Richard J. Flaherty was a remarkable man who defied the odds and became a decorated war hero, a CIA operative, and an undercover informant. He was also the shortest person ever to serve in the US military, standing at only 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 m). But his life ended tragically on May 9, 2015, when he was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver near his home in Florida. Who was Richard J. Flaherty and what led to his untimely death?
A Life of Courage and Adventure
Richard J. Flaherty was born on November 28, 1945, in Stamford, Connecticut, to an Italian-American mother and a Filipino father. His father, Dr. Godofredo Macaraeg, was a captain in the Philippine Army during World War II, who survived the Bataan Death March and the Corregidor Island imprisonment. His mother, Bridget Segreto, was a dietician at a New York hospital. Richard inherited Irish ancestry from his grandparents, who were born in Feakle and the Aran Islands.
Richard faced many challenges from birth, as he suffered from a hormonal imbalance that stunted his growth. He was diagnosed as a proportionate dwarf, and was expected to only grow to 4 feet 7 inches, but he proved them wrong by reaching 4 feet 9 inches. He was also a blue baby, meaning he had a low level of oxygen in his blood due to his mother’s Rh-negative blood type.
Despite his physical disadvantages, Richard developed confidence and athleticism through martial arts practice. He also had a passion for history and music, and excelled in academics. He graduated from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, with a degree in history in 1974.
Richard had a dream of serving his country in the military, but he faced many obstacles due to his height. He needed a congressional waiver to join the Army, and he endured bullying and ridicule from his fellow soldiers during basic training. But he persevered and proved his worth by becoming a Green Beret captain, earning the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts for his actions in Vietnam. He served with the 101st Airborne Division and the 3rd and 10th Special Forces Groups. He was nicknamed “The Giant Killer” by his comrades for his bravery and leadership.
After leaving the Army in 1971, Richard continued his adventurous life by working as a private military contractor in Africa, where he fought in Rhodesia and Angola. He also became involved with the CIA, supplying weapons and cash to the Contras in Central America. He performed high-altitude low-opening parachute jumps into the Florida Everglades swamps, carrying guns and money. He was arrested for possession of gun silencers, but he managed to avoid prison by working undercover for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as an informant. He helped catch a smuggling ring that was stealing explosives and a classified weapon from a US Army base.
A Mysterious Death
Richard’s life took a tragic turn on May 9, 2015, when he was riding his bicycle near his condo in Aventura, Florida. He was hit by a car driven by Leslie Socolov, a retired stenographer for the Miami-Dade Police Department’s homicide unit. Socolov fled the scene and did not report the accident to the police. Richard suffered multiple injuries and died on the spot. He was 69 years old.
The news of his death shocked and saddened his family, friends, and fans, who remembered him as a talented, kind, and generous person. His funeral was attended by many celebrities and personalities, who paid tribute to his music and legacy. His unfinished album was later released posthumously, with the title Segreto.
Richard’s death also raised many questions and suspicions, as some believed that he was assassinated by someone who wanted to silence him or take revenge on him. His friend and former Miami police officer David Yuzuk, who had befriended Richard when he was homeless, launched an investigation to find out the truth. He discovered that Richard had a secret life that involved espionage, covert operations, and international intrigue. He also learned that Richard had been working on a book that exposed corruption and conspiracy in the US government and military. He wondered if Richard’s death was related to his book or his past activities.
Yuzuk made a documentary film about Richard’s life and death, called The Giant Killer, which was released in 2017. The film features interviews with Richard’s family, friends, colleagues, and enemies, as well as footage and photos of his remarkable career. The film also explores the mystery and controversy surrounding his death, and the possible motives and suspects behind it. The film aims to honor Richard’s memory and legacy, and to seek justice for his death.
