The Most Terrifying Tiny Man of the Vietnam War

After striking up an unlikely friendship with a seemingly frail homeless man in Miami's dark and wild cityscapes, Police Officer David Yuzuk gradually realized that this man was much more than he seemed. One day, the man declared: (QUOTE) "I think it's time for you to hear my story."
The narrative he spun was nothing short of extraordinary: battling Viet Cong fighters in the steaming jungles during the savage Tet Offensive, serving in the Special Forces against the Castro regime, and taking part in the dark, clandestine operations of the CIA. It seemed far-fetched; the man sitting across from Yuzuk stood just 4 feet 9 inches tall-hardly the profile of a Special Forces warrior.
Yet, Richard J. Flaherty insisted: (QUOTE) “I was the smallest man to ever serve in the military. I went to Vietnam with the Army’s 101st Airborne, and then Special Forces school."
Skepticism gnawed at Yuzuk; perhaps these stories were just the man's way of armoring against a world that had cast him aside. Nevertheless, the tale lingered in his mind. Driven by curiosity, Yuzuk contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, only to reel in shock when they confirmed Flaherty's role in numerous high-stakes operations.
But just as the layers began to peel back on one of the most staggering stories of modern warfare, it came crashing down: only six hours after his call, Flaherty lost his life in a mysterious hit-and-run. The sinister timing hinted at a desperate move to silence a man with too many secrets.
Driven by a profound need to honor Flaherty's enigmatic legacy, Yuzuk launched into a dogged quest to unearth the full scale of Captain Richard J. Flaherty's covert life.
Soon, Yuzuk would grasp the total weight of the adage: "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." This tiny man's colossal deeds were about to come to light…
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As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Dark Docs sometimes utilizes similar historical images and footage for dramatic effect. I do my best to keep it as visually accurate as possible. All content on Dark Docs is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas. -

[@lordofthehouseofstormcrows8615]

Thank you for giving this Patriot his just due. Mr. Flaherty was a super hero before the word was even popular. Dynamite comes in small packages

[@elizabethdann1997]

Nitro comes in even smaller packages.

[@pkwithmeplease]

THIS STORY IS so wrong! it shows that the only time people want to really help is when they will get reconized for it. this whole story is fucked up. it just shows that his teammates left him homeless in america. its not a good story this story is actually really sad and then to see people step in to tell his story just to profit from it.

[@TheGiantKillerOfficial]

Thank you for the kind words about the Captain!

[@frankchase9297]

Just goes to show, never judge a package by its size. Outstanding video, Thank You!

[@pkwithmeplease]

THIS STORY IS so wrong! it shows that the only time people want to really help is when they will get reconized for it. this whole story is fucked up. it just shows that his teammates left him homeless in america. its not a good story this story is actually really sad and then to see people step in to tell his story just to profit from it.

[@makschorney2514]

Thank you. I once had a friend who was in the SAS, his story was so much like this man's. He lived in a forest, only came out to meet with a few close friends... then he too, disappeared...

[@randythompson2681]

Atleast he is now at peace, Thankyou for your service Sir

[@pkwithmeplease]

THIS STORY IS so wrong! it shows that the only time people want to really help is when they will get reconized for it. this whole story is fucked up. it just shows that his teammates left him homeless in america. its not a good story this story is actually really sad and then to see people step in to tell his story just to profit from it.

[@TheGiantKillerOfficial]

Thank you!

[@randythompson2681]

​@@pkwithmepleaseI think this story is about his successes in miltary and being a secret service operations. I hate that the past haunted him. I also hate that he is not around today for the history that he could give us.

[@brandons9398]

Like many overlooked and often forgotten, American heroes, thank you for bringingus this man’s story. All of them need to be told. Their heroism needs to be recognized so others can learn from it, and take heed of what they went through.😢

[@mrchow8593]

Richard Flaherty was born and raised in my home town of Stamford CT, he was a hero. The fact that almost no one knows who he is is sad. Thank you for telling his story.

[@TheGiantKillerOfficial]

Thank you

[@Alan-pv2bi]

6 hours after an inquiry to his former boss, there is a hit and run. Coincidental, greater than 0% chance.

[@pkwithmeplease]

THIS STORY IS so wrong! it shows that the only time people want to really help is when they will get reconized for it. this whole story is fucked up. it just shows that his teammates left him homeless in america. its not a good story this story is actually really sad and then to see people step in to tell his story just to profit from it.

[@Only-Me-UC]

@@pkwithmeplease If you listen to this again you will know he chose to live on the streets despite a home being provided for him, which he sold. next time make sure of your facts, before opening your mouth.

[@JK_Clark]

@@pkwithmeplease It's a great short story

[@greenspiraldragon]

Dude got his friend killed.

[@Huzzunga]

Flaherty was killed on May 9, 2015, in a hit and run.[5] Fifteen years before Flaherty's death, he was befriended by Miami Police officer David Yuzuk after Flaherty became homeless. Just ten days before Flaherty's death, Flaherty told Yuzuk his story.[6] After Flaherty's death, Yuzuk went to look into his history and uncovered troves of information from Flaherty's storage unit, such as his passport with stamps from Cambodia, Venezuela, Iraq and Jordan.[7] Flaherty was buried at Forest Memorial Park cemetery in Milton, West Virginia. 10 days From Wiki

[@joeottsoulbikes415]

There is a homeless man here in Seattle that sits and reads books 📚 everyday beside a fireplace at the Starbucks. The local stores take care if him making sure he has water and lunch even if his benefits card is drained. He sleeps on the same bench every night beside a coffee shop and Bodega. I was unaware of Mark's military past until one day I noticed the 101st Airborne Division emblem tattoo he had on his right are crested by the word Ranger, then I noticed a disturbing 😳 tattoo. It was a group of hash marks. Four with the side ways hatch for five then the next count. I counted 8 of these that's 40 plus like 3 lone lines. It took me a second to realize they were all crudely done. It looked like with pocket knife cuts filled with India ink. Some with needles, some perfect from a tattoo machine. I realized these represented lives, his sleeping on the bench according to the short German lady, Helen, who hangs at the coffee shop us because he gets closer phobic indoors. That's why he's always on the outside area at the Starbucks fireplace, sleeps outside, has plenty of money because he did 20 years and actually has retired injured vet pay plus state benefits. He's a killer who can't deal with what's in his head. He got mugged once. The perps all ended up in the hospital. A 72 year old man destroyed 4 teens who rushed him. He needs help. I do what I can.

[@robertsears46]

I hope that man can get out of the helo hole that is that part of the former USA and get back to real America where people actually appreciate heroes like him.

[@leomendoza6119]

You should try to record his story, for posterity.

[@elizabethdann1997]

No one should “mess” with an old man. He deserves respect. The young doesn’t understand that, respect. Dear Heavenly Father; Take care of your son. Open hearts to help him and LORD someday Receive him into your bosom. By the Blood, Fire, and Waters of your Name and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

[@Vixsniper]

He can get healed from all his trauma by getting Deliverence through Jesus Christ. Seek out a good experienced healing church/group ministry. I pray this man has at least some faith & will take that first step. The devil uses trauma to keep us in a state of pain & fear, believe me I know! Talk to him about it, give him a phone to watch the testimonies of other people on KZbin who have been healed, even other Vets who have suffered the perils of war! Jesus will heal him, I promise you! May God bless you both. 🙏🇳🇿

[@4rtyO]

Seattle mentioned‼️‼️‼️ I wish the give this man respect 🫡

[@JerryR1776]

Wow...what a Warrior!

[@zacharyhughes3053]

I can't stop crying. I served. Was homeless for a year. I screamed into my hands in despair in the middle of the night sometimes . Much better now though. This is a different kind of screaming that I am doing now.

[@TheGiantKillerOfficial]

Thank you sir for your service! This country owes a huge debt to men like you please now go out and live your best life you deserve it!

[@417jumps3]

R.I.P. Warrior!

[@AngeLa-du3gw]

Thank you for sharing his story very few knew of this story I'm glad it's finally getting out there

[@TheGiantKillerOfficial]

Thank you!

[@randywise5241]

Once they get the use out of you, they just dump you into the streets. Forget about your service and do little has possible to help you heal, adjust and move on.

[@thirtytrap]

Truth!!

[@jb7483]

Well it's up to you and no one else to decide your fate to imply otherwise means your a weak fool. I was a 19K and 19D I never expected nothing and knew what I was getting into. Seen how bad it can be and knew the government cared little. Learned the average civilian just used thank you as a fashion statement. However in the end it's up to me to get me through.

[@terry_willis]

To the military, you're just an expendable numbered piece of meat. When your value is gone, so are you. (see cannon fodder)

[@DaryllRambo]

@@jb7483 Same, was 11B, hit by an EFP my last rotation. Not once did I expect the military to hold my hand after I was done

[@scallopohare9431]

@@DaryllRambo A veteran would of course not expect the Armed Forces to provide, unless retired.

[@Scotch42]

Peak human performance. What a freakin hero. Your bravery is second to none. May we all look up to you for inspiration. Thank you, Mr. Flaherty

[@blackbird5634]

Only a ''hero'' till the Vietnam war ended, then he became an addict, alcoholic, drug smuggler, FBI and DEA informant ratting on his friends and partners to stay our of prison and reduce his sentence. He got caught up in bad stuff, but then he walked into it with his eyes open.

[@MrNedsaabdickerson]

Rambo was a real Hero, there was and perhaps still is many out there trying to live their lives. I salute All Americans who have serve this nations armed forces. If you were and still are a American fighting man, you are an American

[@garyvigorito3289]

It sure wasn't Stallone!

[@LearnLinden]

Amazing video brining a hero to light! Much respect

[@sammyseguin2978]

I was sure that I read that he was killed in a hit and run accident, the (female) driver had a history of DUI. I can't remember all the details, but the woman was the executive secretary of some government official.

[@scottwagner515]

Heard about it too in the documentary titled the giant killer

[@SoldierDrew]

He was killed in a hit & run by a police detective

[@pyreneesfarm7818]

Who hit him will be lost in the maze of recriminations and lies. If he was in as many of the places he is said to have been, his death by other than natural means well attended by friendly people will remain a "rumor" and no one will find out the whole story,

[@JulianBlea]

Awesome warrior. RIP

[@170turbo]

Terrible to think that such a man was murdered by his own country.

[@subparhushpuppy9335]

He was struck and killed by a woman that worked for the Sherriff's office. She didn't report it and fled because , allegedly, she was driving intoxicated. There is video/photo evidence showing the chain of events as she eventually relayed them in an investigation. It is NOT considered unsolved, but it is seriously coincidental...yet no evidence of it being a paid hit or anything so far.

[@tigerboy60]

I wouldn't Trust any Sheriff, especially in Miami.

[@natsudragneel231]

Definitely a Cia hit

[@kevinbell6247]

I'm nae conspiracy theorist....but I'm nae big believer in "just coincidental" either.....the US government is shady enough to take this dude out to silence him.....guess that's just coincidence too eh?

[@davidkubasiak9093]

And you believe the official report?

[@mitchellculberson9336]

Heard about this knee-high hero on the Infographics animated series.Man's man & a soldiers soldier.

[@nunyabizness9216]

I had the pleasure of briefly knowing a man who was a tunnel rat. He was about 5'2" and didnt want to talk about his past. I didnt pressure him. He needed peace. I'm not sure if the gentleman is still among us, as lots of vietnam vets are passing away now. TYFYS Sir, wherever you may be.

[@VVershCSIV]

Finally the Legend gets his due just.

[@TheGiantKillerOfficial]

Well said thank you!

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

What a sad ending to an American hero, RIP!

[@idget600]

If you are attempting to find this book to purchase, it was written by David Yuzuk with Neil Yuzuk. Flaherty did not write it, which caused me a bit to find it, copies available on E Bay.

[@TheGiantKillerOfficial]

Thank you we have, "The Giant Killer' Book, Audiobook and Documentary available worldwide to learn more about his incredible life its also an Audiobook and eBook on Amazon, Spotify, iTunes, Tunein, Barnes & Nobles Nook, Chirp, KOBO, Apple Books and most major sites!

[@nunyabizness9216]

What a tormented soul. TYFYS Sir, you were a GIANT among men.

[@TheGiantKillerOfficial]

Yes he was and thank you!

[@sixgunmiller6198]

TRUE HEROES

[@michaelwood6353]

It’s not how big is your stature but how big is your heart!!! What a great Warrior!!! God bless you and thank you for your service!!!

[@richardkautz2947]

Our men and women of service should Never be left to the streets ! Trillions of taxpayer money goes to waste when our veterans suffer.

[@Gatekeeper2007]

This is not true they know who killed that man. She works in the police building same building his friend worked at. There is captured video of her checking over her car the following day after running over this guy. And walking down to the intersection where the hit and run occurred. The police are not pressing charges against her because she works in the police building and he was just a homeless person. Extremely sad how we treat our veterans.

[@breadwineandsong4014]

Yeah, Dark Docs version of a documentary that Prime Video already did on this guy in 2018 entitled, The Giant Killer. This is one of Dark Docs better videos, though. I'm surprised Flaherty only received a Silver Star for his actions at 8:30 in this video. That sounded like a DSC to me.

[@mrbigw100]

So flatherty told him don’t look into this because it will bad for my health so then the cop looked into him and flatherty was killed hrs after he looked into him classic cop can’t help them selves

[@markhodge7]

That was an insane lifetime.

[@DavidWilliams-tr1yx]

Thank you for giving this man the respect he is owed. He fought hard all his life to have something so tragic to happen to him ❤ Rip

[@TheGiantKillerOfficial]

Well said thank you!

[@davidworden4470]

A man like that needs to have a base named after him and a statue

[@chrissnape9537]

I wonder how badly the police officer feels. Knowing he might have put the wheels in motion to this heros demise.

[@BlackoutPatriot]

Cops are good at making nothing into something worse

[@adriaanboogaard8571]

Some average people look at being different as a disability. That's what keeps them average. Often, being different gives you strength to do more. I think that's out of the box thinking that leads to rare and outstanding capabilities.

[@lovejon20]

It was a 911 dispatcher who hit him and made the call that she hit something and was not charged.Its a documentary on Amazon prime

[@hauntedmoodylady]

I have rea the book by Yuzuk, "The Giant Killer," and I highly recommend it to Vets whether current, or former, I especially recommend it to those who will constantly parade around with military patches, or memorabilia on their clothes, or vehicles, and never consider the failings of the US government, and military toward Vets such as Flaherty. Capt. Richard Flaherty is buried in Milton WV, near his beloved girlfriend, I've stopped there a couple of times when traveling to my Mother's hometown, and cemetery. I spent 21 1/2 years in the Army, unless one is inside a click such as the West Pointers, you're less than a number, I believe Capt. Flaherty's story tells a much bigger story than his remarkable life alone..

[@TheGiantKillerOfficial]

Thank you for your service and thank you for the kind words about our book.

[@scholasticaltactical9058]

I’m sure it was just a random car accident. The ATF would never blatantly assassinate someone, (cough) Brian Melanowski!

[@Rezin_8]

there are dozens like him ❤ modern day heros with 0 cred 🇺🇸⏳️

[@mickthurston9883]

What a Geezer. Shame they didn't try harder with. His PTSD. Mick London

[@janiceduke1205]

🫡 Thank you for your service!

[@FrankOdonnell-ej3hd]

tragic but fascinating story⚛😀

[@daskritterhaus5491]

4:35 "enough mass" ya. ALL MUSCLE. l did this in 71-75 packed on 40 pounds ALL MUSCLE oddly enough my old adversaries and their ilk didnt try anything after that.

[@thomasgumersell9607]

Mr.flaherty certainly was an incredible Special Operative. The type of work he did truly was incredible. Its a shame that he died in a mysterious hit and run. I'm glad his story was finally bought to light in a book. 💪✨👃

[@RenoSimpson]

It's just coincidental that after the contacted the ATF that flarity was assassinated completely coincidental

[@danm.bagley5030]

I served with Flaherty in the 101st Airborne in 1968 in Vietnam. I wouldn't exactly call him a hero, dangerous for sore. He was involved in several incidents that I would say crossed the line for a serving officer. When he was serving in the battalion LRRP's he was tasked to get supposedly some VC who had been stranded on little patches of land because of a storm. They used some type of airboat to go after them. Well, Flaherty pulled a Lt Calley and killed them all. The powers to be weren't very happy about it, but nothing came of it. Another day in Vietnam. Another time, he had thrown some grenades into a bunker with civilians in it. Not good. Instead of trying to have our interpreter talk them out. I actually saw this. He caught some hell over that. He wasn't well-liked because he had this little man attitude and the ego of ten men. It was war and shit happens.

[@davidemelia6296]

He was a war criminal, just another of the monsters that the US used and then threw in the trash heap. No loss.

[@scallopohare9431]

@@davidemelia6296 No, ignoramus. The US' and other nations' military went under United Nations' aegis.

[@dobrzpe]

Fascinating!

[@i_dont_live_here]

Sounds like this man was danger to others until he became a danger to himself. People like him, who’ve done heroic feats are a liability to controlling interests. Rest well Sir.

[@ozzieanglin262]

I'm 6'4" and I think being that small in combat would be useful. Small targets are harder to hit.

[@AnthonyOMulligan-yv9cg]

And move faster

[@jasonthunders6551]

Tunnel rat

[@kathleenmoore4019]

Great man who loved his fellow man. Bad things happen to great people. I will remember Flaherty's brave ❤. Wish I could have met him I am only 4ft 10. I was leading jockey in the state of Washington no fear.

[@BamaBlitz17]

Wow! A movie seriously needs to be made about this.

[@williamburdon6993]

I was 5 '10 and weighed a whopping 110 pounds in boot camp. My best friend was about 5 foot 90 pounds , He was fearless in the military and when we got in trouble in a bar , he wore pointed boots and he took out many a big guys ribs and legs with a hard kick to the right spot lol, RIP Danny

[@DSWL_]

tragic end to a great warrior

[@1l175]

🫡 flaherty's Richard 🕊 be free brother

[@melodymacken9788]

RIP. Unforgettable.

[@LDM662]

Great story

[@TheGiantKillerOfficial]

Thank you!

[@clearcreek69]

Great video

[@marcellemay7721]

An incredible story of an incredible warrior. There's no doubt in my mind that he was used in some very unpalatable operations conducted by the CIA. When they got wind that he might be blabbing about what he was involved in, they ended him before he talked too much. Perhaps they wanted to end him way before that but they didn't know where he was. The police officers phone call probably put him back on the radar and they wasted no time. This story is probably more common than most people realize.

[@tigerboy60]

Small men carried the BAR in WWII.

[@ronniaj]

It’s a travesty that soldiers are just forgotten and it’s not just the us

[@SoldierDrew]

"Not one to let a mere three inches thwart dreams." That's what 'she' said.

[@wendymorgan6651]

Great story thanks

[@FERNANDOGONZALEZ-pb6re]

...."with missions that are shrouded in mystery and perhaps forever?" What do you summize when he was "mysteriously" involved in a hit and run that has yet to be solved?

[@natalimorales9254]

It’s crazy how the cop called it in and 6 hours later he dead called it in his name to see how he wass and make look like a hit and run

[@Eyebuck]

That cop got this guy killed by calling ATF. That’s my theory.

[@Major_Pipps]

America may not be land of the free anymore, but it will always be home of the brave. We've been blessed to have some of the most epic heros in history fight in our military. In a thousand years, other nations will have statues of some of them as motivation for fearlessness and bravery.

[@lc3853]

OMG you're delusional. Typical yankee knows of nothing outside the border.

[@coondogsoutdooradventures2484]

In a day and age when many play the victim card , this man is an example on how to be!

[@fload46d]

Sounds like Audie Murphy.

[@TheGiantKillerOfficial]

Audie Murphy was one of his heroes

[@MrHiyasu]

Many people of advancing years suffer insomnia due to a past life. I am included in this group but have managed to hold it together for a long time. We all have crosses to bear, some heavier than others.

[@murrayscott9546]

Hats off !

[@OliverRust-uh8tx]

Heartbreaking

[@georgecoull1883]

The giant slayer is a damn shameful American story for a hero!

[@JerryR1776]

At 10:45 and 12:38 the soldier in the back flags his other teammates Lol! Don't do that.

[@mrwawa2082]

Wow! Incredible story

[@dascooter8287]

Salute. And thank you sir. 🫡

[@jokodihaynes419]

History was not kind to him after the war

[@davidkubasiak9093]

The driver of the hit and run was never found. Yeah. I bet they weren't. Another grassy knoll.

[@dritzzdarkwood4727]

The government merced him.

[@Marc_Motzkugel]

An inspiring, yet tragic story.

[@richardpenner4686]

Really sad story....

[@jesusmartinez1358]

reminds me of me😮 we could have been friends🎉🎉🎉!

[@safiremorningstar]

He set a president for any little person who wanted to go into the military and you know they often look at your size whether you're too tall or too Short or too big and they judge you by that and when I say big I mean fat or broad shouldered and built like a tank is a judge by what they see and not by what is unseen. Flaherty showed them that they could not judge by what they see.

[@jessejames9854]

You talk about an awesome story?? This Man deserves a statue!! RIP Warrior Capt. Flaherty! Thank you for your service!!

[@steveluberda295]

Never forgotten.

[@WhiteIkiryo-yt2it]

While small in body, his spirit made him a giant amongst men. 07 to a true hero.

[@DaryllRambo]

The documentary on this guy is crazy

[@LuciFeric137]

Little people are extremely difficult to wrestle or fight. You cant get a hold of them.

[@BulkernatorKerb]

If that was true they'd be MMA champions. They are significantly disadvantaged in any physical fight with an able bodied person of the same gender/skill level.

[@joshmccoy1522]

The Giant Killer is a riveting book. It would make a superb movie, but Tom Cruise is way too tall to play Flaherty.

[@ES-wb2do]

I watched another video about this man, and it was stated a female that worked for the police department was the one that hit him, she said she thought her car was hit by a palm frond. No charges were filed.against her.

[@peteboll5034]

I have to know more about this story.

[@TheGiantKillerOfficial]

Thank you we have, "The Giant Killer' Book, Audiobook and Documentary available worldwide to learn more about his incredible life.

[@peteboll5034]

@@TheGiantKillerOfficial I travel, regularly, between SD and WA State. I just added the Audible app to my phone. This book is DEFINITELY going into my library! Thank you! Update: just bought it! "How to make a 17 hr drive shorter!"

[@TheGiantKillerOfficial]

Thank you!!!

[@maddog46]

God rest your soul Flaherty.

[@TheGiantKillerOfficial]

Thank You!

[@gregorywilks1036]

In nam he would be the perfect tunnel rat. Vet stands with this vet..... ALWAYS AND FOREVER!

[@jamescrawford2341]

The Giant Killer RIP Captain Richard Flaherty!

[@rosaliaoliver-qv3gr]

Thank you♥️for telling us ♥️ Is an ♥️HONOR♥️to hear ♥️🇺🇸♥️Richard Flaherty♥️Story♥️

[@rodneyadamson8270]

Don’t ever piss off an Irishman 😂👍👏

[@JakeRoark-s3d]

That homeless guy some pretend not to see.

[@robertsolomielke5134]

In Canada, we have "wayward' veterans also, despite universal health care, with extras, some guys just feel a bit better in the constant of street life. By no means all homeless vets, but some sure. I know the 'outsider' feel when I came back from 30 day terms of isolated work, 5 years worth, so these guys likel;y have tons of it. I salute the man, was a PPCLI myself, but no combat, coastal logging turned out to be actually more deadly than Afgani tours....I know.

[@alexwhitehead7443]

RIP Giant Killer , gone but never forgotten.

[@TheGiantKillerOfficial]

Thank You!

[@mickymondo7463]

I have just read the book The Giant Killer, detailing the life of Richard J Flahrety and it is incredible reading, I suggest everyone get the book and read it, he was astonishing in every respect

[@TheGiantKillerOfficial]

Thank you