Barr thought poorly of the Republic of China and often came into conflict with Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek.

He was a general in the Korean War and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (United States).([1]).

He led the 7th Infantry Division and was defeated by Chinese Communist troops in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.

Following the war, he was appointed the commandant of United States Army Armor School.

[3] Barr Memorial Library at Fort Knox, Kentucky was named after him.