We Dared to Fly: Dangerous Secret Missions During the Vietnam War

We Dared to Fly is the true story of the young men who risked their lives daily on classified missions deep behind enemy lines during the Vietnam War. The Army aviators and enlisted observers assigned to the 131st Surveillance Airplane Company, call sign Iron Spud, flew the Grumman OV-1 Mohawk into the jaws of death to capture timely intelligence for top military decision makers and senior national officials. The story is the author’s account of his assignment to that special mission unit, of the history that came before and the events that unfolded while he was there. When he arrived, three-quarters of the unit’s aircraft had been lost, most to combat action in Laos and North Vietnam—some of the most hostile threat environments in aviation history. The Army quickly replaced losses because of the critical need for the information they collected. Some downed crew members were recovered; most were killed or missing in action. In recognition of the exceptional sacrifices made during the war, the unit received the Valorous Unit Award for “gallant actions and extraordinary heroism.” The book is filled with riveting combat accounts. It is also a human-interest story, bringing the reader into the lives of this group of fascinating brave men.

About the Author :
William Reeder is a retired U.S. Army colonel. He is highly decorated with extensive combat experience (Silver Star for gallantry, Valorous Unit Award, two Distinguished Flying Crosses for heroism, three Purple Hearts for wounds received in combat). He flew armed OV-1 Mohawk surveillance airplanes on his first tour of duty in Vietnam and AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters on his second. He was shot down on both tours. The second time, he was captured by the North Vietnamese Army and spent nearly a year as a prisoner of war. Later in his career, he flew the AH-64 Apache advanced attack helicopter. In 2014, he was inducted into the U.S. Army Aviation Hall of Fame. Reeder holds a Ph.D. in history and supports the education and training of NATO special operations forces. He is a frequent speaker for veterans and other military and civic organizations. He lives in Seabeck, Washington.

Review :
“[Reeder] has an insider's perspective and writes in a very engaging style that brings the action to life, taking the reader into the cockpit with the crews who flew these dangerous missions. He vividly recounts the challenges of flying nighttime and all-weather missions over hostile territory, often encountering heavy enemy fire. His descriptions of the dangers he and his colleagues faced, such as evading surface-to-air missiles and antiaircraft artillery, are riveting… this book is a valuable contribution to the historical record of the Vietnam War, making Reeder's memoir a worthwhile read for those interested in military history and personal narratives of courage under fire.” "For an example of how well and interestingly a war memoir can be written, I recommend William Reeder Jr.’s new book, We Dared to Fly... It is a great story that Reeder tells well, and one I highly recommend." “A serviceable memoir of a little-known corner of America’s misadventure in Indochina.” Going to war raises many questions, not only about the circumstance of the danger but also the contours of one’s response. In We Dared to Fly: Dangerous Secret Missions During the Vietnam War, William Reeder brings us into his compelling and formerly classified story of intelligence collection in Vietnam and how he both shaped and responded to events. The details of these missions have just been declassified. We must thank Reeder for his gripping narrative illuminating the risks, the rewards, but mostly, and thankfully, the faces of those who sacrificed. He brings us their story. As we know, history is about people more so than events. Thanks to Bill Reeder for introducing us to the history makers.