Tip of the Spear

The Incredible Story of an Injured Green Beret's Return to Battle

By: Ryan Hendrickson

Narrated by: Brock Vickers

Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

The inspiring true story of a US Special Forces soldier who was medically retired after stepping on an IED, and his incredible return to active duty.

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Ryan Hendrickson is a brave, determined, and courageous soldier - a Green Beret clearing the way for his 12-man team while conducting combat operations against the Taliban. As the "tip of the spear", his role is to ensure the route taken by US and Afghan troops are free of IEDs - improvised explosive devices. Many soldiers do not survive their last step; those who do often lose at least one limb.

While rescuing an Afghan soldier outside a mud-hut compound in 2010 - knowing that he was in "uncleared" territory - Ryan stepped on an IED with his right foot. The device exploded, leaving his foot dangling at the end of his leg.

American soldiers losing a limb is an all-too-common occurrence. But what makes Ryan's story different is that after undergoing two dozen surgeries and a tortuous rehabilitation, he was medically retired but fought to return to active duty. Multiple skin grafts to his lower leg and right foot successfully reattached his lower leg, and he was aided in his recovery by wearing a new prosthetic device known as an IDEO (intrepid dynamic exoskeletal orthosis). Once he passed a series of crucial physical tests, Ryan was able to rejoin the Green Berets within a year and physically perform his duties, redeploying to Afghanistan in March 2012.

In 2016, he volunteered to return to Afghanistan with Bravo Company, Second Battalion, Seventh Special Forces Group. During a firefight with the Taliban, he risked his life under heavy enemy fire to rescue three Afghan soldiers cut off from friendly forces and return the bodies of two dead Afghan soldiers under the ethos that "no one gets left behind". For his heroic efforts on the battlefield, SFC Ryan Hendrickson was awarded a Silver Star, the nation's third-highest award for valor.

An engaging and harrowing account, Tip of the Spear tells the amazing story of one Green Beret's indomitable spirit.

©2020 Ryan Hendrickson (P)2020 Hachette Audio

A story in overcoming adversity

This is an inspiring story from the viewpoint of a Green Beret and his missions while on active duty. His tenacity and perseverance are incredible and his stories are interwoven with a touch of self-deprecating humor. I enjoyed this first hand account of his military journey.

Great book, narration has some cringe moments.

The narrator's of these military audio books/ stories REALLY need to commit themselves in how military jargon is properly pronounced! Every time they mispronounce a word common among the military ranks is like nails on a chalk board to those of us who know the way they're said and sound. Other then that, the book is very good!

wow, the strength people find inside

this book is inspiring, showing you that you do have the strength the push on. this was amazing emotional drive and a great look into the life of ours warriors/ hero's

good book, obnoxious narrator

Good book, annoying narrator. Sounded completely clueless as to the military stuff. At least do him the justice of figuring out proper pronunciation and what not.

Great book

The book is very interesting and fast paced. Mr. Vickers did an excellent job with the narration.

This soldier went through a lot and has earned every metal and award that he received. God bless the Special Operations community.

The book uses a lot of military jargon so civilians may find it difficult to keep up at times but other than that it was an amazing book.

If you are looking for some inspiration, this is your book!

A real true hero and inspiration!
Someone who chose not to blame everyone for his mistakes or tough times that we all have to deal with in this life. But instead found the eager to follow his dreams and reach to the top. If you fall, get up and keep going. A never give up kind of story!
Thank you!

This was an excellent book. It was an interesting journey through Ryan’s life.

It was an interesting journey through Ryan’s life. As a Veteran/EOD wife it provided me insight into my husband and his drive to serve and not back down.

Must Read

What a great story of relentlessness and resilience! Great job Ryan, I look forward to reading about your next chapter in life. De Opresso Liber

Great book!

This book hit all of the right emotions in the rollercoaster that it is. One of the best books I have had the privilege to have come across. Thank you Ryan it was a pleasure.

Great book!

Your book was one of the most inspiring books I have ever listen to. Your commitment to this country and your continued effort after service are honorable. You motivated so many people to never give us.