Capt. Richard J. Flaherty: The 4’9” 97 lb. Green Beret Hero

Known as the Giant Killer, Amazing story of an American Hero

When a Florida policeman became friends with a local homeless man in 1990, he had no idea that the man he had befriended was Richard Flaherty. Friends for several years, Flaherty finally told the cop who he was (the cop did not believe it) and an incredible story was uncovered. Richard Flaherty was the smallest Green Beret to ever graduate, although he had to gain weight and get a special waiver just to join. He was sent to Vietnam where he performed with distinction, bravery, and was awarded the Silver Star and two Bronze Stars for Valor. Honorably discharged from the Army in 1971, he worked as a merc in Rhodesia and Angola before becoming a CIA operative in South America. He was fired and arrested by the CIA (for having silencers) and then was hired by the ATF to stop weapons theft from army bases. After that he ended up homeless until he met the Florida cop to whom he shared his story. Shortly after his confession, he was killed by a hit and run driver who was found but not charged. As a homeless man, he had a passport and had been to several countries in the middle east and far east. His story is told in the book/movie “The Giant Killer”.

Greatness is only limited by our will to achieve it. Valor is in you. Set it free.