The Giant Killer: American hero, mercenary, spy The incredible true story of the smallest man to serve in the U.S. Military-Green Beret Captain Richard J. Flaherty

ISBN: 1954786611

Author: Yuzuk, David A.

Condition: New

The incredible true story of the smallest man to serve in the U.S. Special Forces who did the impossible by becoming a Green Beret Captain and a decorated war hero - Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars, and 2 Purple Hearts.Richard J. Flaherty, born with a rare blood disease only grew to the size of 4-foot-9 97-pounds, but he had big dreams and wanted to fight for his country. All the military branches initially turned him down but that didn't deter Flaherty. He spent the next three years writing letters until the Army finally allowed him in but no one ever believed he would make it through basic training.Flaherty exceeded all expectations by becoming a Paratrooper and being accepted in Officer Candidate School. In December of 1967, he was sent to Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division. One of his first tests as a Platoon Leader was during the bloody "Tet Offensive." He also served later that year as a Recon Platoon leader with Echo Company.In January of 1969, Flaherty returned to the U.S. and attended Special Forces School with the 3rd Special Forces Group. Later that year he was promoted to Captain and returned to South East Asia with the 46th Special Forces Company based in Thailand. Their official mission was to train the Thai Border Patrol but their unofficial mission was to disrupt communist guerrilla networks across the border in "Pink Zones."Special Forces Green Beret Captain was the recipient of The Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars, and 2 Purple Hearts.After the war due to the Reduction in Force, Flaherty along with many other officers was forced out of the military. Recruited into the world of military contract work, Flaherty worked for many masters: the Rhodesian military, and several African Potentates. After returning from Africa he worked for Federal Law Enforcement (ATF) in an undercover capacity and is believed to have been a CIA contractor.On May 9, 2015, Flaherty would be killed in a bizarre hit and run in Miami.#1 New York Times bestselling author Doug Stanton- "You are holding in your hands an amazing journey into a world of puzzles, intrigue, and mystery. Giant Killers are among us-- author David Yuzuk walked with one and returned with this tale.If Richard Flaherty was only the shortest man to ever be in the U.S. Army and a Green Beret, that would certainly be a unique story in itself. Flaherty was much more, though. He was a bonafide war hero and beloved leader of the men he commanded. A small stature with a oversized shadow. Yet, he was cut from the Army that was his life after two tours in Vietnam. This story documents as much as can be known about a man whose post army life was spent in a variety of jobs freelancing, alternating between classified missions conducted by the CIA and NSA.... What an interesting man and totally unique story. -John Werner, VINE VOICE