Tip of the Spear

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

By: Ryan Hendrickson

Narrated by: Brock Vickers

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 twelve-man team while conducting combat operations against the Taliban. As the "tip of the spear," his role is to ensure the route taken by U.S. 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 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, 2nd Battalion, 7th 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.

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.

Great military read

Great read and great narration. I will definitely be reading this book again for motivation.

outstanding!

The multi-faceted career of this great hero speaks to the best part of this nation. I highly recommend this literary work to any and all people who value such as honor, courage, commitment.

Wild at Heart

Incredible example of living life to the fullest. Godspeed Ryan! Such a great biography! You are a great American, and inspirational beyond measure!

Great book - top notch.

Really liked the down to earth story telling and actually really liked the narrator. A very easy and entertains listen!

Great listen!

After 31 years of law enforcement and retiring after 20 years in the Army Guard, it’s amazing what you can learn from listening to a person’s stories. Ryan’s closing of the book really resonates with me.

The epitome of determination.

I'm in awe of the author's self motivation and loyalty to family friends and his "brothers".

Amazing story and phenomenal narrator

The story is amazing and the narrator immerses you in to it, highly recommend a listen