The title Fallen Angels intricately weaves together multiple layers of meaning and irony, central to the novel's exploration of war and its profound effects. On one hand, the phrase "fallen angels" evokes the image of soldiers who, having perished in battle, transform into angels—a poignant reminder of sacrifice and loss. This imagery is personified by Judy Duncan, an early character in the narrative, who embodies a ministering angel, tending to the wounded and providing a semblance of hope amidst the chaos.

Simultaneously, the novel delves into the theme of lost innocence, a quality often associated with the angelic. The harsh realities of warfare strip the soldiers of this innocence, compelling them to confront the brutalities of conflict. This transformation from innocence to experience is a relentless motif that underscores the narrative, highlighting the irrevocable changes wrought by war.

The term "fallen angels" also carries connotations of moral decay, akin to angels who have fallen from grace and embraced malevolence. Such imagery reflects the corrupting influence of war, suggesting that those who engage in its violence risk becoming devils themselves. This duality raises profound questions about the nature of the characters—who within the story is truly an angel, and who has succumbed to devilry? The ambiguity woven into the title enriches the novel's complexity, prompting readers to grapple with the moral uncertainties and blurred lines inherent in the story.

In his narrative, Myers explores the varied responses soldiers have to the horrific realities of war, illustrating how they employ diverse strategies to cope with their experiences. Faced with the brutality of warfare, the characters strive to construct alternative realities that offer some respite from the chaos surrounding them. This shared struggle for survival fosters a deep sense of solidarity among them, allowing bonds to form that transcend racial differences, personal rivalries, and class distinctions. In Perry's unit, this camaraderie proves essential, as members support each other against external threats, including a self-serving captain willing to jeopardize their lives for his own advancement.

The novel unfolds layers of irony that underscore the conflicting truths of war. Perry, a character bound by the military system, finds himself entangled in a paradox: although he is not meant to be on active duty, the opportunity for a medical discharge arises, yet he chooses to stay. This decision reflects the complex choices soldiers face, caught between duty and the desire for self-preservation. In a twist of fate, Perry sets claymore mortars intended for his own defense, only for enemy soldiers to manipulate them inadvertently, an act which ironically safeguards Perry’s comrades while harming the enemy. Another poignant irony is revealed through Gates, who lovingly crafts a doll for a child. Tragically, this innocent gift becomes a vehicle for destruction when the child uses it to conceal an explosive, leading to her own death along with that of American soldiers. These ironies highlight the unpredictable and often cruel nature of war, where intentions and outcomes rarely align.