The Giant Killer

American Hero, Mercenary, Spy... The Incredible True Story of the Smallest Man to Serve in the U.S. Military - Green Beret Captain Richard J. Flaherty

By: David A. Yuzuk

Narrated by: Steven Wenger

Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

At 4' 9" 97 lbs, Richard J. Flaherty is believed to be the smallest man to ever serve in the US military. Needing a congressional waiver just to join the army, he achieved the impossible by becoming a Green Beret captain and a Vietnam vet war hero, earning the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts - 101st Airborne and 3rd Special Forces Group.

Author and police officer David Yuzuk befriended Richard J. Flaherty in 1999, when Flaherty was living homeless on the streets of Miami. Flaherty warned Yuzuk that asking too many questions about his secretive life could be bad for Yuzuk’s career and dangerous to his own health. Sure enough, eight hours after Yuzuk made a call to confirm Flaherty’s identity, Flaherty was killed in a hit-and-run and that set the stage for a bewildering plummet down a rabbit hole of CIA conspiracies and shadow governments. It would be the last investigation in Yuzuk's 20-year police career, stretching from the bloody jungles of Vietnam to the dangerous streets of Iraq and Venezuela.

In riveting rifle, rucksack style author David Yuzuk takes you deep into the jungles of Vietnam to walk in the combat boots of America’s smallest soldier, Richard Flaherty. Starting with the bloody Tet Offensive, Flaherty and his units are engaged in harrowing, nonstop action. Written with extensive access to surviving members of the 101st Airborne and 3rd Special Forces Group, on-the-ground eyewitnesses, family members, and friends, as well as archival and declassified military records, Yuzuk has created a gripping narrative of Richard Flaherty’s inspiring life and career. Yuzuk also releases never published information of a covert operation Flaherty worked in order to locate and recover a recently declassified stolen weapon of mass destruction (Project Green Light).

Number one New York Times best seller.

"Giant Killers are among us - author David Yuzuk walked with one and returned with this tale.” (Doug Stanton, author)

©2020 David Yuzuk (P)2020 David Yuzuk

Wow! What an exciting story!

Wow! What an exciting story! It made me travel through an action packed mental movie!

A true patriot

I enjoy this book. The story was well written and kept me entertained until the end. This was definitely worth listening too.

Solid listen. Great adventure.

I knew a Vietnam Vet that I met 25 years ago. In the same manner as David met Richard. His nickname in Vietnam “Treefrog”. He had been a sniper. He told me some of the most fantastic and tragic stories. He too was homeless and he panhandled. He moved between Boca Raton and North Miami exit ramps. Then one day he simply disappeared.

Great book

I was glad and honored to learn about this hero.
I bought the documentary after listening.
Narration and 1.5 speed is perfect to listen to

EXCELLENT

Since the purchase I’ve listened to this book at least 5 times. Each time I pick up more little bits of information. Absolutely excellent!!!

l had to make a choice.

struggled to finish.
l got interested in other subjects.
I t was not the subject.

The Giant Killer, such a good read

I loved hearing about the giant killer Richard Flaherty. The story grabs you right from the start. Having served in the military 23 years I have a huge respect for those that served especially those from the Vietnam War. I would love to know more about this man and those mentioned in this book.

Great story with EXCELLENT narration.

The story was interesting and entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed the narrators voice and characters. excellent book overall!

Amazing story

I think the idea that each person has a story , and the universal truth that no one knows the whole story and that perceptions can be wrong are themes of this sad, truth of our service men and women.
I am so glad his story was not lost.

TEARS

There isn't enough thanks for the people who fought for our freedom.
I wish I could have met this oversized man in the little body.