01/10/2022
Green Beret Captain Richard Flaherty who at 4' 9" 97lbs is believed to be the smallest man to serve in the US military is posed by Army photographers to stand next to the tallest man in the company 6' 6" Pfc. Nipps. Although most Army higher ups initially felt Flaherty was just a novelty for drumming up good PR, Flaherty proved he was much more and that he belonged on the battlefield by earning the Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars, and 2 Purple Hearts for his valor in the Vietnam war.
In the below statement Captain K. Confer talks about serving with then Lt. Flaherty. After completing first tour in Vietnam Flaherty would return to the US to train in Special Forces school. He would earn his Green Beret and promotion to Captain and head back into the war with the 46th Special Forces Group based in Thailand.
"Lt. Flaherty was the finest Platoon leader I've observed in 11 months of combat. Lt. Flaherty's Platoon accomplished efficiently and effectively all missions assigned to them including Eagle Flights, Bridge Security, attachment to Rifle Companies, reconnoitering new areas, and joint operations with Naval and Foreign Forces.
Flaherty displayed outstanding leadership traits to include some that most newly commissioned officers are lacking, some of which were common sense, initiative, enthusiasm, and moral courage. His Platoon was given very few stand downs, but when they received one, he would insure that his men were afforded time for recreation and personal needs. Lt. Flaherty kept his Platoon administratively and tactically ready to go at all times.
I would be most desirous to serve with this Officer again in either combat or peace time under the most austere and difficult times. Lt. Flaherty is an asset to the Airborne and the United States Army."
- Army Captain K. Confer Jr.
July 27, 1968 Vietnam
To learn more about the inspiring life of Green Beret Capt. Flaherty 101st Airborne & 3rd SF Group 46th Company: please check out the book, The Giant Killer available as a Paperback, Audiobook, Hardcover and eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and Walmart.
The award winning documentary, The Giant Killer Finding Flaherty is available world wide on Amazon, Youtube, Tubi, Google Play, VUDU, Roku, iTunes, Vuuzle. It's also now available in DVD on Amazon.
