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The Giant Killer: The shocking true story of a homeless war hero, hidden spy and his eternal vow to the woman he loved.
The astonishing true story of Richard James Flaherty—a diminutive homeless man whose remarkable life and enigmatic death capture the imagination. From the harrowing jungles of Vietnam to an unwavering eternal vow to the woman he loved, "The Giant Killer" reveals that reality often eclipses fiction.
Miami police officer David Yuzuk forms a friendship with Flaherty, a tiny homeless man, and after 15 years, Richard finally discloses his astonishing past. Yuzuk is taken aback to learn that his 4-foot-9, 95-pound companion claims to be not only the smallest man ever to serve in the U.S. military but also a CIA operative engaged in international espionage.
According to Flaherty, he rose to the rank of Special Forces Captain in the Green Berets and received the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts for his valor during his service in Vietnam and Thailand. Yuzuk is fascinated by Flaherty’s incredible stories but, as an investigator, feels compelled to verify the details.
Flaherty cautions Yuzuk against delving into an undercover operation he participated in during the '80s alongside federal agents. He recounts a case reminiscent of the Iran-Contra affair and issues a stark warning: “Dave, if you look into this, it could jeopardize your career and endanger my life.”
Driven by curiosity, Yuzuk pursues the truth and, despite the warning, soon contacts a retired federal agent who confirms the veracity of Flaherty's claims.
Just six hours after that enlightening conversation, Flaherty is tragically killed in a mysterious hit-and-run. Now, Yuzuk embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets surrounding his friend’s extraordinary life and untimely death. As he digs deeper into Richard Flaherty’s past, he discovers a narrative more bizarre than he could have imagined—filled with clandestine CIA operations and a quest to recover a stolen classified miniature nuclear weapon.
#1 New York Times Bestseller - Author Doug Stanton: "Giant Killers are among us—author David Yuzuk walked with one and returned with this tale.”
"If Richard Flaherty were merely the shortest man ever to serve in the U.S. Army and a Green Beret, that alone would make for a remarkable story. But Flaherty was much more than that; he was a genuine war hero and a beloved leader among his men. With his small stature, he cast a formidable shadow. After two tours in Vietnam, he was dismissed from the Army that defined his life. This story chronicles what is known about a man whose post-military years were filled with various jobs, including classified missions with the CIA and NSA. What a fascinating individual with an utterly unique story." - John Werner, VINE VOICE
Miami police officer David Yuzuk forms a friendship with Flaherty, a tiny homeless man, and after 15 years, Richard finally discloses his astonishing past. Yuzuk is taken aback to learn that his 4-foot-9, 95-pound companion claims to be not only the smallest man ever to serve in the U.S. military but also a CIA operative engaged in international espionage.
According to Flaherty, he rose to the rank of Special Forces Captain in the Green Berets and received the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts for his valor during his service in Vietnam and Thailand. Yuzuk is fascinated by Flaherty’s incredible stories but, as an investigator, feels compelled to verify the details.
Flaherty cautions Yuzuk against delving into an undercover operation he participated in during the '80s alongside federal agents. He recounts a case reminiscent of the Iran-Contra affair and issues a stark warning: “Dave, if you look into this, it could jeopardize your career and endanger my life.”
Driven by curiosity, Yuzuk pursues the truth and, despite the warning, soon contacts a retired federal agent who confirms the veracity of Flaherty's claims.
Just six hours after that enlightening conversation, Flaherty is tragically killed in a mysterious hit-and-run. Now, Yuzuk embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets surrounding his friend’s extraordinary life and untimely death. As he digs deeper into Richard Flaherty’s past, he discovers a narrative more bizarre than he could have imagined—filled with clandestine CIA operations and a quest to recover a stolen classified miniature nuclear weapon.
#1 New York Times Bestseller - Author Doug Stanton: "Giant Killers are among us—author David Yuzuk walked with one and returned with this tale.”
"If Richard Flaherty were merely the shortest man ever to serve in the U.S. Army and a Green Beret, that alone would make for a remarkable story. But Flaherty was much more than that; he was a genuine war hero and a beloved leader among his men. With his small stature, he cast a formidable shadow. After two tours in Vietnam, he was dismissed from the Army that defined his life. This story chronicles what is known about a man whose post-military years were filled with various jobs, including classified missions with the CIA and NSA. What a fascinating individual with an utterly unique story." - John Werner, VINE VOICE
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2020
1198 people are currently reading
1143 people want to read
About the author
David A. Yuzuk
11 books14 followersBorn and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., David's journey has been anything but ordinary. After attending Stony Brook University on Long Island, he set his sights on Miami, where he spent 19 years serving with the Aventura Police Department. As a uniformed patrolman, undercover officer, and detective, he tackled some of the city’s most challenging cases. His dedication earned him two Officer of the Month awards from his department and a prestigious recognition from the Dade County Chief’s Association.
In 2017, David turned his investigative skills toward an even greater mystery—the incredible life of his friend, Green Beret Captain Richard J. Flaherty. His deep dive into Flaherty’s shadowy past led to the critically acclaimed documentary The Giant Killer, a gripping account of one of the most enigmatic figures in military history.
After five years of relentless research, David brought Flaherty’s story to life in the bestselling nonfiction book and audiobook The Giant Killer. He continued his exploration of military legends with the books, "Giant Killers, War Heroes, and Special Forces Legends" and "Women in War" further cementing his reputation as a master storyteller.
Still based in Miami, David travels the country, immersing himself in creative projects that bring extraordinary stories to light.
In 2017, David turned his investigative skills toward an even greater mystery—the incredible life of his friend, Green Beret Captain Richard J. Flaherty. His deep dive into Flaherty’s shadowy past led to the critically acclaimed documentary The Giant Killer, a gripping account of one of the most enigmatic figures in military history.
After five years of relentless research, David brought Flaherty’s story to life in the bestselling nonfiction book and audiobook The Giant Killer. He continued his exploration of military legends with the books, "Giant Killers, War Heroes, and Special Forces Legends" and "Women in War" further cementing his reputation as a master storyteller.
Still based in Miami, David travels the country, immersing himself in creative projects that bring extraordinary stories to light.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
July 10, 2021
The Giant killer by David A. Yuzuk is not your typical Vietnam war biography, it actually is more of a lifestory about one of its victims and his journey through life and the sad ending of it. I have not seen the documentary but will look it up. This is an incredible tall tale about another forgotten warrior and the people he met through his adult life. It's a well researched and well written book by father and son team. I found this by coincidence when someone mentioned it on social media and thought that since I have an interest in the Vietnam war it was a must read. It is for me a new way to tell a persons story and I found it interesting although I have a lot of unanswered questions.
October 31, 2024
An investigative deep dive into the sad, secret world of a great American Hero
David A. Yuzuk was an Aventura, FL, police officer working a second job as a theater security guard and struggling with what would be a career-ending chronic back injury when he started taking a short, homeless man from the street to lunch. For Officer Yuzuk, it was all part of the job and the homeless man -- a 4-foot, 10-inch, nearly 70-year-old dwarf named Richard -- was just one of the street characters Yuzuk encountered every day. Until one day, Richard looked him in the eye and said, "David, I think it's about time I told you who I really am." From that opening came the most important investigation in the experienced policeman's career.
The homeless man, Richard J. Flaherty, was a Vietnam Veteran, a Green Beret Officer, and the smallest man ever to serve in the US military. If that wasn't enough, former Army Captain Richard J. Flaherty was also a bona fide war hero, awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars with V Devices and a host of other medals. And his post-Vietnam War life was a tragic rabbit hole of business failures, clandestine operations, CIA skullduggery, criminal capers, soul-wrenching romantic loss, and missed life opportunities. All of it overlaid by the invisible burden of extreme Post Traumatic Stress, substance abuse, and social isolation that so many of our nation's Veterans carry on their shoulders. And most tragically of all, just as Richard Flaherty began to open up to David Yuzuk about his secret life, the homeless man was mysteriously killed in a hit and run accident, one presciently predicted by Richard himself only eight hours before it took place.
David Yuzuk's encounter with Richard Flaherty turned into a life-changing deep dive investigation in order to fulfill a promise he had made to his short-of-stature, giant-of-heart friend, that he would tell the world the forgotten hero's story and bring to light all he'd accomplished in the service of a nation that ultimately let him down. The result was a documentary film and this book, "The Giant Killer," both of which I highly recommend.
"The Giant Killer" is a series of vignettes that serves both as a stand-alone book and as a companion to the documentary film. It interlaces interviews with Flaherty's relatives, friends, former military associates, and clandestine operatives, along with bits of conversation between Flaherty and Yuzuk, and narratives of Flaherty's life gleaned from the voluminous military, public, and personal records uncovered by the author. Flaherty owned few possessions at the end of his life but he did rent a storage locker that contained a treasure trove of old news clippings, passports, uniforms, medals, and military records all of which, when pieced together, wove a picture of a complex, tormented character, whose life was, as David Yuzuk described it, "a warren of tunnels running off in every direction." This all was further complicated by Flaherty's penchant to compartmentalize himself so those who knew him only knew one facet of his character. The real Richard Flaherty was much, much more than he let meet the eye.
This is a heroic book on many levels. And written in a style reminiscent of real-life, non-fiction police dramas. I found I could not put the book down. It also spoke to me as a Veteran who has worked with other Vets through my church ministry and at the VA. David Yuzuk made a soul-to-soul connection with Richard Flaherty and "The Giant Killer" is his testimony to that experience. Highly, highly recommended.
David A. Yuzuk was an Aventura, FL, police officer working a second job as a theater security guard and struggling with what would be a career-ending chronic back injury when he started taking a short, homeless man from the street to lunch. For Officer Yuzuk, it was all part of the job and the homeless man -- a 4-foot, 10-inch, nearly 70-year-old dwarf named Richard -- was just one of the street characters Yuzuk encountered every day. Until one day, Richard looked him in the eye and said, "David, I think it's about time I told you who I really am." From that opening came the most important investigation in the experienced policeman's career.
The homeless man, Richard J. Flaherty, was a Vietnam Veteran, a Green Beret Officer, and the smallest man ever to serve in the US military. If that wasn't enough, former Army Captain Richard J. Flaherty was also a bona fide war hero, awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars with V Devices and a host of other medals. And his post-Vietnam War life was a tragic rabbit hole of business failures, clandestine operations, CIA skullduggery, criminal capers, soul-wrenching romantic loss, and missed life opportunities. All of it overlaid by the invisible burden of extreme Post Traumatic Stress, substance abuse, and social isolation that so many of our nation's Veterans carry on their shoulders. And most tragically of all, just as Richard Flaherty began to open up to David Yuzuk about his secret life, the homeless man was mysteriously killed in a hit and run accident, one presciently predicted by Richard himself only eight hours before it took place.
David Yuzuk's encounter with Richard Flaherty turned into a life-changing deep dive investigation in order to fulfill a promise he had made to his short-of-stature, giant-of-heart friend, that he would tell the world the forgotten hero's story and bring to light all he'd accomplished in the service of a nation that ultimately let him down. The result was a documentary film and this book, "The Giant Killer," both of which I highly recommend.
"The Giant Killer" is a series of vignettes that serves both as a stand-alone book and as a companion to the documentary film. It interlaces interviews with Flaherty's relatives, friends, former military associates, and clandestine operatives, along with bits of conversation between Flaherty and Yuzuk, and narratives of Flaherty's life gleaned from the voluminous military, public, and personal records uncovered by the author. Flaherty owned few possessions at the end of his life but he did rent a storage locker that contained a treasure trove of old news clippings, passports, uniforms, medals, and military records all of which, when pieced together, wove a picture of a complex, tormented character, whose life was, as David Yuzuk described it, "a warren of tunnels running off in every direction." This all was further complicated by Flaherty's penchant to compartmentalize himself so those who knew him only knew one facet of his character. The real Richard Flaherty was much, much more than he let meet the eye.
This is a heroic book on many levels. And written in a style reminiscent of real-life, non-fiction police dramas. I found I could not put the book down. It also spoke to me as a Veteran who has worked with other Vets through my church ministry and at the VA. David Yuzuk made a soul-to-soul connection with Richard Flaherty and "The Giant Killer" is his testimony to that experience. Highly, highly recommended.
August 29, 2020
Great read
Very engaging and thought provoking. Many thanks to David and Neil Yazuk for pursuing and sharing Richard’s story with us.
Very engaging and thought provoking. Many thanks to David and Neil Yazuk for pursuing and sharing Richard’s story with us.
December 20, 2022
You must have compassion and understanding of Veterans to love this book!
Small in stature, but not in heart. Richard J Flattery, the story of the smallest man to serve in the US Army. Green beret, jump man, arms dealer, and all around interesting man. This book not only tells the story of Richard, but all the men that served, fought, died, or survived only to come home to a country that hated them. When we serve, we take an oath, to follow orders, to not question, and unless you served you will never understand. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I'm not a war book kind of reader, but this book helped me readjust my outlook on the horrors of War, and the mental trauma that so many go through upon their return home.
Small in stature, but not in heart. Richard J Flattery, the story of the smallest man to serve in the US Army. Green beret, jump man, arms dealer, and all around interesting man. This book not only tells the story of Richard, but all the men that served, fought, died, or survived only to come home to a country that hated them. When we serve, we take an oath, to follow orders, to not question, and unless you served you will never understand. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I'm not a war book kind of reader, but this book helped me readjust my outlook on the horrors of War, and the mental trauma that so many go through upon their return home.
July 7, 2024
This was a book I stumbled across and decided to check out out. I'm so glad I did!!! What an incredible story of a military hero, left forgotten, living on the streets, until someone decided he was worth their time. That friendship took 15 years to develop and this is the story of a true military hero. And I say story because it is written just like that...a series of conversations. Nothing is sugar-coated, no political ranting, just the words of men struggling to come home from a war they didn't want and a country that didn't want them back.
March 9, 2025
Interesting story. A unique writing style/perspective.
October 6, 2020
A must read!!!
This book is absolutely phenomenal. It's such an unbelievable story, and worth every bit of your time. So many men, with similar experiences are o overlooked everyday. This author has done an amazing job honoring his friend, and his promise, and recounting the extraordinary life of Richard "The Giant Killer" Flaherty.
This book is absolutely phenomenal. It's such an unbelievable story, and worth every bit of your time. So many men, with similar experiences are o overlooked everyday. This author has done an amazing job honoring his friend, and his promise, and recounting the extraordinary life of Richard "The Giant Killer" Flaherty.
August 1, 2020
Heartbreaking and worthy.
Im glad I read the book prior to watching the documentary as it was more detailed. The book definitely has more “story” to it.
Excellent work by all involved. The author should rest easy. You’ve given of yourself to help a stranger.
Im glad I read the book prior to watching the documentary as it was more detailed. The book definitely has more “story” to it.
Excellent work by all involved. The author should rest easy. You’ve given of yourself to help a stranger.
March 3, 2025
Excellent story.
October 2, 2020
Dave, thankyou and your Dad for writing Richard's story, the man was a Giant!!!
Read
March 1, 2025Thankful for all of our veterans 🇺🇸
September 20, 2020
A true American Hero
This is a unique and tragic story of a little known courageous American hero.
A very well written story that I highly recommend to anyone who loves America. It provides an excellent insight into what being a grunt soldier in the Vietnam War was like.
The surprise ending is very thought provoking. I highly recommend this book even though it starts out a little slow. Hang in there you will not be disappointed.
This is a unique and tragic story of a little known courageous American hero.
A very well written story that I highly recommend to anyone who loves America. It provides an excellent insight into what being a grunt soldier in the Vietnam War was like.
The surprise ending is very thought provoking. I highly recommend this book even though it starts out a little slow. Hang in there you will not be disappointed.
August 30, 2025
Amazing story about a Hero
This story seems hard to believe. As stated in the title, it is so shocking a tale that it doesn't seem real. IF it weren't for the fact that I am a veteran myself and I have heard stories of Vietnam like this before, but not to this intensity. The spy stuff, wow. I felt bad that he ended up homeless.
This story seems hard to believe. As stated in the title, it is so shocking a tale that it doesn't seem real. IF it weren't for the fact that I am a veteran myself and I have heard stories of Vietnam like this before, but not to this intensity. The spy stuff, wow. I felt bad that he ended up homeless.
September 17, 2020
...in the hearts of men
Fascinating subject and subject matter. Who knows, who truly can know what lies within the hearts of men. Too often it's even a mystery to the beholder themselves,an answer that may take a lifetime to discover if it's ever discovered at all. One thing easier to identify is the passion one has for their quest and there's no doubt of the passion for life that Richard Flaherty possessed. A deeply compelling story.
Fascinating subject and subject matter. Who knows, who truly can know what lies within the hearts of men. Too often it's even a mystery to the beholder themselves,an answer that may take a lifetime to discover if it's ever discovered at all. One thing easier to identify is the passion one has for their quest and there's no doubt of the passion for life that Richard Flaherty possessed. A deeply compelling story.
October 8, 2021
This is a good book. Good, but not great, but that is okay. Good is good enough. It is the story of a Viet Nam solder small in stature but large in life and spirit who became a Viet Nam war hero, then possible CIA operative, and ultimately a homeless alcoholic.
The author is a former cop who met our diminutive protagonist Richard Flaherty and got to know him. The book reads like it was written by someone who was not a trained author. The book skips around in time, I feel like I missed out on key details, and l was left wondering if the author put everything into the book that he thought he did, or if I just missed stuff.
But don’t get me wrong. I liked the book. It made me really ponder the role of metal health in the troubles in society, especially amongst veterans. Isn’t there something that we can do to help the homeless more and those that suffer from mental health concerns. But Richard wouldn’t really accept help any way. It’s a tough to know what to do.
Richard’s story seems to follow the beginning of Captain American: The First Avenger. Diminutive guy is told he will never make it but uses his toughness and never-give-up attitude to succeed. The Viet Nam war chapters are the best. Richard accomplished major feats and was highly decorated. His being mustered out of the Army following Viet Nam is a key tragedy of the book. He needed the comradery and purpose the Army brought. Without the Army, Richard lost a steadying hand in his life.
Richard’s alleged involved in the CIA leaves me uncertain. The author pieces together an unbelievable story of Richard training foreign fighters and running drugs and weapons as an operative of some sort. There isn’t much backing for this other than his passport with lots of stamps on it and some interviews. The CIA still isn’t uncovering its secrets. I need to listen to it again to see whether I believe it. But the big left me unconvinced that he was a CIA spook.
But it’s a good book. 3.5 stars that I wish I didn’t have to round but I guess I will round down to 3. Why: lots of holes that needed filled in in the narrative. I didn’t have great confidence that I was hearing the truth. Also, there was kind of a corny ending where the author imagines that when Richard dies, he is taken into heaven by a Huey copter staffed by his old Army troops.
The author is a former cop who met our diminutive protagonist Richard Flaherty and got to know him. The book reads like it was written by someone who was not a trained author. The book skips around in time, I feel like I missed out on key details, and l was left wondering if the author put everything into the book that he thought he did, or if I just missed stuff.
But don’t get me wrong. I liked the book. It made me really ponder the role of metal health in the troubles in society, especially amongst veterans. Isn’t there something that we can do to help the homeless more and those that suffer from mental health concerns. But Richard wouldn’t really accept help any way. It’s a tough to know what to do.
Richard’s story seems to follow the beginning of Captain American: The First Avenger. Diminutive guy is told he will never make it but uses his toughness and never-give-up attitude to succeed. The Viet Nam war chapters are the best. Richard accomplished major feats and was highly decorated. His being mustered out of the Army following Viet Nam is a key tragedy of the book. He needed the comradery and purpose the Army brought. Without the Army, Richard lost a steadying hand in his life.
Richard’s alleged involved in the CIA leaves me uncertain. The author pieces together an unbelievable story of Richard training foreign fighters and running drugs and weapons as an operative of some sort. There isn’t much backing for this other than his passport with lots of stamps on it and some interviews. The CIA still isn’t uncovering its secrets. I need to listen to it again to see whether I believe it. But the big left me unconvinced that he was a CIA spook.
But it’s a good book. 3.5 stars that I wish I didn’t have to round but I guess I will round down to 3. Why: lots of holes that needed filled in in the narrative. I didn’t have great confidence that I was hearing the truth. Also, there was kind of a corny ending where the author imagines that when Richard dies, he is taken into heaven by a Huey copter staffed by his old Army troops.
September 9, 2020
Amazing
I chose five stars because I was also an infantry soldier in vietnam, and along with being a place that was terrorizing, it was also a place where you needed a lot of physical strength, and I am blown away,to know that a guy of 97 lbs could back his way through that jungle, and also lead men.
I chose five stars because I was also an infantry soldier in vietnam, and along with being a place that was terrorizing, it was also a place where you needed a lot of physical strength, and I am blown away,to know that a guy of 97 lbs could back his way through that jungle, and also lead men.
January 31, 2025
Awesome story
May 8, 2025
Reading Mr. Yuzuk's story about Richard J. Flaherty was heartbreaking for me.
To think that this man was willing to give his life fighting a war, right or wrong. And when he returned home, the people of America and the Veterans Administration turned their backs on this man.
A shameful chapter in America to me. I, too, was in the Army, luckily never in Vietnam. I made sure I wore civilian clothes on the trip home.
Richard ended up doing many covert jobs for the "Agency" and wasn't taken care of by them.
Richard was living on the streets in South Florida when Mr. Yuzuk met him. At the time, Mr. Yuzuk was a policeman for the Aventura police department.
At first, he just thought the stories that Richard shared with him were from the mind of a short little man who had mental health problems.
He did have his ghost to fight with, but all of his stories turned out to be true.
What follows is the story that took close to twenty years to unravel.
What a great storyteller Mr. Yuzuk is.
To think that this man was willing to give his life fighting a war, right or wrong. And when he returned home, the people of America and the Veterans Administration turned their backs on this man.
A shameful chapter in America to me. I, too, was in the Army, luckily never in Vietnam. I made sure I wore civilian clothes on the trip home.
Richard ended up doing many covert jobs for the "Agency" and wasn't taken care of by them.
Richard was living on the streets in South Florida when Mr. Yuzuk met him. At the time, Mr. Yuzuk was a policeman for the Aventura police department.
At first, he just thought the stories that Richard shared with him were from the mind of a short little man who had mental health problems.
He did have his ghost to fight with, but all of his stories turned out to be true.
What follows is the story that took close to twenty years to unravel.
What a great storyteller Mr. Yuzuk is.
August 12, 2024
Wonderful Tribute
Learning about this stunning individual brings into focus the plight of not only all soldiers, but specifically the many yet remaining Vietnam veterans, who still struggle with post-war adjustments. Very much worth the read - I will long remember this amazing man. And I now better understand my own Vietnam veteran father. A special 'thank you' to the author for giving me a better view of police officers, as carers, as well. The unfathomable intricacies & motivations of brotherhood are a little clearer now.
Learning about this stunning individual brings into focus the plight of not only all soldiers, but specifically the many yet remaining Vietnam veterans, who still struggle with post-war adjustments. Very much worth the read - I will long remember this amazing man. And I now better understand my own Vietnam veteran father. A special 'thank you' to the author for giving me a better view of police officers, as carers, as well. The unfathomable intricacies & motivations of brotherhood are a little clearer now.
August 13, 2020
Heroism's Irony
The high rating is in recognition of the author's near-perfect objective treatment of the life of one of our unrecognized heroes, a story that leaves it up to the reader to paint Richard Flaherty with wings or not. The biography leaves the reader to ponder the harsh irony that rewards real military heroes with homelessness and anonymity. The book is well written and should be a welcome as a unique addition to the library of Vietnam era enthusiasts.
The high rating is in recognition of the author's near-perfect objective treatment of the life of one of our unrecognized heroes, a story that leaves it up to the reader to paint Richard Flaherty with wings or not. The biography leaves the reader to ponder the harsh irony that rewards real military heroes with homelessness and anonymity. The book is well written and should be a welcome as a unique addition to the library of Vietnam era enthusiasts.
July 17, 2024
Incredible true story of an American hero. I can't wait to see the documentary by the same name! Proof that your mindset can overcome many disadvantages or obstacles in your path. I believe that Richard Flaherty was homeless by choice at the end of his life in a way to stay under the radar (not true of most of our vets). We as a nation need to do a better job of taking care of our vets (physically, emotionally & financially). Richard Flaherty's service to our country is immeasurable.
September 29, 2024
Interesting read about a larger-than-life character, Richard J. Flaherty. I wasn't fond of the format (I dislike biographies that time jump too often) but overall plenty of interest-catching anecdotes about this short, yet extremely determined man who had such a colourful life. I'm sad about how Richard's life ended, but glad his story was shared in both a documentary (which I haven't watched) and this book.
November 29, 2024
Giant killer
I found this book purely by chance on my kindle feed and am glad that I purchased it. Being an ex soldier ( British) most things military arouse my interest and have enjoyed a good few books on Vietnam but this reads like a thorough investigation of just one individual throughout and after the war and the choices made by him. Cracking book, I must try and source the documentary.
I found this book purely by chance on my kindle feed and am glad that I purchased it. Being an ex soldier ( British) most things military arouse my interest and have enjoyed a good few books on Vietnam but this reads like a thorough investigation of just one individual throughout and after the war and the choices made by him. Cracking book, I must try and source the documentary.
January 18, 2023
An Outstanding Story
A great story that provides the reader with an insight into the world of the special forces and intelligence communities and and one of its most intriguing characters. It also leaves many unanswered questions about the dealings of the US government and it's agencies.
A great story that provides the reader with an insight into the world of the special forces and intelligence communities and and one of its most intriguing characters. It also leaves many unanswered questions about the dealings of the US government and it's agencies.
April 19, 2025
WOW. WHAT A MAN
What a great book and unbelievable story. Great writing. Tells the true story of the shortest man to serve in the Army. 4.9 inches tall. Story of him serving in the Vietnam war as a Green Berea. A true nonfiction story that reads as a great fiction story. What he writes is amazing and what he alludes to what this man does for the CHAVIS unbelievable.
What a great book and unbelievable story. Great writing. Tells the true story of the shortest man to serve in the Army. 4.9 inches tall. Story of him serving in the Vietnam war as a Green Berea. A true nonfiction story that reads as a great fiction story. What he writes is amazing and what he alludes to what this man does for the CHAVIS unbelievable.
May 26, 2025
Interesting and well researched.
This is a very interesting read about this war hero who was so shabilly treated by both the US Government, the US War Department, Veterans Affairs and the American public. If the US Government departments treat their war hero veterans like this, then it is no wonder their 'allies' don't trust them!
This is a very interesting read about this war hero who was so shabilly treated by both the US Government, the US War Department, Veterans Affairs and the American public. If the US Government departments treat their war hero veterans like this, then it is no wonder their 'allies' don't trust them!
October 26, 2022
Interesting man!
So many things in this book reminded me of my brother who also served in VN and later died of cancer related to exposure to Agent Orange. Attitudes, comments, behaviors.
I was left wondering about the money he earned and where it went…alcohol?
So many things in this book reminded me of my brother who also served in VN and later died of cancer related to exposure to Agent Orange. Attitudes, comments, behaviors.
I was left wondering about the money he earned and where it went…alcohol?
September 8, 2024
Great story about a man whom willingness to persevere through adversity and was determined to rise above mediocrity. The book was intriguing and worth the read. After you read the book, check out the documentary but read the book beforehand. Thanks for sharing this story.
January 5, 2025
An absolutely gripping biography of a man that few people have ever heard of. They sound like tall tales (pun intended), but I'm sure there is more truth than fiction in this recount. We're loosing Vietnam vets at a staggering rate. Not all of them to old age.
November 7, 2022
Started reading a Kindle Sample (first 5 chapters) and I cannot wait to get a hard copy of the book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews