08/02/2021
American Hero: Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars, 2 Purple Hearts
Special Forces Capt. Richard J. Flaherty AKA The Giant Killer - Due to his size he needed a waiver just to join the military, but no one ever believed he could even make it out of Basic Training. He not only made it through Basic but he was 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 "Tet Offensive." He served as a Platoon Leader with companies B, C, and D and as a Recon Platoon Leader with Echo company.
In January of 1969, he returned to CONUS and attended the Special Forces School at Fort Bragg and was then assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group. Later that year he returned to South East Asia with the 46th Special Forces Company A-110 in Camp Pawai, Lopburi Thailand.
At 4-foot-9 97lbs, Flaherty is believed to be the smallest man to serve in the US military. Captain Flaherty's incredible life story was captured in the book, The Giant Killer available worldwide as a Paperback, eBook, or Audiobook.
Awards & citations:
Captain Flaherty earned The Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars, 2 Purple Hearts, the Air Medal, Gallantry Cross W/Silver Star, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, 3 Overseas Bars, Sharpshooter Badge W/Rifle Bar, Air Medal, Parachutist Badge, Vietnam Service badge.