Richard Flaherty was a decorated Vietnam War veteran who served as a captain in the U.S. Army Special Forces. He was also known as “The Giant Killer” for his remarkable achievements despite being the smallest serviceman in U.S. history, standing at 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 m). Flaherty’s life was full of adventure, mystery, and courage, but it also ended in tragedy. He was killed by a hit-and-run driver in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of heroism and inspiration.
Early Life and Military Career
Flaherty was born on November 28, 1945, in Stamford, Connecticut. He inherited Irish ancestry from his grandparents, who came from Feakle and the Aran Islands. Flaherty suffered from dwarfism due to a medical condition that affected his growth. He faced many challenges and prejudices because of his size, but he also developed confidence and athleticism through martial arts practice.
Flaherty joined the Army in 1967 and attended Infantry Officer Candidate School, where he graduated as a second lieutenant. He was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division and deployed to Vietnam in 1968. There, he served as a platoon leader and a recon platoon leader in several companies. He participated in the fierce defense of Hue City during the Tet Offensive, earning a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts for his bravery and leadership.
After his first tour in Vietnam, Flaherty returned to the U.S. and attended Special Forces Officer Course at Fort Bragg. He then served as a Special Forces Operations Detachment A (SFODA) commander in the 3rd Special Forces Group in Thailand and later in the 10th Special Forces Group at Fort Devens. He also reportedly served as a Green Beret in Thailand. He left the Army in 1971 with the rank of captain.
Post-Military Life and Work
After leaving the military, Flaherty did private and military contract work in Africa, where he was involved in conflicts in Rhodesia and Angola. He also worked for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as an operative, but he was removed from the agency after a failed mission.
Flaherty then settled in Florida, where he lived a low-profile life. He helped catch a smuggling ring at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and worked undercover for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as an informant. He also befriended many homeless people and veterans, sharing his stories and wisdom with them.
Flaherty was also the subject of a documentary film called The Giant Killer, which was produced by David Yuzuk, a former police officer who met Flaherty in 2005. The film explores Flaherty’s extraordinary life and achievements, as well as his struggles and challenges.
Death and Legacy
Flaherty died on May 9, 2015, at the age of 69. He was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver near his condo in Aventura, Florida. The driver was later identified as Leslie Socolov, a retired stenographer for the Miami-Dade Police Department’s homicide unit. Socolov left the scene of the accident and did not report it to the police. She was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving death.
Flaherty’s death shocked and saddened many people who knew him or admired him. He was buried with full military honors at Forest Memorial Park in Cutler Bay, Florida. His funeral was attended by hundreds of people, including veterans, police officers, friends, family members, and strangers.
Flaherty’s legacy lives on through his documentary film, his medals and awards, his stories and memories, and his example of courage and perseverance. He is remembered as a Vietnam War hero who overcame adversity and achieved greatness despite his small stature. He is also remembered as a kind and generous person who helped others and inspired them to live their dreams.
