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Back in the Fight: The Explosive Memoir of a Special Operator Who Never Gave Up
On October 3, 2005, Kapacziewski and his soldiers were coming to the end of their tour in Northern Iraq when their convoy was attacked by enemy fighters. A grenade fell through the gunner’s hatch and exploded, shattering Kapacziewski’s right leg below the knee, damaging his right hip, and severing a nerve and artery in his right arm.
He endured more than forty surgeries, but his right leg still wasn’t healing as he had hoped, so in March 2007, Kapacziewski chose to have it amputated with one goal in mind: to return to the line and serve alongside his fellow Rangers. One year after his surgery, Kapacziewski accomplished his goal: he was put back on the line, as a squad leader of his Army Ranger Regiment.
On April 19, 2010, during his ninth combat deployment (and fifth after losing his leg), Kapacziewski’s patrol ran into an ambush outside a village in eastern Afghanistan. After a fellow Ranger fell to withering enemy fire, shot through the belly, Sergeant Kap and another soldier dragged him seventy-five yards to safety and administered first aid that saved his life while heavy machineguns tried to kill them. His actions earned him an Army Commendation Medal with “V” for Valor. He had previously been awarded a Bronze Star for Valor—and a total of three Purple Hearts for combat wounds.
He endured more than forty surgeries, but his right leg still wasn’t healing as he had hoped, so in March 2007, Kapacziewski chose to have it amputated with one goal in mind: to return to the line and serve alongside his fellow Rangers. One year after his surgery, Kapacziewski accomplished his goal: he was put back on the line, as a squad leader of his Army Ranger Regiment.
On April 19, 2010, during his ninth combat deployment (and fifth after losing his leg), Kapacziewski’s patrol ran into an ambush outside a village in eastern Afghanistan. After a fellow Ranger fell to withering enemy fire, shot through the belly, Sergeant Kap and another soldier dragged him seventy-five yards to safety and administered first aid that saved his life while heavy machineguns tried to kill them. His actions earned him an Army Commendation Medal with “V” for Valor. He had previously been awarded a Bronze Star for Valor—and a total of three Purple Hearts for combat wounds.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2013
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327 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 2, 2016
Kapacziewski joined the Army at the age of 18 with the determination to become a ranger. After signing but before he started his training, 9/11 crashed the twin towers. Kapacziewski redoubled his efforts to be a ranger. In 2005, while in Iraq, a grenade shatter his right leg and damaged his right arm. Instead of taking a medical discharge, Kap endured surgery after surgery to regain the use of his limbs. After close to a year, he had his leg amputated so that he could return to his ranger battalion. He requalified for all necessary skills to prove once again that he had what it takes to be a ranger.
Why I started this book: The cover. I was browsing thru my library's audio on Overdrive and this jumped out at me.
Why I finished it: Kapacziewski describes himself as a doer, not a talker. This book reflected that. He was more concerned with being a ranger and doing the job both before and after his amputation than with telling a good story.
Why I started this book: The cover. I was browsing thru my library's audio on Overdrive and this jumped out at me.
Why I finished it: Kapacziewski describes himself as a doer, not a talker. This book reflected that. He was more concerned with being a ranger and doing the job both before and after his amputation than with telling a good story.
July 31, 2013
SFC Kap isn't the greatest author to pen a modern memoir of war (off the top of my head, David Bellavia and Sean Parnell are better "writers") but his story is damn inspiring. It's an absolutely incredible tale of one man's struggle through adversity.
As a former Batt Boy myself, a lot of the stuff in this book hit home. I used to know several people he mentions in this book, one of which I discovered (in this book) passed away in 2010.
As an aside, as of Spring 2013 SFC Kap is stil doing his thing as a RASP instructor. One of my best friends graduated April 30th this year and assured me that all of the stories of Kap running new wannabe Rangers into the dirt are absolutely true.
I will definitely read this one again. Thumbs up.
As a former Batt Boy myself, a lot of the stuff in this book hit home. I used to know several people he mentions in this book, one of which I discovered (in this book) passed away in 2010.
As an aside, as of Spring 2013 SFC Kap is stil doing his thing as a RASP instructor. One of my best friends graduated April 30th this year and assured me that all of the stories of Kap running new wannabe Rangers into the dirt are absolutely true.
I will definitely read this one again. Thumbs up.
April 2, 2013
I finished reading this incredible story, of not only one, but of many American Heroes! I am thankful for not only the opportunity but the honor of reading this Hero's story. I had to put the book down several times, due to the emotional state it put me in.
I feel every American should read this book! Certainly every soldier, that comes back wounded.
I hope I will have the honor to meet & shake the hand of this man, the soldier, this true American Hero, who had what it took, to get Back in the Fight for our Nation's Freedom!
This is an Absolute Must Read!
I feel every American should read this book! Certainly every soldier, that comes back wounded.
I hope I will have the honor to meet & shake the hand of this man, the soldier, this true American Hero, who had what it took, to get Back in the Fight for our Nation's Freedom!
This is an Absolute Must Read!
April 22, 2021
Amazing book well worth the read
June 7, 2014
Who doesn't love a good hero story. I know I do. What makes the hero even better is that he is a real person and not a fictional character in a book or movie. Plus, this hero is helping to fight for our country and freedom! This hero's name is Sergeant First Class Joseph Kapacziewski. He not only has dedicated his life to his country but he has lost a leg for it. Anytime that you think you have it bad or are feeling bad, you just need to think of the men and women fighting like Sergeant First Class Joseph Kapacziewski. You will feel better instantly.
Kap really gives the meat of war. He holds nothing back. Which can translate to some strong language. So if you are offended this is your warning. War is not pretty. I actually wish that more people were educated in what really goes on in war. This way people would feel proud to be an American and be respectful to the flag and service men and women. I know I am and I was not even born in America. I was lucky enough to be adopted by loving parents from South Korea. Anyways back to the book. Kap explains a little history behind the Rangers, which I found interesting. What it was like being on missions. I felt like I was actually at those places and could see, hear, and feel everything. Than there was Kap's story itself. It is inspiring. Although, I got the idea that Kap would just say that he was doing his job and what he loved to do. Back in the Fight is a great military book that is worth your time and money.
Kap really gives the meat of war. He holds nothing back. Which can translate to some strong language. So if you are offended this is your warning. War is not pretty. I actually wish that more people were educated in what really goes on in war. This way people would feel proud to be an American and be respectful to the flag and service men and women. I know I am and I was not even born in America. I was lucky enough to be adopted by loving parents from South Korea. Anyways back to the book. Kap explains a little history behind the Rangers, which I found interesting. What it was like being on missions. I felt like I was actually at those places and could see, hear, and feel everything. Than there was Kap's story itself. It is inspiring. Although, I got the idea that Kap would just say that he was doing his job and what he loved to do. Back in the Fight is a great military book that is worth your time and money.
September 1, 2014
A childhood friend of mine recommended that I read a book about her nephew.I am part of a Veteran's Writing Group at the library where I work, and she thought the guys might want to read "Back in the Fight." I am very glad she recommended Joe Kap's story. (although I do know how to say Kapacziewsk properly!)His determination to become an Army Ranger never wavered and after suffering terrible injuries, he continued his determination to heal and to return to combat. "Almost a year and half after his amputation he was back on the line as squad leader in Alpha company, 3rd Battalion." I enjoyed being able to read his wife's point of view too. Kim was faced with the phone call to tell her that her husband had been injured a mere three months after they married. She also has a gutsy determination and a sense of humor. Nothing prettied up here, just the plain raw facts and the real people who endured the path they were placed on. A fantastic read.
April 27, 2015
I wanted to read this book since I first saw it and seeing someone who lost a leg actually was able to return to combat. I wanted to find out what happened to him and how he was able to accomplish this. The book is fascinating, though it does take quite a bit of the book to learn how he became so wounded and got back to the war. His attitude regarding women in the military, however, is rather outdated and insulting. I couldn't give this book a 5-star rating because this quite irritated me. Attitude aside, Kap is an amazing man. To face what he did and not let it stop him at all in getting "back in the fight," it's awe inspiring. His story is incredible and well worth reading.
September 17, 2013
A good book for the subject matter. Although my service in the regular army was in the sixties, most of the slang and esoteric words reminded me of the experience.
This book shows the unique qualities of the individuals that are needed in the military of today and why the military wants only committed volunteers. Ironically, because there is no draft our population has little skin in the game. Therefore, no general pressure to end the wars.
This book shows the unique qualities of the individuals that are needed in the military of today and why the military wants only committed volunteers. Ironically, because there is no draft our population has little skin in the game. Therefore, no general pressure to end the wars.
March 12, 2014
If ever I think I'm having a bad day, or I'm up against life's many hurdles. I think about the trials and tribulations by this warrior and the hard work and determination he's had to return to the battlefield as a special operations warrior. After loosing a leg, he fought to prove himself and has since deployed multiple times and trained special operators. Amazing book about his journey and the perspective from those around him as well.
October 5, 2016
No doubt Joseph Kapacziewski is a hero and a BAMF. That being said, this isn't the most well-written memoir out in the veteran market. Also, I do NOT recommend listening to the audiobook. Woof. The narrators sound elderly and are portraying characters in their 20s. Further, they use accents for certain characters and they sound ridiculous. Regardless, this is a good reminder of the cost of war and the fact that there are real superheroes among us.
September 29, 2013
A fascinating read. Sgt. Kap is in the same Ranger batallion (75th) that my brother was in. Learned some interesting facts about the Army, Airborne Rangers, The War on Terror & Iraq. Kap's dedication to the Army and his perseverance to overcome his amputation & return to his Ranger batallion, was very inspiring.
March 20, 2015
Awesome non stop page turner, it will raise your heart rate. I had the privilege of meeting and spending a significant amount of time with Joe Kap. This book is great but even though written by him does no justice to the caliber of man/American he is. He beat me in an eating contest. This book saved me from having a rat thrown on me in a porter john, I'll keep it forever.
May 26, 2013
A truly inspiring story of an American badass who shows you can achieve anything that you set your mind to and work hard to achieve! Kap can and has done more with one man made leg then most mortal men achieve with the two god gave them. Good on you Kap you are a true American!
July 6, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. My son was/is an Airborne Ranger. He served for 20 years in the Army. I knew some of the things Kap mentions in the book, but a lot of it was new to me. Kap is a brave man and a wonderful Ranger.
June 19, 2014
It was a good book, but I wish it focused more on his recovery. The first half to two-thirds was like any other Ranger or Special Forces bio. The story is still a good one, but it just took a while to get to the real meat of the book. I'd love to meet him! Sounds like an amazing person!
July 7, 2014
This was a good book. The one thing I didn't really like about it was there seemed to be a lot more military jargon than what seemed necessary for the average layperson. Other than that though a great read
February 12, 2015
What an excellent book! VERY well written and amazing to read the painful, but determined journey of this wonderful example of a US Ranger/American Soldier! Just wish I could meet him to say "Thank you!"
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
May 29, 2013
Worth the read! Very inspiring!
May 10, 2016
A very good story line .. but overdone with unnecessary details thorough out the book.
March 29, 2016
Excellent!!! Superhuman!!
Joe is a true inspiration to anyone! His wife Kim deserves equal credit! May God bless him & his family, A must read for anyone!!!
Joe is a true inspiration to anyone! His wife Kim deserves equal credit! May God bless him & his family, A must read for anyone!!!
October 24, 2017
Do you like the U.S Army Rangers? Would you want to become a soldier some day? Well if you answered yes to any of the questions I would recommend you read Back in the Fight by Charles Sasser and Sargent Joseph Kapacziewski.
The plot takes place after 9/11 and the main character Joseph Kapacziewski is a young 19 year old, and he watches his country come under attack and wants to do something about it. Well in the blink of an eye, he is in Afghanistan and is fighting with the Army Rangers. His biggest conflict is ,unlike, most soldiers he had no idea what an Army Ranger was when he signed up to become one. The major conflict of the book is that when he’s home he wants to be over there, but when he’s over there in Afghanistan he wants to be home.
I think one thing that he did well is he used Army terms and language. It makes the book feel more real and more professional. I like how he also describes Afghanistan and how when Sgt Kap has to get his leg amputated how the author described that. For example, he says things like, “We’re moving out in O200 hours.” The reason why I like this is because it makes you feel like you're really there and are actually part of the story.
One thing I would change about the book is the length. It is a long book. But the author does well with keeping things easy to read and also keeps the plot based around the main character; he doesn’t bounce around from one person to the other. One thing that was kind of stupid was he told the reader what RANGER means and he has pictures in the book. I would like to have photos but not as much as they put in it and I don’t like the RANGER thing because it just shows up without any rhyme or reason. Another thing I like is that he uses military time.
One thing I don’t like about the book is that sometimes he uses improper language, which made me feel confused and made me wonder if this was a book that was appropriate as a teenager. And another thing I didn’t like was that one character that the author kind of left out was Kaps best friend during basic training, Hunter. I think that he could’ve gone more in depth with the training exercises but he went in detail enough to keep me interested.
Despite the language and how long it is, I would still recommend this book because it’s a great story and it has a lot of good ways how they show character. The author also does a great job of describing Afghanistan. I liked it because it shows what these men really go through so give Back in the Fight a shot!
By Ryan L.
The plot takes place after 9/11 and the main character Joseph Kapacziewski is a young 19 year old, and he watches his country come under attack and wants to do something about it. Well in the blink of an eye, he is in Afghanistan and is fighting with the Army Rangers. His biggest conflict is ,unlike, most soldiers he had no idea what an Army Ranger was when he signed up to become one. The major conflict of the book is that when he’s home he wants to be over there, but when he’s over there in Afghanistan he wants to be home.
I think one thing that he did well is he used Army terms and language. It makes the book feel more real and more professional. I like how he also describes Afghanistan and how when Sgt Kap has to get his leg amputated how the author described that. For example, he says things like, “We’re moving out in O200 hours.” The reason why I like this is because it makes you feel like you're really there and are actually part of the story.
One thing I would change about the book is the length. It is a long book. But the author does well with keeping things easy to read and also keeps the plot based around the main character; he doesn’t bounce around from one person to the other. One thing that was kind of stupid was he told the reader what RANGER means and he has pictures in the book. I would like to have photos but not as much as they put in it and I don’t like the RANGER thing because it just shows up without any rhyme or reason. Another thing I like is that he uses military time.
One thing I don’t like about the book is that sometimes he uses improper language, which made me feel confused and made me wonder if this was a book that was appropriate as a teenager. And another thing I didn’t like was that one character that the author kind of left out was Kaps best friend during basic training, Hunter. I think that he could’ve gone more in depth with the training exercises but he went in detail enough to keep me interested.
Despite the language and how long it is, I would still recommend this book because it’s a great story and it has a lot of good ways how they show character. The author also does a great job of describing Afghanistan. I liked it because it shows what these men really go through so give Back in the Fight a shot!
By Ryan L.
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February 18, 2023An instructive but difficult read, and not for the reasons you might think. The author had undeniable drive, grit, and dedication, which are admirable. He's also very much not a fan of women in combat, and says so pretty clearly, so I kinda doubt that he'd think highly of me. Similarly, if you're looking for a nuanced view of the people that his combat group were fighting, look elsewhere... he's pretty happy to reduce folks to a disparaged "the enemy". I'm glad I read this book, it gave me a lot to think about, but I don't think the author and I would have seen eye to eye in person despite our similar interests.
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March 15, 2017
The opening scene grabbed me, but then… I got a lot of history that was frankly kind of boring, because I didn’t pick up the book for that, I got it because I wanted to read about the personal struggle to adjust to being an amputee (and Joe’s fight to get back into combat, which I assumed could not have been easy given the hierarchy of the Army).
Finally, around page 200, Joe recounts the event when he was injured. From that point on, I was an avid reader.
Joe’s writing style is straightforward. He’s not overly introspective, which to me made the writing a bit unemotional. But he does admit to the reader things that he maybe didn’t admit to others (esp other warriors) when he was going through it – and it takes guts to put that on a page.
I like that Kimberly (his wife) contributed sections of the book, from her perspective. She relates a complaint now and then (related to Joe’s time in the hospital) which has got to be the understatement of the year. Honestly, they both seemed a little super-human!
But the really personal struggle I most wanted to read about – his injury and subsequent decision to voluntarily amputate - was such a small part of the book; it could have been so much more powerful. And I wanted to know more about how he fared once he DID go back (other than just the one scene).
I’m certainly a fan of “Kap” and those who do the job that most of us don’t want or frankly aren’t cut out to do. He put his mind to something and went out there and grabbed it. I wish we could teach persistence like that to our kids. Thank you, Joe, for your service!
Finally, around page 200, Joe recounts the event when he was injured. From that point on, I was an avid reader.
Joe’s writing style is straightforward. He’s not overly introspective, which to me made the writing a bit unemotional. But he does admit to the reader things that he maybe didn’t admit to others (esp other warriors) when he was going through it – and it takes guts to put that on a page.
I like that Kimberly (his wife) contributed sections of the book, from her perspective. She relates a complaint now and then (related to Joe’s time in the hospital) which has got to be the understatement of the year. Honestly, they both seemed a little super-human!
But the really personal struggle I most wanted to read about – his injury and subsequent decision to voluntarily amputate - was such a small part of the book; it could have been so much more powerful. And I wanted to know more about how he fared once he DID go back (other than just the one scene).
I’m certainly a fan of “Kap” and those who do the job that most of us don’t want or frankly aren’t cut out to do. He put his mind to something and went out there and grabbed it. I wish we could teach persistence like that to our kids. Thank you, Joe, for your service!
September 3, 2018
Truly Leading the Way...
As a former serviceman in the Army, I understand Kap's mentality all through his struggle. This book and this man, define what it means to be a leader. Kap defines everything it takes to be a member of an elite combat unit, be it the Rangers, a Seal, Green Beret or Delta Force. Kap explains in plain English, the mental toughness it takes to be a member of our military, and most certainly, a special operator in a SOCOM unit. Well done Kap! Hooah!! - Ssgt James Blunt, US Army
As a former serviceman in the Army, I understand Kap's mentality all through his struggle. This book and this man, define what it means to be a leader. Kap defines everything it takes to be a member of an elite combat unit, be it the Rangers, a Seal, Green Beret or Delta Force. Kap explains in plain English, the mental toughness it takes to be a member of our military, and most certainly, a special operator in a SOCOM unit. Well done Kap! Hooah!! - Ssgt James Blunt, US Army
March 28, 2020
This book was an amazing read. Kap is what a true soldier is. I came across this audio book online. Thank you for sharing your story. I’ll never forget your courage and selfless devotion to our country. God has blessed us with you and your family/all Rangers. This book has helped me see things thru your eyes my own father most likely had. Thank you so very much.
January 25, 2023
Reading this book has been an inspiration to me, the author's determination and perseverance in the face of adversity is truly remarkable. The book has taught me that with hard work, determination and the right mindset, we can overcome any obstacle. The author's story is a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to bounce back from difficult times, and to never give up on our dreams.
February 19, 2025
So grateful that he shared his story. I picked up this book after a grand rounds presentation from a surgeon who helped this soldier with his amputation and prosthetics journey. It was inspiring and I learned so much about modern day warfare. Thank you to all who have served.
July 9, 2018
A really interesting book about how war can damage you but you can come back even stronger from it .
September 11, 2023
While not the most well written war book out there, the story of Joe Kapacziewski is truly inspirational and an example of what a modern American warrior is capable of and may he rest in peace
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews