Richard J. Flaherty, due to medical complications at his birth only grew to 4' 9" 97lbs but he had big dreams and wanted to fight for his country. All the military branches turned him down but that didn't deter Flaherty. He spent the next three years writing letters until the Army finally allowed him in but no one ever believed he would make it through basic training.
His uniforms didn't fit, the equipment was too big, and he was required to carry a pack that was almost the same weight as he was. Because of his leg length marching in step with the rest of his company on long marches was incredibly difficult. When he jumped out of planes they would have to strap extra weight onto his body to help his descent.
All the obstacle courses were built for average size men and for Flaherty they were mountains but he conquered them all. No rules were changed for Flaherty in basic training either he would sink or swim. In 1967, with a war raging in Vietnam the Army was training men to be sent straight into battle. There would be no coddling... if he couldn't hack it then he didn't belong.
Flaherty exceeded all expectations by graduating and then becoming an officer. But Flaherty still had more to give and would never let any barriers stand in his way. He then went on and did the impossible by becoming a Special Forces Green Beret Captain and war hero - Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars, & 2 Purple Hearts. 101st Airborne & 3rd Group 46th SF Company.
Flaherty knew years before he died that he was qualified to be buried in Arlington's prestigious National Cemetery however he passed on a hero's burial and instead purchased his burial plot in a small anonymous cemetery in W. Virginia because it faced the woman he loved, Lisa Davis Annes.
"I've been in love with Lisa for thirty-three years. I will be in love with her for the rest of my life on this plain and beyond for death will never separate my love her." - Richard Flaherty
To learn more about Richard J. Flaherty please check out the book, "The Giant Killer" available on Amazon as a Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook.
The award-winning documentary, The Giant Killer Finding Flaherty is available on Amazon, YouTube, Google Play, Tubi and iTunes.
Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/.../ref=cm_sw_......
#Giantkiller, #smallestsoldier,#RichardFlaherty, #ARMY #marinecorps, #navyseals, #joerogan, #jockowillink, #davidgoggins, #bryancallen #Army,
#Drinkinbros,
