A heart-stopping collection of extraordinary war hero stories spanning multiple wars and military branches chosen by military enthusiasts from around the world. These compelling accounts of heroism and sacrifice depict the raw and brutal realities of war, without a shred of sentimentality or false patriotism. Included are some names you might already know, like Pappy, Mad-Dog, Bong, Benavidez, and Hathcock, along with others you should know, like Pitsenbarger and Poolaw. Veteran police detective and best-selling author, David A. Yuzuk, brings you this gripping collection of spectacular battle stories and trial-by-fire lessons of honor and duty from WWII to Iraq, all in one action-packed volume. What causes a soldier to make the split second to decision to jump on a grenade and sacrifice his life to save his men? What drives a man to go from homeless to the recipient of the military's highest commendation, The Medal of Honor? How does a prisoner of war survive years of unspeakable torture and deprivation and yet never give up hope?
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
318 pages
12 hours of reading
4' 9" 97lbs Vietnam Vet Green Beret Captain Richard J. Flaherty - 101st Airborne & 3rd Special Forces Group Vietnam 1967-1971. #1 New York Times bestselling author Doug Stanton– "You are holding in your hands an amazing journey into a world of puzzles, intrigue, and mystery. Giant Killers are among us-- author David Yuzuk walked with one and returned with this tale.” If Richard Flaherty was only the shortest man to ever be in the U.S. Army and a Green Beret, that would certainly be a unique story in itself. Flaherty was much more, though. He was a bonafide war hero and beloved leader of the men he commanded. A small stature with a oversized shadow. Yet, he was cut from the Army that was his life after two tours in Vietnam. This story documents as much as can be known about a man whose post army life was spent in a variety of jobs freelancing, alternating between classified missions conducted by the CIA and NSA.... What an interesting man and totally unique story. -John Werner, VINE VOICE At 4' 9" tall, Richard J. Flaherty needed a Congressional waiver just to enlist in the Army as he did not meet the height or weight requirements. Bullied and ridiculed at boot camp, Flaherty nonetheless achieved the kind of stature that’s only dreamed of: He became a 101st Airborne Screaming Eagle and a 3rd Special Forces Group Green Beret Captain earning the Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars and 2 Purple Hearts. Once in Nam his leadership skills were immediately put to the test during the, "Tet Offensive." His decommission during the Reduction in Force in 1971 was unexpected and devastating, and Flaherty sank into the murky world of mercenary work. But he gained a reputation for intelligence, and the CIA recruited him to supply the Contras in Central America. So began a wild adventure involving guns, cash, cocaine and HALO jumps into the Everglades. Flaherty continued to work with other agencies including the ATF and discloses a weapons smuggling ring at the heart of Fort Bragg. Author and police officer David Yuzuk befriended Richard J. Flaherty in 1999, when Flaherty was living homeless on the streets of Aventura, Florida. Flaherty warned Yuzuk that asking too many questions 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.
