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Back in the Fight: The Explosive Memoir of a Special Operator Who Never Gave Up Kindle Edition

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 306 ratings

The inspiring and thrilling combat memoir of the only Army Ranger serving in direct combat operations with a prosthetic limb.

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.

Back in the Fight is an inspiring and thrilling tale readers will never forget.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In October 2005, Kapacziewski, a U.S. Army Ranger on duty in Iraq, sustained an injury that would have taken most soldiers out of combat forever: an enemy’s hand grenade bounced through his vehicle’s open hatch and exploded, nearly destroying his right leg below the knee. After dozens of surgeries, Kapacziewski kept his leg, but because he wasn’t able to use it the way he wanted to, he opted to have it removed, replaced with a prosthetic, so he could return to active duty. Although he probably could have written an entire book about his injury and recovery, he chose instead to write about his career as a Ranger, taking us back to basic training and showing how his military career shaped him, turned him into the kind of man who would choose to have his own leg amputated. The injury itself occurs about two-thirds of the way through the book, which makes perfect narrative sense: we need to understand who Kapacziewski is if we’re to understand the decision he made. Readers of combat memoirs should be urged to seek this one out. --David Pitt

Review

“SFC Joe Kapacziewski and his wife, Kim, tell their incredible story of perseverance and determination over ten years of war. Joe's personal courage in overcoming the loss of his leg and returning to combat to lead soldiers is phenomenal. For over 200 years, men and women like Joe and Kim have made this nation great.” ―General Ray Odierno

“Military buffs will relish this fast-paced account of youthful yearnings for military service, brutal Ranger training, and page after page of camaraderie, horseplay, grim humor, and vivid nuts-and-bolts action. Even readers lukewarm to military memoirs will admire the fierce dedication required to be the first Ranger to go to war with a prosthetic limb.” ―
Publishers Weekly

“A bold, raw, and authentic account of unparalleled intestinal fortitude of an American Ranger that grips you like a flying arm bar. Destined to be the defining work of American warrior spirit in the War on Terror era. Make no mistake, the U.S. Army Rangers made Joe Kap a killer man―nobody offers apologies or excuses, it’s what Rangers have done for centuries.” ―Dalton Fury, New York Times bestselling author of Kill Bin Laden and Black Site

“Sergeant Kap is living proof that all Special Operations men are cut from the same cloth regardless of branch of service. Kap's decision to serve alongside his fellow Rangers after having his leg amputated is an incredible story of determination. Back in the Fight will force people to reevaluate what's truly possible in their own lives. The exemplary lessons in this book are something every American should read about. I'm going to make sure my own children read his story.” ―Brandon Webb, New York Times bestselling author of The Red Circle and editor-in-chief of SOFREP.com

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B009LRWGZU
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin's Press (May 7, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 7, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1302 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 306 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
306 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story inspiring and personal. They describe the book as great, amazing, and a must-read for true Americans. Readers praise the author's mental toughness, determination, and perseverance. Opinions differ on the writing quality - some find it well-written and clear, while others feel it's poorly written and harsh at times.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

70 customers mention "Inspirational story"68 positive2 negative

Customers find the story inspiring and wonderful. They say it's a personal story about one man's devotion to serving in the military. The book is described as motivating and an excellent read about an amazing life.

"...to date from a segment of the SOF community "Back In The Fight" is a refreshing, welcome and needed book that presents the best we have to offer in..." Read more

"...Obviously this generation of warriors has an amazing story to tell, and as is the norm with stories coming out of the Global War on Terror, they're..." Read more

"...His passion for his job as a ranger is inspiring. What a brave man and makes me grateful that there are men out there who are so dedicated in..." Read more

"...who answer the call to serve our country and has overcome every obstacle in life and is such a great example to service members in all branches...." Read more

54 customers mention "Readability"54 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and inspiring. They say it's a refreshing read that should be required reading for true Americans. Readers praise the author as an interesting and strong person.

"...the SOF community "Back In The Fight" is a refreshing, welcome and needed book that presents the best we have to offer in terms of that unique..." Read more

"...Before I go, thanks, Cap, for a great book, and thanks to all our brothers and sisters in uniform for keeping our world free- you're free to read..." Read more

"...A good read, though." Read more

"...This book is well written and touches the soul. He is truly and honorable man and after having read this book I have reassessed my life to see..." Read more

8 customers mention "Strength of character"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of mental toughness, determination, and perseverance. They find it a tribute to an indomitable human being and high-quality writing.

"...with stories coming out of the Global War on Terror, they're high quality stuff written by intelligent and talented people...." Read more

"...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...." Read more

"A must read about courage , perseverance and the real meaning when someone says " never gives up"...." Read more

"Amazing to read, Sarg Kap is a very interesting and strong person. So is Mrs Kap!..." Read more

16 customers mention "Writing quality"11 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing quality. Some find it well-written and presented, with an interesting history and clear message. Others feel the writing is poor, with harsh language and monotone voice.

"...SFC Kapacziewski's story is well written, well presented and its message is clear...." Read more

"Well written...." Read more

"...Some strong language, but overall a very good read." Read more

"Joe Kap is an amazing and an honorable ranger. This book is well written and touches the soul...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2013
    As a retired SOF operator and someone blessed to have worked as a senior Wounded Warrior advocate for SOCOM's Care Coalition I am extremely pleased to see Joe Kapacziewki's story published.

    Our SOF Wounded, Injured or Ill are remarkable human beings in every respect. The most seriously Wounded, Injured or Ill - those folks I worked with daily for four years - take being an elite Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman to new heights where courage and compassion are concerned.

    Their spouses and families demonstrate no less of a need, a wish, a desire and a burning goal to "Never Ever Quit" when it comes to meaningful recovery, rehabilitation and a "New Normal" and new life.

    SFC Kapacziewski's story is well written, well presented and its message is clear. Never give up Hope and never leave a fallen comrade, to include yourself, behind.

    The author's story is but one of thousands to date of our Wounded/Injured/Ill setting the example as to what it takes to "Get back into the fight" and stay there. Joe's story is the same story as is Ranger Jordan Bressler's...Ranger Steven Walter's...Ranger Ben Rye's...Ranger Chip Bryant's...Ranger Victor Sassoon's and Ranger Leroy Petry's (MOH).

    And each of these heroes and Wounded Warriors has a counterpart in the Special Forces/SEAL/MARSOF/ARSOF communities whose stories are equally both legendary and motivational.

    With all the "I love me - I'm so badass" books we've seen to date from a segment of the SOF community "Back In The Fight" is a refreshing, welcome and needed book that presents the best we have to offer in terms of that unique spirit in a Warrior and in the Warrior family that refuses to just lay down and die.

    It's a "Commander's Library" addition to my bookshelve and should be to yours.

    De Oppresso Liber -

    Greg Walker (Retired)
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2013
    I originally had my doubts about this book because of the price, but I'm really glad I took the plunge. It's an excellent product and well worth the money. Obviously this generation of warriors has an amazing story to tell, and as is the norm with stories coming out of the Global War on Terror, they're high quality stuff written by intelligent and talented people. What gives this book its own identity is how the author's wounds and recovery were handled- just as bravely as all his training and combat. We get to see how he and his family face all their new challenges together, and I particularly found that part most inspiring. I'd of course recommend this book to anybody, military and civilian (like myself). Before I go, thanks, Cap, for a great book, and thanks to all our brothers and sisters in uniform for keeping our world free- you're free to read the books you want, and say what you want about that book, publicly. True North Strong and Free!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2014
    Those of us who have volunteered for U.S. Military Service, but not belonged to elite outfits like the Rangers, Special Forces, Navy Seals, or Marine Recon, have been known to jibe and kid our fellow soldiers who jump out of perfectly good airplanes. It is done mostly out of a sense of envy of the intestinal fortitude and absolute dedication to duty constantly shown by these men as we wonder if we would have the inner courage to face what they do on a continual basis. Occasionally you come across a man than stands a bit taller among the ranks of worthy men. Joe Kapacziewski stands tall among those we proudly call American warriors. A wise man once said, "Argue for your limitations and sure enough they are yours". Sgt. Joe Kapacziewski argued long and hard against those who tried to put limitations on him and his ability to continue to soldier after suffering devastating bodily damage. His story is heroic in that he would not allow himself to be "put out to pasture" as a "has been" Ranger just because he lost a leg. Joe was blessed with a wonderful, caring wife that understood his being an active combat Ranger is who he is and what drove him to prevail against tremendous odds to return to combat. His story is an inspiration to all, and particularly to those who have lost limbs, showing that with faith, drive, and determination you can surely prevail.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2016
    Well written. While the narrative is bifurcated, shifting from Joe's to his wife Kim's point of view and back again, it gave the story depth to see the spouse's perspective. Only thing I was unhappy with was how quickly he glossed over his rehab process. A good read, though.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2013
    Joe Kap is an amazing and an honorable ranger. This book is well written and touches the soul. He is truly and honorable man and after having read this book I have reassessed my life to see what is most important and it showed me if you are really determined to achieve your desires and dreams nothing can hold you back. It was also a great insight to see what these brave warriors go through when they are injured. His passion for his job as a ranger is inspiring. What a brave man and makes me grateful that there are men out there who are so dedicated in preserving our fright for freedom that he would give up a limb. Truly awe inspiring .... a must read.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2016
    This is so inspiring. You will read this very quickly. Hats off to SFC Kap and his wonderful family! This is a great example of a millennial who answer the call to serve our country and has overcome every obstacle in life and is such a great example to service members in all branches. Heroes exist in every generation and Joe Kap is one for his generation.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2014
    As a citizen who is also a physical therapist, this soldier's story was a fascinating. His courage and bravery and dedication to his chosen field is admirable. His wife's courage and bravery are also admirable. This gave me a glimpse into a world I have been grateful for and appreciative of, but didn't know the details. Some strong language, but overall a very good read.

Top reviews from other countries

  • BtotheS
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great
    Reviewed in Italy on August 3, 2018
    A very good book , it makes you think about Life in a different way
  • Dan
    5.0 out of 5 stars I could not put it down!
    Reviewed in Canada on July 17, 2013
    I bought the book to read it during my vacation. I decided o read the first chapter before my vacation and could not put it down. I guess I'll have find another book for my vacation.
    EXCELLENT book and Joe Kap, the author, is truly somebody to admire and respect.

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