We Dared to Fly

We Dared to Fly: Dangerous Secret Missions During the Vietnam War by William Reeder Jr.

In this gripping memoir, retired U.S. Army Colonel William Reeder Jr. recounts his service flying the rugged Grumman OV‑1 Mohawk reconnaissance aircraft as part of the 131st Surveillance Airplane Company (call-sign “Iron Spud”) deep behind enemy lines in Vietnam, Laos and North Vietnam. Faced with nearly three-quarters of his unit’s aircraft lost before his arrival, Reeder details the harsh realities of night-low-altitude surveillance missions, intense anti-aircraft fire, and the psychological impact of operating in “the most hostile threat environments in aviation history.”

This is not just a war-story of aviation — it’s an intimate look at the personal cost of service, the hidden sacrifices of covert units, and the brotherhood forged in adversity. Ideal for readers who value first-hand military aviation narratives, Cold-War era conflict and tales of courage under fire.

Key Features:

• Author: William Reeder Jr.
• Hardcover
• An insider’s account of covert surveillance missions flown by the 131st Surveillance Airplane Company deep into enemy territory.
• Striking details of flying the OV-1 Mohawk under fire, surviving shoot-downs and navigating the Ho Chi Minh Trail region at night.
• Explores the human dimension of warfare — courage, fear, loss, and the camaraderie of an elite unit operating in anonymity.
• Enriches the historical record of the Vietnam War from a lesser-known aviation perspective; of value to veterans, aviation enthusiasts and military-history readers alike.