I Have Your Back

How an American Soldier Became an International Hero

By: Tom Sileo

Narrated by: Roger Wayne

The story of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, who became an international hero for his courage and selflessness.

Ever since he was a young boy growing up on the streets of Staten Island, New York, Michael Ollis wanted to be a soldier. Inspired by his father, who fought in Vietnam, Mike’s deep desire to serve was cemented on the day his beloved city was attacked. From 9/11 onward, Mike’s one and only mission was to save lives.

After two tense combat deployments, Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis earned the US Army’s coveted Ranger tab and set his sights on the perilous mountains of eastern Afghanistan. On August 28, 2013, Mike was suddenly caught in the middle of a massive and unprecedented Taliban assault on a coalition military base. Rather than retreat to his bunker, Mike decided to fight. He then encountered a Polish army officer who needed his help.

Despite being surrounded by enemy fighters while running low on ammunition, Mike promised the foreign soldier that no matter what, he would have his back. For his final act of bravery, Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis would not only receive the Distinguished Service Cross from his own country, but the highest honor that Poland can bestow upon an allied soldier.

As an American warrior, Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis had all of our backs. This vivid and visceral account of Mike’s selfless 24-year journey will motivate us to “live like Mike” by always putting family, friends and country first.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2024 Tom Sileo (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"The inspiring story of a boy who yearned to be a soldier, achieved his dream, served three tours with distinction, and died a hero...[Sileo] narrates his tale with evenhandedness and a refreshing lack of empty declarations of patriotism...A well-deserved eulogy for an American warrior."–Kirkus Reviews

“A riveting account of one of the true heroes of America’s New Greatest Generation–the young men and women who volunteered in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, many of whom I was privileged to command during five combat assignments. Staff Sergeant Mike Ollis was one of the greatest of the many extraordinary soldiers who selflessly served our country during multiple tours in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, repeatedly having the back of those on his left and right in tough combat–and ultimately putting his own life at risk to save the life of a soldier from a coalition country. It is impossible not to be inspired by his example–and not to be motivated to ‘live like Mike’ after reading I Have Your Back–a great book about a great American.”–General David Petraeus, US Army (Ret.), former Commander of the Surge in Iraq, US Central Command, and NATO/US Forces in Afghanistan; former Director of the CIA; and author of the New York Times bestseller Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine.

“Tom Sileo continues his important mission of honoring the sacrifices of our American defenders in his new book I Have Your Back, the remarkable true story of U.S Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis who gave his life to save a member of the Polish armed forces on August 28, 2013 while serving in Afghanistan. We can never do enough to remember those who lay down their lives in defense of our freedom, and the families left behind. Tom Sileo’s work is to be admired for his skill and appreciated for never letting us forget the sacrifices of selfless Americans like Michael Ollis.”–Gary Sinise, Award-winning actor, bestselling author of Grateful American and founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation

the best read ever

never have I been overtaken by book as this on I couldn't write a review for a couple days ty Mike for you R.I.P

Too young to leave

This book is excellently written. My heart goes out to all those who love Mike - His parents, as well as his fellow warriors.

A true American Hero

This story touched my heart. Michael was a true American hero and this is a fitting tribute to him.

A true hero

The boy next door got your back. I true hero. He has are back. He should never be forgotten

Our Heroes Mike

the story was slow to start took until Chapter 6 before I could get into it. the writer failed to capture and hold my attention.