Most experts say what he accomplished should have been impossible!
Richard J. Flaherty, pictured here at 68 years old, was born with a rare blood disease that severely stunted his growth. Predicted to only reach 4’7″ and face lifelong ailments, Richard defied odds, growing to 4’9″ and 97 pounds.
Despite repeated military rejections due to his size, he refused to give up—writing letters for three years until he earned a medical waiver. Basic training was brutal: his uniforms didn’t fit, equipment was oversized, and the backpack weighed almost as much as he did. Marching in step was a challenge, but Richard never faltered. No rules were changed; he had to sink or swim—and he swam.
Not only did he complete basic training, he volunteered to become a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne “Screaming Eagles.” Instructors strapped machine gun parts to his legs during jumps to prevent him from floating away. Graduating Officer Candidate School in 1968, he led troops in Vietnam’s Tet Offensive.
While many officers sought safer posts, Richard led a Recon platoon on perilous missions deep in enemy territory. By tour’s end, he earned the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts for valor.
But his story doesn’t stop there. Richard went on to become a Green Beret with the 3rd Special Forces Group, serving in covert operations in Thailand—missions still classified today.
His life reads like a Tom Clancy novel, with undercover missions worldwide.
To learn more about America’s smallest soldier with the biggest heart, check out The Giant Killer —a book and award-winning documentary available worldwide on Amazon, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, YouTube, Tubi, and more.