The Giant Killer: The Unbelievable True Story of the Smallest Special Forces Soldier to Ever Serve Who Became a War Hero; Whose Life and Death are Shrouded in Mystery
The astonishing true story of Richard James Flaherty—a diminutive homeless man whose remarkable life and enigmatic death capture the imagination. From the harrowing jungles of Vietnam to an unwavering eternal vow to the woman he loved, "The Giant Killer" reveals that reality often eclipses fiction.
Miami police officer David Yuzuk forms a friendship with Flaherty, a tiny homeless man, and after 15 years, Richard finally discloses his astonishing past. Yuzuk is taken aback to learn that his 4-foot-9, 95-pound companion claims to be not only the smallest man ever to serve in the U.S. military but also a CIA operative engaged in international espionage.
According to Flaherty, he rose to the rank of Special Forces Captain in the Green Berets and received the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts for his valor during his service in Vietnam and Thailand. Yuzuk is fascinated by Flaherty’s incredible stories but, as an investigator, feels compelled to verify the details.
Flaherty cautions Yuzuk against delving into an undercover operation he participated in during the '80s alongside federal agents. He recounts a case reminiscent of the Iran-Contra affair and issues a stark warning: “Dave, if you look into this, it could jeopardize your career and endanger my life.”
Driven by curiosity, Yuzuk pursues the truth and, despite the warning, soon contacts a retired federal agent who confirms the veracity of Flaherty's claims.
Just six hours after that enlightening conversation, Flaherty is tragically killed in a mysterious hit-and-run. Now, Yuzuk embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets surrounding his friend’s extraordinary life and untimely death. As he digs deeper into Richard Flaherty’s past, he discovers a narrative more bizarre than he could have imagined—filled with clandestine CIA operations and a quest to recover a stolen classified miniature nuclear weapon.
#1 New York Times Bestseller - Author Doug Stanton: "Giant Killers are among us—author David Yuzuk walked with one and returned with this tale.”
"If Richard Flaherty were merely the shortest man ever to serve in the U.S. Army and a Green Beret, that alone would make for a remarkable story. But Flaherty was much more than that; he was a genuine war hero and a beloved leader among his men. With his small stature, he cast a formidable shadow. After two tours in Vietnam, he was dismissed from the Army that defined his life. This story chronicles what is known about a man whose post-military years were filled with various jobs, including classified missions with the CIA and NSA. What a fascinating individual with an utterly unique story." - John Werner, VINE VOICE
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The Giant Killer: The Unbelievable True Story of the Smallest Special Forces Soldier to Ever Serve Who Became a War Hero; Whose Life and Death are Shrouded in Mystery
The astonishing true story of Richard James Flaherty—a diminutive homeless man whose remarkable life and enigmatic death capture the imagination. From the harrowing jungles of Vietnam to an unwavering eternal vow to the woman he loved, "The Giant Killer" reveals that reality often eclipses fiction.
Miami police officer David Yuzuk forms a friendship with Flaherty, a tiny homeless man, and after 15 years, Richard finally discloses his astonishing past. Yuzuk is taken aback to learn that his 4-foot-9, 95-pound companion claims to be not only the smallest man ever to serve in the U.S. military but also a CIA operative engaged in international espionage.
According to Flaherty, he rose to the rank of Special Forces Captain in the Green Berets and received the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts for his valor during his service in Vietnam and Thailand. Yuzuk is fascinated by Flaherty’s incredible stories but, as an investigator, feels compelled to verify the details.
Flaherty cautions Yuzuk against delving into an undercover operation he participated in during the '80s alongside federal agents. He recounts a case reminiscent of the Iran-Contra affair and issues a stark warning: “Dave, if you look into this, it could jeopardize your career and endanger my life.”
Driven by curiosity, Yuzuk pursues the truth and, despite the warning, soon contacts a retired federal agent who confirms the veracity of Flaherty's claims.
Just six hours after that enlightening conversation, Flaherty is tragically killed in a mysterious hit-and-run. Now, Yuzuk embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets surrounding his friend’s extraordinary life and untimely death. As he digs deeper into Richard Flaherty’s past, he discovers a narrative more bizarre than he could have imagined—filled with clandestine CIA operations and a quest to recover a stolen classified miniature nuclear weapon.
#1 New York Times Bestseller - Author Doug Stanton: "Giant Killers are among us—author David Yuzuk walked with one and returned with this tale.”
"If Richard Flaherty were merely the shortest man ever to serve in the U.S. Army and a Green Beret, that alone would make for a remarkable story. But Flaherty was much more than that; he was a genuine war hero and a beloved leader among his men. With his small stature, he cast a formidable shadow. After two tours in Vietnam, he was dismissed from the Army that defined his life. This story chronicles what is known about a man whose post-military years were filled with various jobs, including classified missions with the CIA and NSA. What a fascinating individual with an utterly unique story." - John Werner, VINE VOICE