Retired Colonel Thomas J. Flaherty Advocates for Accurate Vietnam War Historical Recognition

Retired Marine Colonel Thomas J. Flaherty is on a mission to ensure the extraordinary valor of his fellow Marines during the Vietnam War is accurately preserved. Following a brutal combat engagement on May 5, 1968, where he was wounded three times, Flaherty began documenting the heroic actions of his platoon from his hospital bed. Despite his successful subsequent career as a nationally respected aviation attorney, his primary focus has remained the correction of historical records regarding the bravery of his subordinates.

Flaherty has meticulously assembled thousands of pages of military reports, battlefield maps, and firsthand accounts to challenge downgraded award recommendations. By applying the same rigorous discipline he once utilized in complex litigation, he is working to ensure that the sacrifices of young soldiers who faced impossible circumstances are properly acknowledged by history. He views this as a vital, ongoing responsibility to the men who served under his command.

As the number of firsthand witnesses to the Vietnam conflict diminishes, Flaherty emphasizes the critical need to protect the integrity of the historical record. His advocacy serves as a testament to leadership and loyalty, ensuring that the legacy of these Marines is not lost to time. Through his persistent research and documentation, he continues to honor the courage of those who served beside him.