BODY COUNT: A Novel of the Battle of Suoi Tre

by David Allin

It was one of the largest single-day battles of the Viet Nam war, when over 2500 Viet Cong soldiers attacked an isolated fire support base manned by just 450 Americans. The base had been established just two days earlier in a clearing deep in the jungle of War Zone C, with all the troops and artillery air-lifted in by helicopter. Early on the morning of March 21, 1967, the Viet Cong attacked in a series of human wave assaults that overran the outer perimeter and threatened to capture the entire base as the defenders ran low on ammunition. A relief task force of mechanized infantry and tanks was struggling through dense jungle to come to their aid, but they were slowed by enemy mortars and snipers as well as the terrain. Air strikes and artillery failed to stop the enemy onslaught, and the landing zone was too hot for helicopters to resupply the beleaguered Americans. BODY COUNT describes the battle and the events that led up to it from the point of view of three fictional characters who experienced it first-hand. While the characters are fictional, the major events of the battle are factual. Relive this historic battle and feel the physical and psychological toll it took on the men who fought it.

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 6, 2021

Reviews

[Ray Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

The real Nam

Mr. Allin tells this story like the grunts lived through Nam. Being a zoomie I didn’t see up close and personal but my youngest brother was a LRRP team leader and was wounded twice, up close and personal.

[Bill Elston · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good story, very real.

The author paints a vivid picture of a battle at a clearing in VN He brings the characters to life, creates a strong visual for the reader. Well worth the time!

[Timothy Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

another good one

Love the character development which is the hallmark of David Allin’s books. I tend to become immersed in them and can’t wait for the next page. I look forward to him next book, they don’t disappoint.

[Kennb · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

I’ve read almost all of David Allin books and this is one of my favorites. I’m former military 64-66 but thankfully missed Vietnam Nam. Like many others, even though we weren’t there it left its mark on us.

[Martha McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

Great read. I was not aware of this battle. I was 1st 22 infantry, 4 th division recon. I was there in 71 in II corps. I'm glad u guys made it home thx

[Robert Trickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mechanical infantry

Because of past experience.as.a.mechanized grunt, I wouldn't have.known this was.a.fictionalized account because of the realism of the story. Good read

[malcolm j taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written

The author is knowledgeable and has a good descriptive way of keeping you totally immersed in the story line while jumping from one scenario to another. Great book.