Tip of the Spear: The Incredible Story of an Injured Green Beret's Return to Battle

by Ryan Hendrickson

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.

Genres: Military Fiction, Nonfiction, War, Biography, Memoir, Military History

320 pages, Hardcover

First published July 7, 2020

About the author

Ryan Hendrickson is a Special Forces Engineer in the U.S Army. Ryan transferred over to the Army in 2008 after completing enlistments in both the Navy and Air Force. Ryan has many military deployments including Iraq, Afghanistan, and several South and Central American countries. Ryan’s awards include the Silver Star, four Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and a Army Commadation Medal with Valor. He lives in Florida.

Reviews

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one hell of a read. A story that the author takes you through his life from childhood and through the different moves his family made until the time he chose to join the Navy. He then went on to join the Air Force after the Navy all the while marrying and divorcing twice, each time he explains his own shortcomings and his own failures in the marriages. While in the Air Force he comes across a poster with information about the Army accepting transfers from the Air Force signing up for that program he next takes you through boot camp and then his journey on to jump school. Here is when I thought back to my father going through that school during WWII and joining the 82nd. Anyway, from there he passed and was on his way to Special Forces School or training. He wanted to be Green Beret.
Here now is when the training is much more intense and he takes you through the items he can. When he finally passes this phase-out of 189 there are 55 going on to the next phase, he is one of those. Training is more intense and you see just what those men go through and when finished only 25 are done. He is assigned to a unit and he is to get ready for what is next.
Next is his deployment and on one of the missions they go on he is blown up by an IED, you are taken through his memory of what he remembers of not knowing what happens to panic to no pain then the pain then men talking to him, finding when he is given morphine in the field that he is allergic, the fentanyl tab did not work and his team still had to move to set up an area for the medic vac helicopter to land and so they do not get ambushed. You are then taken through what will be just one of over 28 surgeries that he will have on his leg.
You are taken through everything until finally, he is past all of the nurses, doctor’s and now is left with family and physical therapists. His rehab is intense and he has people in his corner, he also has a new kind of prosthetic. You get to see his good days and bad. His father is there as well as his girlfriend who moved from Florida to Texas to be there to help him. He makes it through and then wants back on the Green Beret’s, long story short he does it and he takes you through his first deployment back. While on his deployment he leaves no man behind even the Afghan soldier who he had gotten to know and because of his actions that day for saving his team and helping the Afghan he is awarded the Silver Star, the third-highest award. He probably thinks he was just doing his job and he was. This was an outstanding book and I really enjoyed it I hope people take the time to read it. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at
www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[C.J. Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you review a book that sparks emotions of pride and sadness, along with hope and faith, all simultaneously?

You don't, and it rates itself.

Ryan's account of his time in the military, sharing his life story, made my heart swell at so many turns in this book.

I was taken back by how many times the resilient nature of one person can be tested and not only pass but push through to the point of teaching others how they, too, can thrive.

There were moments in the book when I had to stop and reflect on my service and remember the face of soldiers lined up in a convoy formation on their way out of the gate. That was the only resemblance of a barrier between the people who meant us harm and us.

I will leave you with a few nuggets from the book.

When Ryan thought he couldn't go anymore, he no longer listened to his mind and relied on his body.

The mind will give up before the body.

Please pay attention to how his life was when he grew up. Most people believe that you must have the advantage of making something of yourself; however, Ryan was handed nothing in life, becoming an elite warrior.

Believe in yourself more than anyone else, and you will never fail.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs motivation in their life. I admire Ryan, his father, and all of the men and women who continue to keep us safe in the United States and around the world.

Keep being great, Ryan, and know that your resiliency is the very thing that needs to be taught to the world.

[Nicole Yancey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! A Facebook post said it best!
"This is for all you mofos who think you're bada$$ because you own a few AR's and shoot pigs and watermelons on weekends, or because you served in the military (but never got shot at)"

Ryan Hendrickson, the purple heart, silver star, Green Beret who got his leg blown off, then reattached, and went right back into combat in Afghanistan multiple times! He is there right now actually!

In "Tip of the Spear" Ryan shares how amazing he is despite the obstacles that were set in his way not just in his time serving in the military but since he was young. Ryan talks about things he had to go through where any other person would just say okay I will retire and/or give up, but not Ryan Hendrickson ladies and gentlemen! Even with his leg being reattached leg, he ran directly into enemy gunfire to retrieve the dead body of a fallen comrade. That shows incredible courage, loyalty, and selflessness to do anything like that. Most people would not do that! Ryan Hendrickson is a true hero and a man that we should all look to for courage, loyalty, friendship and love.

I don't want to give away to much more about Ryan and his incredible journey because his book is legit! If you haven't already bought it yet then you need to go to your Amazon app, or wherever you chose to purchase your books, and order "Tip of the Spear" right now. I got mine on release date and couldn't put it down!

[Delynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am lucky enough to have been friends with Ryan's sister, Wendy, going to that same small school. This book was moving, and knowing Ryan, his description left me crying because of the pain he endured and proud of him not giving up. I remember when it happened, and have seen pictures but now...I feel like I lived it too. Thank you Ryan.

[Kristin Lynch]

Epic

Ryan's testimony of what brotherhood, faith, and a hell of a lot of willpower can carry you through is astonishing. Without a doubt, a hero of our generation. Thankful this story was told and etched into history. We need to be reminded of what our men face time and time again. A must read!

[Tanmay Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Tip of the Spear: The Incredible Story of an Injured Green Beret's Return to Battle

Author: Ryan Hendrickson

Review: " God doesn't give the hardest battles to his toughest soldiers, he creates the toughest soldiers through life's hardest battles." Welcome back folks, there are different ways we seek to keep ourselves motivated, and reading to someone's life battle is one of them because I personally feel that life experiences and true testaments are a real guiding source and eye openers. This is the story of a soldier, a remarkable brave personality, Ryan Hendrickson who has served the Army. The story is a journey of Ryan through ups and downs in his personal as well as professional life. The book is amazing and motivating, it's really tough to summarise this masterpiece but I would love to share some important highlights from the book to motivate you to give it a read. While in a battlefield he rescued an Afghan soldier, in this battle while he stepped on IED, it exploded which left him severely injured. He was such a brave soul that after undergoing multiple surgeries and trauma he kicked up to join the team again. Talking about his personal life the author mentions about his personal problems, divorce and marriage. The book has a great lesson for all the readers which is to live with immense courage, zeal and ofcourse no regrets. Pick this book to witness a courageous journey of this inspirational personality and learn through his experiences.

I loved the courageous story with ultra amazing narration, the author deserves appreciation for the phenomenal storytelling and quite researched background presentation. The book is full of life incidents and emotions, I was heartily connected with the story and could sense all the emotions. I was sincerely sticked with the storyline so I finished reading it in three days. A perfectly balanced writing with a fascinating cover page. The characters are really well introduced and the background very well developed.

[Read 4 Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review: -There are a lot of genres of books but sometimes you need to pick some specific to learn a particular aspect of life. Have you ever thought if you could read something with some incredible scenes, the perfect things so recently I came across the book.

📝Starting with the title of the story, the title is so joyful that makes your heart happy and for title I will certainly rate it 1/1. Cover of the novel is attractive and matches the plot of the story, you will get to know when you will read this one out.
A story that the author takes you from his early life, and his family moves through the various moves until he chooses to be part of the Navy. He then joined the Air Force twice after the Navy, marrying and divorcing, explaining each time his own deficiencies and marriage failures.

📝The book is incredible and motivating, it's difficult to sum it up but I'd love to share some of the book's important points that motivate you to read it. While rescuing an Afghan soldier on a fighting ground, it exploding during this battle while on IED caused him serious injuries. He was so brave that he kicked in to join the team after undergoing several operations and trauma.

📝His dad and his girlfriend moved from Florida to Texas in order to help him. He does it, but then wants back on the long story of the Green Beret, and he does it and takes you back to his first installation. During his time in the field, he doesn't leave anyone behind even the Afghan soldier he had learned of and he won the Silver Star the third-highest award because of his actions in the field of saving his team and helping the Afghan.

📝This book certainly is a wonderful reading. Also, the language and the words were used were normal and was a normal length read but worth it. The structure was really, simple, making it easy to understand, and the illustrations are also fantastic

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Thank God my face broke my fall." LOL

Who in their right mind would put their body through 20 months of gut-wrenching physical training?

Out of the original 400 peeps who took part in the Selection Class for 18Xs, 55 went on to the Qualification Course. Ryan Hendrickson was one of only 23 to make it out in one piece.

No one can tell you how to live your life, even if you think you've let yourself down at some point. There's no blueprint to living. The only thing you can do is to make an incremental change whenever you find one.

Well, that's what I thought before I read Ryan's book. Action aside—and there's plenty of that, Ryan Hendrickson's ’Tip of the Spear’ is an education in of itself. Maybe I'm too set in my ways to make a change for the better. But for anyone younger; you need to grab this 'book of life' with both hands.

Ryan Hendrickson is made of the stuff few will ever get close to, much less grasp. Pushing your body is one thing, but pushing against your ‘mind-barrier’ is something else entirely—with or without the kind of pain I can't even begin to imagine Ryan having gone through.

‘Mind-barrier’(?). The mind is a powerful thing. And as much as it's creative, it can also be a barrier to whatever success you had first set your mind on.

If you think you know pain—you don’t! There's pain and then there's effing pain. Ryan's foot was all, but blown off with an IED, and left hanging by a fleshy-like sinew. How in God's name does anyone then push themselves through the pain barrier of recovery and then redeployment, when clearly most of us would have given up at the mind-barrier stage. But that's Ryan Hendrickson for you—a real Special Forces and 18C guy with more than enough medals to last a lifetime. ;)

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shared an 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. Through this book, he shared about the lives of Soldiers, their duties, honesty, bravery and the danger and obstacles they face. Every Soldier has his own story to share but what's different in Ryan's story is that after undergoing two dozen surgeries and a tortuous rehabilitation, he was medically retired but fought to return to active duty. Nonetheless, he always fulfill his duties despite the hardships. The dedication towards his work and duty is something that we should appreciate.

I really liked this book because it's a true story and I learnt a lot about the difficulties our Soldiers face and how they risk their lives but never gave up. This masterpiece is just Wow and I am going to read this again. Before proceeding, you just need to set your mind in a way that it will take a lot more time for you to finish this book, not because of the number of pages but the impact it will have on you while reading every single page.

While it’s sometimes difficult to know our purpose or the meaning of life, we must thrive and move forward. And what better way than to learn from those who have lived and shared their words of wisdom.

If you haven’t read this book, I have to insist you pick it up right away. I wish I could write more about this book, but I just can't explain the amazingness of it with my simple, unworthy words.

[Shiny Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is wonderfully perceptive account of front line warfare that evokes the trauma of military combat and the the mental and psychology damage caused by first hand combat, on the participants. Although it doesn't directly contribute to the basic premise of the novel since it is about the physical injury Ryan went through , it does help the reader to better understand the emotional scars soldiers bring home as well.

The writing style appealed to me - neither over simplified as much is these days, but neither was it so complex that one could get lost halfway through a sentence or paragraph. Bragg was able to build tension and/or realistically portray conflict, which I think a novel needs to make it worth reading.

This book took hold of me and still hasn't let go. I was unable to put it down. It was heart-breaking, inspiring and unfailingly patriotic. I am so glad that I read this book and got a glimpse of the kind of people who have answered our country's call and who fight with everything they’ve got!

I hope someday to be as brave and cool in my whole body as Ryan Hendrickson is in his little pinkie finger. I think everyone should read this book. I want my kids to read it...the faith and integrity of the protagonist in this book is something our country needs more often.

[Siblings · Rating 5 out of 5]

What goes on tour stays on tour? Well in this case no it doesn't and I'm so glad this guy has written about it as it highlights the need for change. I was absolutely gobsmacked whilst reading this book about the events that happened and what soldiers have to go through when serving in the armed forces.

This book is gripping, emotional and difficult to put down, it just left me wanting to carry on reading all night long and I couldn't wait to pick it up from where I left off. The gripping tale of Ryan’s fight, in and out of the warzone . . . will inspire countless others, leaving them with a sense of purpose and hope.

The author paints a vivid and hopeful picture of what is possible for those burdened by the scars of war and provides a road map to that healing place. Excellent, relevant, and timely content! The thing that impressed me the most reading this book was how human and decent Travis Mills seems to be as a person.

After reading Ryan's story, one can not help but be motivated. If this man can overcome everything that he has overcome, then surely the rest of us can overcome the obstacles that we face.
I highly recommend this book and thank you to Ryan and all the men and women who have served this great nation of ours.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Tip of the Spear" is a brilliant account of the Military life of Ryan Hendrickson. He has written a biography worthy of his subject, full of shoot-outs, explosions ,death , injuries ,mayhem, and the human foibles of a lost soul.

Ryan’s journey is made particularly compelling by his beautiful writing. Profoundly moving and beautifully written. A must read for veterans and those who love them who may be searching for peace in their lives. And for the rest of us a way to better understand the plight of our protectors.

This book is full of hope which is the most important part of recovery. I couldn't put it down. Ryan Hendrickson attacks the truth in his story with a furious intensity, and there’s an inherent beauty that it creates. I simply couldn’t stop reading.

The story told helps American's learn more about the sacrifices military members make in serving their country. It gives me a better understanding of war too, from the military member's perspective. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to read of a survivor from a tragic event, and how he went on with his life, and encouraged others along the way.

[Nikita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that makes the reader work and places us in the protagonists shoes and succeeds in translating visual and lovely experiences into visceral ones for the reader too. The story is quite gripping and will probably not be liked by everyone. But if you want to try out Something outstanding , give this one a try.
Tip of the spear is what we called a true page turner.
Amazingly woven like an interesting spell. I didn't think this book was going to be this good. It was , as you might expect , engaging , a total different piece of art from every aspect.
It sets a very high bar for whatever he does that comes next.

[Shane O'Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m humbled by this first hand account of a service member’s journey from wild wanderer to a cocky “green” Green Beret to nearly having his career cut short by a devastating partial amputation that few people survive, much less return to active service from. The story of Ryan’s struggle to convince himself and his chain of command that he could continue to do the job of an 18C is candid, emotional and very real. His actions in the years after the injury are legendary. This story will resonate with anyone who has ever doubted their own inner strength, searched for a higher purpose or lost a brother-in-arms.

[The Reviewera · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is very rare for a book to have its characters live beyond the pages, and at the same time let it transcend its own genre into something else. A tip of the spear does that, and more.
Five Stars read for me.

One of the best books I have read this month!
Highly recommend it! I only leave positive feedback and reviews when I love the book.
Feel free to ask anything regarding this book.
A must read for sure.
I'd recommend this book to everyone who would like to read a good Literature.
The book is written in a very interesting way.
A must read for sure

[Wes Van Fleet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book and pass it on. Ryan’s stories of failure, overcoming, and perseverance is a helpful and encouraging prod for readers to see that we can all keep going when the world seems against us.

As a veteran, a lot of Ryan’s stories and mentions of geography brought up a lot of hard but helpful memories. There are about 20 lessons readers can take away from this book including warfare, friendship, family, failure, perseverance, love, and loss to name some of them. Again, read this book and pass it on.

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book from start to finish! Finished it in two days because I just had a hard time putting it down. It’s well written and encapsulates tragedy, struggle and triumph ultimately reminding the reader that we are called to live life to the fullest, making no excuses for our past or the obstacles in our way. It’s engaging, easy to read, and hard to put down. You’ll be better for having read it!

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about a dedicated and driven green beret

Good story about Ryan’s life, military career, and training to become green beret. It was interesting to hear about the training and the deployments and how the green berets operated. Quick read and interesting to know that even green berets have their doubts, their valleys, and their insecurities.Also, motivating to read that ryan accomplished whatever he put his mind to through persistence and toughness

[Kay Oestmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sergeant First Class Ryan Hendrichson found a way to save his life while he risked his life in the military. He is brave, dedicated and and a true hero. His story relates his an abnormal push to continue and resume his career ever reaching upward when we would have given up. A compelling story of our soldiers who were taxed with defending Afghanistan. Eye opening.
He embraced the suck and has lived by the special forces motto Free the Oppressed.

[Jacob Harman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a read! If you want an inspirational book, read this. If you like military stories, read this. If you’re in a reading slump and need something different, read this book right now.

Ryan’s story is incredible. When his friends told him to push on and publish the book, because he had a story that could help people, they were right.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a book! Once I started, I couldn’t put it down, took me all of 3 days to finish. An amazing story of war, personal battles, military battles and resilience. A book all about resistance, resilience, persistence, hard work, attitude and ambition. This war story is one you need to read! From hanging on for dear life to recovery to military success, this journey will keep you hooked!

[Timothy Pachowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story!

This isn't a war story! Its a story about one mans life, the twists and turns it takes and his drive to accomplish a goal.that many times he wasn't sure what it was. Ryan, thank you for your service and for sharing your story!

[Edison Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. Insanely detailed. Felt like I was with Ryan through his entire military career. And, as a NW resident, understood his upbringing. What an amazing read about perseverance, and defying the rules of medicine.

[Williams Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An autobiography that is Ryan Hendricksons story! Really incredible story from serving to hitting an IED and then goes back into the battle to try and get back to work for the green berets! it’s very motivating!

[Scott Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

[Nik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Resilient Hero.

[Manuel Amorin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

[Adam Wilburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. Lot’s of great stories.

[Bruce Quint · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely amazing story.

[Michelle Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!! could not put it down

Well told, you felt every emotion and pain with Ryan. You could almost smell and taste what he was experiencing is was so well described.