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The Parrot's Beak: A Viet Nam War Novel
An old French colonial fort hidden in the jungle, a dysfunctional recon platoon, a duplicitous defector, and an Army interrogator with no combat experience: these elements combine for a surprising and hazardous patrol into enemy territory. When a Viet Cong defector told Army linguist SP4 Tom Daley about this previously unknown French fort, and what sounded like Chinese and Russian advisers working there, he knew it was a major intelligence coup. What he didn’t expect was to be ordered to escort the Chieu Hoi defector on a patrol with a Combined Reconnaissance and Intelligence Platoon to find the fort, located somewhere near the section of the Cambodian border known as the Parrot’s Beak. What they discover at the fort is far different than they anticipated, and puts them directly in the cross-hairs of a North Vietnamese Army unit determined to prevent their return to American-held territory.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 12, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed "The Parrot's Beak" by David Allin! A rear echelon Spec. 4, Tom Daley, who interviews enemy soldiers after they surrender to U.S. forces, finally gets some exciting news from one of the defectors. He is told of an old French fort in the nearby jungle that had both Chinese and Russian advisors. The youth didn't know how to read a map but was willing to lead a U.S. patrol to the location. After reporting the news to his superiors, a mission was planned and Tom was to join the defector on the patrol. Tom complained that he was not infantry trained and hadn't shot a rifle since basic training. However, his boss told him that since he was an interpreter and the former VC soldier could not understand English - Tom had no choice in the matter and was going out into the bush to locate and recon the fort.
Tom is assigned to a group of misfits - this same group continues to be picked on by the battalion commander because he is prejudiced against the black lieutenant leader and assigns them the worst duties. The Parrot's Beak area where they are heading borders Cambodia on the west near the Black Virgin Mountain and jutes into Vietnam in the shape of a beak. There are no border markings, their squad's maps were stolen during the night by a Kit Carson Scout who wants to sell them out, and they have no idea where they were. Yet the defector was confident that it was nearby.
The small group finally locates the old French fort and find the circumstances much different than what they thought they'd find. The group discovers that they are 5 kilometers inside Cambodia and therefore have no support. It will be a miracle for them to make it back to the base camp on their own. Once they are discovered, the NVA attack and then take chase, doing everything in their power to kill everyone in the U.S, reconnaissance group. Now Tom and the others must fight for their lives while evading the NVA troops who's size could overwhelm them at any moment.
The story is suspenseful, a real page turner, and difficult to put down. The author does a wonderful job in developing the characters - I liked the young deserter and cheered him on - and in telling the story. One downside is that I found several instances within the book where the sentences had words that were either missing or extra and should have been deleted during an edit. A couple typos that I recall - the word "our" was spelled "out". I would strongly suggest another read through to make these corrections. Otherwise, great job Mr. Allin!
John Podlaski, author
"Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel" and "When Can I Stop Running?"
Tom is assigned to a group of misfits - this same group continues to be picked on by the battalion commander because he is prejudiced against the black lieutenant leader and assigns them the worst duties. The Parrot's Beak area where they are heading borders Cambodia on the west near the Black Virgin Mountain and jutes into Vietnam in the shape of a beak. There are no border markings, their squad's maps were stolen during the night by a Kit Carson Scout who wants to sell them out, and they have no idea where they were. Yet the defector was confident that it was nearby.
The small group finally locates the old French fort and find the circumstances much different than what they thought they'd find. The group discovers that they are 5 kilometers inside Cambodia and therefore have no support. It will be a miracle for them to make it back to the base camp on their own. Once they are discovered, the NVA attack and then take chase, doing everything in their power to kill everyone in the U.S, reconnaissance group. Now Tom and the others must fight for their lives while evading the NVA troops who's size could overwhelm them at any moment.
The story is suspenseful, a real page turner, and difficult to put down. The author does a wonderful job in developing the characters - I liked the young deserter and cheered him on - and in telling the story. One downside is that I found several instances within the book where the sentences had words that were either missing or extra and should have been deleted during an edit. A couple typos that I recall - the word "our" was spelled "out". I would strongly suggest another read through to make these corrections. Otherwise, great job Mr. Allin!
John Podlaski, author
"Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel" and "When Can I Stop Running?"
January 1, 2017
Here we have a war novel that stands out among several of this genre. One would think the Vietnam 'there I was' topic had been well and truly tapped. This novel is different; written very, very well, by someone who has clearly been there, done that, The Parrot's Beak reeks of realism. Allin's descriptions of ammunition, weapons, infantry tactics and command structure are impeccable. A reader could almost set up a Claymore, or clear a jam in a sixteen based on this text. Plus, it's a darn fine story filled with the crunch and crackle of combat, the smells, cursing and chatter of men at war and insights into how they think and act. I rarely grant five stars, but the story arc, factual detail, character development, dialogue and emotional intensity of this book give it 5-star distinction. A bit far-fetched that a small unit of Eleven-Bs would wander into Cambodia at the behest of a Chieu Hoi? Certainly, but Allin pulls it off, and we easily suspend disbelief. In fact, with a bit of embellishment, The Parrot's Beak could be a damn fine one-time TV tale.
One minor negative was the cover art. Though not a factor in the Kindle edition that I read, the book could benefit from a better, more evocative cover. Another very minor detail: Chieu Hoi means open hands, not open arms, but no biggie. Here's a Vietnam yarn well worth the reading.
Byron Edgington author of A Vietnam Anthem: A Vietnam Anthem: What The War Gave Me
One minor negative was the cover art. Though not a factor in the Kindle edition that I read, the book could benefit from a better, more evocative cover. Another very minor detail: Chieu Hoi means open hands, not open arms, but no biggie. Here's a Vietnam yarn well worth the reading.
Byron Edgington author of A Vietnam Anthem: A Vietnam Anthem: What The War Gave Me
June 13, 2020
Good story by a good storyteller!
I really enjoyed this book. It started a bit slow, but the author does a good job of weaving the threads together, and if you are a little patient, you’ll find yourself unexpectedly slogging through the Vietnamese jungle on a rescue mission. I like the author’s style and he is good at throwing in some unexpected twists and turns that adds to the reader’s enjoyment. Nice job!
I really enjoyed this book. It started a bit slow, but the author does a good job of weaving the threads together, and if you are a little patient, you’ll find yourself unexpectedly slogging through the Vietnamese jungle on a rescue mission. I like the author’s style and he is good at throwing in some unexpected twists and turns that adds to the reader’s enjoyment. Nice job!
November 20, 2017
It doesn't happen that way
To much fill. It took a page and a half to describe how to arm a claymore. To many loose ends. I found myself skipping over a lot of the chatter. There were parts of the book that I did enjoy. A patrol in the bush that was that undisciplined would of been wiped out. It just couldn`t have happened that way
To much fill. It took a page and a half to describe how to arm a claymore. To many loose ends. I found myself skipping over a lot of the chatter. There were parts of the book that I did enjoy. A patrol in the bush that was that undisciplined would of been wiped out. It just couldn`t have happened that way
September 7, 2025
Great book
As an Army brat, I deeply appreciated this narrative about my father's 30-year military service, where racial distinctions held no significance. The military's progression toward true equality was evident in the opportunities for men and women of color to advance beyond lieutenant and achieve higher ranks, reflecting a commitment to merit and service.
As an Army brat, I deeply appreciated this narrative about my father's 30-year military service, where racial distinctions held no significance. The military's progression toward true equality was evident in the opportunities for men and women of color to advance beyond lieutenant and achieve higher ranks, reflecting a commitment to merit and service.
December 7, 2018
I like Allin books in Vietnam I have read 4 of them this story was very well laid out want to know if there will be another to follow up this one . I would like to follow the main people in the next story!!
November 9, 2019
Great book
Started a little slow but really was a edge of your seat book at the end. Well written with the right characters and just enough humor to mix with the above average excitement.
Started a little slow but really was a edge of your seat book at the end. Well written with the right characters and just enough humor to mix with the above average excitement.
October 14, 2022
A riveting story
Another great story by Allin. Interesting premise with considerable action and political nuances. Points out clearly the hypocrisy and blatant racism in the ‘60s. And it’s still a great concern in today’s military as well as the country.
Another great story by Allin. Interesting premise with considerable action and political nuances. Points out clearly the hypocrisy and blatant racism in the ‘60s. And it’s still a great concern in today’s military as well as the country.
May 16, 2017
Entertaining and moving account of a slice of life in a country at war.
August 1, 2018
Another great read
David All in hot the high note with this book. I have enjoyed his previous book and this one did not let me down.
David All in hot the high note with this book. I have enjoyed his previous book and this one did not let me down.
May 31, 2020
I was okay, buy the ending really did align itself to the rest of the stroy, it magt have if the author has spent anytime devleopong that part
April 13, 2021
Fast Paced Action
Very Good Read. Well written, fast paced, considerable action, and I would recommend it for military buffs. A real page turner.
Very Good Read. Well written, fast paced, considerable action, and I would recommend it for military buffs. A real page turner.
January 4, 2017
French Fort
I like reading war stories, pertaining to WWII and Viet-Nam. By serving in Nam, I can relate to the seemingly hardships, of the grounds pounders. I would gladly recommed this book, to family and friends. Alvis
I like reading war stories, pertaining to WWII and Viet-Nam. By serving in Nam, I can relate to the seemingly hardships, of the grounds pounders. I would gladly recommed this book, to family and friends. Alvis
November 14, 2016
Truly infantry
A engaging story that parallels many military actions in that difficult war. There were many heroes that served their country.
A engaging story that parallels many military actions in that difficult war. There were many heroes that served their country.
November 15, 2016
Excellent story
The book was fast paced and quite interesting. It showed the silly rules we were forced to follow while the enemy was allowed to do as they pleased.
The book was fast paced and quite interesting. It showed the silly rules we were forced to follow while the enemy was allowed to do as they pleased.
December 31, 2016
Good book I enjoyed it very much
The book was well written and very much liked by me I would recommend it to anyone that likes to read about Vietnam
The book was well written and very much liked by me I would recommend it to anyone that likes to read about Vietnam
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews