned a 2d Lt and awarded his pilot wings at Napier Field, Alabama, on August 30, 1943. After completing fighter training, Lt Davis was assigned to the 317th Fighter Squadron of the 325th Fighter Group in Italy. He was credited with the destruction of 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat between June and August 1944, and he transferred back to the U.S. in November 1944. Davis left active duty on October 15, 1945, and served in the Air Force Reserve until 1949, when he transferred to the North Carolina Army National Guard to help organize a field artillery battery. During his time in the Guard, Col Davis completed helicopter flight training and served as an Aviation Battalion Commander, 30th Division Artillery Commander, and Commandant of the North Carolina Military Academy before retiring in March 1978. Barrie Davis died on August 19, 2014.

His Silver Star Citation reads:

BARRIE S. DAVIS, 0-811865, First Lieutenant, 317th Ftr. Sq., 325th Ftr. Gp. For gallantry in action as pilot of a P-51 type aircraft. On 22 August 1944, Lt Davis led his flight as escort to heavy bombers attacking strategic enemy installations in Germany. Leaving the target area, he remained with the bombers to afford cover for crippled aircraft after the time designated to leave them. Enroute to base the crippled ships were aggressively attacked by enemy fighters. In the ensuing engagement, displaying outstanding combat proficiency, though engaged by superior numbers of enemy ships, Lt Davis successfully repulsed all attacks and successfully destroyed two hostile fighters. Through his conspicuous gallantry in remaining with the bombers, he enabled them to complete their mission and return safely to base. By his outstanding courage, leadership and devotion to duty, as evidenced throughout over seventy (70) successful missions against the enemy, and six enemy aircraft destroyed in aerial flight, Lt. Davis has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.