What do you think?
Rate this book
The Crescent: A Viet Nam War Novel
Battle-hardened platoon sergeant Aaron Samples hates lieutenants, especially his new platoon leader, Second Lieutenant Stephen Carr. Having just arrived in Viet Nam, Carr is unsure of his own courage and competence, and he resents the way Samples is treating him. Somehow, though, they must find a way to work together, to lead and protect their men during three days of vicious firefights in the Crescent, a large stretch of heavy woods just west of Dau Tieng. The Crescent is crawling with North Vietnamese Army soldiers who are just waiting to ambush the armored personnel carriers of Carr’s and Samples’ unit in increasingly brutal battles. The third and largest ambush turns into chaos; Carr and Samples get left behind during the withdrawal, believed to be dead. Trapped behind enemy lines, with no hope of rescue, they have only each other to depend on as they evade capture and trek through miles of enemy-infested forest to safety.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2016
104 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 20, 2016
I enjoyed reading "The Crescent" by David Allin which also increased my knowledge about APC units and how they operated during the Vietnam War. In this story, 2nd Lt. Stephen Carr is assigned as the new Platoon Leader within a mechanized unit that hadn't had an officer for several months. As a result, SFC Aaron Samples, who had been leading the platoon during that time is now demoted and will have to take orders from this Cherry officer. Only problem is that SSgt. Samples hates officers - especially 2nd lieutenants.
SSgt. Samples is a good leader and takes care of his men but now circumnavigates the new LT to continue running the platoon. Lt. Carr is a fast learner and soon gains the respect of those soldiers in the First Platoon. When SSGT. Samples is wounded and medivaced to the rear, Lt. Carr takes over and does well without the platoon sergeant during the next few patrols. Samples' stay in the hospital short-lived when he shows up at the firebase gate after hitchhiking from Dau Tieng - surprising most everyone.
There is some head butting, but it seems like Carr is patient. However, the final and vicious battle in the Crescent causes them to get separated from their unit deep inside of Injun country. Left alone, they have no food, very little water and ammunition and are surrounded by enemy soldiers. If they are to survive, they must work together during the next days, evading the many enemy patrols, bunkers and U.S. artillery that lands in their midst.
During this time, the LT learns why the Sgt. dislikes lieutenants as he shared the experience with Carr. The Lt, too, shares some of his experiences, letting the Sgt. into his innermost secrets. Thus allowing the bonding to begin. Both men were considered KIA when their track exploded from and RpG and burned so nobody was out searching for them...except the NVA who were always nearby.
Readers will sympathize with the two men during this trek. If they are to survive, they have to work together for the common goal. Readers will continue turning pages to see how the men fare against overwhelming odds. Only one criticism: I'm not sure if it's because of the conversion when uploading your book, but in many places, letters are falling off of words. I.E. Car vs. Carr and many others. Please check into this...
Great job, Mr. Allin! Thank you for your service and Welcome Home, Brother!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel and
When Can I Stop Running?
SSgt. Samples is a good leader and takes care of his men but now circumnavigates the new LT to continue running the platoon. Lt. Carr is a fast learner and soon gains the respect of those soldiers in the First Platoon. When SSGT. Samples is wounded and medivaced to the rear, Lt. Carr takes over and does well without the platoon sergeant during the next few patrols. Samples' stay in the hospital short-lived when he shows up at the firebase gate after hitchhiking from Dau Tieng - surprising most everyone.
There is some head butting, but it seems like Carr is patient. However, the final and vicious battle in the Crescent causes them to get separated from their unit deep inside of Injun country. Left alone, they have no food, very little water and ammunition and are surrounded by enemy soldiers. If they are to survive, they must work together during the next days, evading the many enemy patrols, bunkers and U.S. artillery that lands in their midst.
During this time, the LT learns why the Sgt. dislikes lieutenants as he shared the experience with Carr. The Lt, too, shares some of his experiences, letting the Sgt. into his innermost secrets. Thus allowing the bonding to begin. Both men were considered KIA when their track exploded from and RpG and burned so nobody was out searching for them...except the NVA who were always nearby.
Readers will sympathize with the two men during this trek. If they are to survive, they have to work together for the common goal. Readers will continue turning pages to see how the men fare against overwhelming odds. Only one criticism: I'm not sure if it's because of the conversion when uploading your book, but in many places, letters are falling off of words. I.E. Car vs. Carr and many others. Please check into this...
Great job, Mr. Allin! Thank you for your service and Welcome Home, Brother!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel and
When Can I Stop Running?
January 12, 2017
Accuracy counts!
As a Nam vet I can identify with much of the emotion as well the sentiment of this novel. Truthfully presented by a brother Nam vet.
As a Nam vet I can identify with much of the emotion as well the sentiment of this novel. Truthfully presented by a brother Nam vet.
May 2, 2019
Well done story which brings good memories
True to life as I remember my time in the same area during this time in the 25th Infantry division in two tours with the 3-13 FA. 1968-1969 and late 1969-1971. Excellent character development and the struggling of soldiers with a war our country trier to forget. I don not want to go back t o SE Asia I will never forget those I served with.
True to life as I remember my time in the same area during this time in the 25th Infantry division in two tours with the 3-13 FA. 1968-1969 and late 1969-1971. Excellent character development and the struggling of soldiers with a war our country trier to forget. I don not want to go back t o SE Asia I will never forget those I served with.
September 22, 2021
Good fictional story but definitely believable.
Liked it. Typical war fiction but the author shows that he researches and incorporates little factual items throughout the book. Definitely did not disappoint when he built the relationship between Carr and Samples, as far as relationships go, sometimes they take a while and have issues to overcome just a real humans do.
Liked it. Typical war fiction but the author shows that he researches and incorporates little factual items throughout the book. Definitely did not disappoint when he built the relationship between Carr and Samples, as far as relationships go, sometimes they take a while and have issues to overcome just a real humans do.
October 27, 2017
Great book, a real page turner.
A great study and enlightening of the causes and fixes of the attitudes between noncommissioned and commissioned officers. The book did a good job of demonstrating the change required in both, trust.
A great study and enlightening of the causes and fixes of the attitudes between noncommissioned and commissioned officers. The book did a good job of demonstrating the change required in both, trust.
August 27, 2018
Great read.
Would have rated this book a 5 but the ending was entirely too abrupt. Good story line and great character building. I hope he keeps the characters and sequels this book.
Would have rated this book a 5 but the ending was entirely too abrupt. Good story line and great character building. I hope he keeps the characters and sequels this book.
October 23, 2018
Good read.
Felt like this was a fair portrayal of the guys that were there. We get to see how the regular guys did it and not so much the crazy gung ho Hollywood stories make it seem.
Felt like this was a fair portrayal of the guys that were there. We get to see how the regular guys did it and not so much the crazy gung ho Hollywood stories make it seem.
August 16, 2020
What a great read.
I really enjoyed the heart of the book, it was very suspenseful and written by a person that has much experience. The ending was absolutely filled with honest emotions between two men.
I really enjoyed the heart of the book, it was very suspenseful and written by a person that has much experience. The ending was absolutely filled with honest emotions between two men.
April 7, 2021
Great Book
I served in the Army 1968/69. I have read a lot of Vietnam war books. This books is one of the best. David Allen is a great writer and I look forward to reading more of his books.
I served in the Army 1968/69. I have read a lot of Vietnam war books. This books is one of the best. David Allen is a great writer and I look forward to reading more of his books.
February 5, 2017
a heart to heart of what happens to real men.
the best of a real nam experience like so many therre had and story never told as well as this one. thanks DAVID.
the best of a real nam experience like so many therre had and story never told as well as this one. thanks DAVID.
May 24, 2018
The Crescent
A very good read. Not every book about war gives an insight into the bonding of a new officer to a senior nco.
A very good read. Not every book about war gives an insight into the bonding of a new officer to a senior nco.
June 10, 2018
My 1st book by David Allin I enjoyed it very much and am going to read the other books on Viet Nam.
October 7, 2018
Loved it!
And you will as well. You there amidst the smoke and gunfire. You are part of the action and the fight for survival. It’s an adventure that you will. Enjoy!
And you will as well. You there amidst the smoke and gunfire. You are part of the action and the fight for survival. It’s an adventure that you will. Enjoy!
October 13, 2018
Awesome!
Exciting real life happenings! Presenting the way things happen in real war times. The friendships made, through life and death situations. Awesome!
Exciting real life happenings! Presenting the way things happen in real war times. The friendships made, through life and death situations. Awesome!
December 23, 2023
Good read. Glad it’s the start of a series.
Great mix of story, character interaction and description of life in the war zone. Looking forward to the next one. Getting it now.
Great mix of story, character interaction and description of life in the war zone. Looking forward to the next one. Getting it now.
December 29, 2020
A good book
This was about the army but it was about two guys didn't like each other but ended up being the best of friends!
This was about the army but it was about two guys didn't like each other but ended up being the best of friends!
June 8, 2017
Good book. Pretty true to life.
May 12, 2016
Good tome
Excellent read and not the normal story but one of human interaction. Worth the time to read. Recommend it highly.
Excellent read and not the normal story but one of human interaction. Worth the time to read. Recommend it highly.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews