Fallen Angels is a stirring and intense narrative that chronicles Richard Perry's journey from a young man in Harlem to a soldier in the tumultuous environment of the Vietnam War. Initially, Perry's African American identity is subtle, gradually gaining prominence through his interactions and conflicts with both white and black soldiers. Sent to Vietnam because of a bureaucratic mix-up, Perry is slated for a medical discharge due to a knee injury, but this release is delayed, allowing him time to forge strong bonds and face harrowing experiences with his fellow soldiers.

Life in Vietnam

The novel vividly captures the chaos and brutality surrounding the soldiers, marked by shocking incidents that highlight the complexities of their mission in an unfamiliar land. One of Perry's comrades, Jenkins, tragically dies after triggering a land mine. In a twist of fate, Perry himself misplaces claymore mines, yet still manages to injure the enemy, illustrating the unpredictable nature of warfare. With "friendly fire" causing American casualties and grisly scenes of beheaded infants and scorched villages, Perry is forced to confront both the peril of his environment and the madness of war. These harrowing events are crystallized when Perry kills a Viet Cong soldier in self-defense, a haunting memory that lingers with him.

The Bonds of Brotherhood

Central to the narrative is Perry's decision to remain with his unit after sustaining an injury and recovering. In a gripping episode, Perry and Pee Wee Gates, a soldier with whom he has formed a deep friendship, become isolated from their squad. Forced to rely on their wits and commit further acts of violence to survive, they both endure physical injuries. The relentless march of silver caskets bearing fallen soldiers underscores the emotional and human cost of the conflict. The narrative offers no clear justification for the soldiers' presence in Vietnam, despite attempts to rationalize it during an intense interview with a television crew. This lack of satisfactory answers feeds into Perry's conclusion by the novel's end: those who haven't experienced the war firsthand can never truly grasp what the "warrior angels" have endured.

The Pain of Alienation

This revelation is poignantly captured in the novel's closing scene. As Perry departs Vietnam, his mind remains tethered to the battlefield, contrasting starkly with the oblivious passenger who complains about a trivial discomfort on their shared flight. This sharp juxtaposition encapsulates the profound disconnect between those who have fought in the war and those who remain untouched by its horrors. Perry's internal conflict and the soldiers' shared experiences underscore the novel's exploration of camaraderie, trauma, and the enduring impact of war.