Richard James Flaherty (November 28, 1945 — May 9, 2015) was a historically notable United States Army captain in Vietnam War service.

As once the smallest serviceman in US history (standing at 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 m)) and inspired to undermine size-prejudice, investing his military leadership with insight and skills to survive bravery - Capt.

As his mother was unfamiliar with her own Rh-negative blood-type, the attending Stamford Connecticut Regional Hospital staff were at some disadvantage to provide a blue-baby birth protocol.

[3] In 1968, in support of the Vietnam War Lieutenant Flaherty was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, his initial tour to Vietnam where he served as a Platoon Leader and Recon Platoon Leader with companies B, C, D, & E. During the January, 1968 Tet Offensive Flaherty participated in the fierce defense of Hue City, earning a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts.

After being removed from the CIA, Flaherty helped catch a smuggling ring at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and worked undercover for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as an informant.