We Dared to Fly

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.