"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. This story is William Reeder Jr.'s account of his assignment to that special mission unit, of the history that came before him 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 in the 131st 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 131st received the Valorous Unit Award for "gallant actions and extraordinary heroism." This book is filled with riveting accounts of combat. It is also a human-interest story, bringing the reader into the lives of this group of fascinating brave men."-- Dust jacket flap.