Warbird Information Exchange

14th Liaison Squadron Field Maneuver
We set up operations on 28th September at Massey Aerodrome. Prior to arrival of aircraft, ground elements set up tentage and mess facilities for pending operations. Units participating in set-up were 4th Armored Division, Luftwaffe Aircrew, and 14th Liaison Squadron. Encampments were on the airfield taxiways, which are situated in cornfields on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Weather was mostly clear skies, with some cloud cover 3/10ths, temperatures during the day were 75-85 degrees F, night temperatures 55-65 degrees F. No engagements with enemy forces were noted.
Saturday, 29 September, first call was 0730. At 0745, Stinson L-5 44-17543 arrived at field, first unit aircraft to arrive. Later, 2 Taylorcraft L-2 aircraft arrived. These aircraft were constituted as Headquarters Flight, 14th Liaison Squadron, for operations. 4th Armored Division units continued to arrive, until present in platoon strength, with one Truck, Halftrack, M3A1 for mobile operations. Planning was conducted for an aerial reconnaissance mission to locate German Army and SS units operating on the banks of the C&D Canal. Mission conducted by: 1LT Paul Quinn, observer Private Max Kaiserman; SSG Mike Strieter, observer PVT John Jehu; SSG John Seidts, observer Jeffrey Lunger. Mission was briefed by SSG Mike Strieter, and a three ship formation of aircraft was launched at 12:30 hours. Ground personnel continued airfield defense operations to maintain airfield for continued use. At 12:50 hours, enemy personnel were spotted vicinity of Summit Bridge, strength 40-50 personnel, with two jeep-type vehicles. Aircraft recovered 1320 hours. Observer training was continued for remainder of afternoon, and familiarization flights for 4th Armored Division and 14th Liaison Squadron personnel were made.
At approximately 1500 hours, reconnaissance in mechanized platoon was made to Objective CAJUN MO'S, via Black Bottom Road. Objective was secured by 13 personnel of 4th Armored Division. Note of shooting range activity was noted, and comestibles including medicinal potions were secured for further evaluation by intelligence personnel. Reconnaissance returned with 0 KIA/0 WIA and assurances of local population to support continued operations in favor of US Forces. After a thorough search, an intelligence officer was not located. Captured items were then carefully disposed of.
Flight operations continued with field observer training. 10 flights were made including a reconnaissance to the south of the field to observe possible headquarters site for future operations, and to return personnel to Western Shore of Maryland for detached Service. 1 Taylorcraft L-2 aircraft departed for refit at rear cantonment area 1700 hours.
Flight operations ceased at 2030 hours. Last flight operation was twilight landing, assisted by hasty airfield lighting provided by 4th Armored Division Personnel as directed by 14th Liaison Squadron pilot. Revelry and stories continued until 2400 hours.
Weather was windy and gusty 14-21 knots after 0900. Winds dropped considerably to 4-8 knots. Skies were mostly clear with less than 1/10 high cirrus. Temperature range during day was 75-85 degrees F. Evening temperatures were 55 to 65 degrees F. No precipitation noted.
Sunday, 30 September, first call was 0630. On this day, operations other than flight operations and driving training stood down. A public display was made for the local populace to grow support for US Forces. On this day, open airfield operations were continued, and approximately 15 aircraft of all types arrived, including one rather rare pre-WWII Stinson 10 brought by Tom and Elaine Huf. The 14th Liaison Squadorn continued to give orientation rides to personnel of 4th Armored Division. During the day, half-track rides were given to arriving civilians. 14th LS L-2 aircraft arrived at 0800 piloted by 2LT John Martin. Squadron Commander Bruce Roberts arrived in Piper NE-1 mid morning. Squadron Member Rich Wallin arrived in Aeronca L-16.
Of note, on this date, Luftwaffe Pilot Leutnant Gottfried Dulias, late of Soviet POW Camp, was present to brief US and Luftwaffe personnel on his experiences. They are contained in his operations report "Another Bowl of Kapusta." His contribution to our effort was great and we are looking forward to continued operations with him.
I want to make special thanks to the owners of Massey Aerodrome John Williams, Jim Douglass, Jimmie Sieffert and Bill Malpass. I also want to thank Museum members Jamie Giandomenico and "Doc" Dougherty. I want to personally thank the members of the 4th Armored Division, 14th Liaison Squadron, and Luftwaffe Aircrew Reenactors Association for their contribution to this event. It was another smashing success and a sign of larger, more intriguing events to come in the future. The idea of a WWII Aerial Re-enacting unit working together with a WWII Ground Re-enacting unit, which was a reality in WWII, has been reproduced effectively by the last two events, more so this past event. We have a lot to be proud of, and much to look forward to next year.
Best Regards,
John K. Seidts
SSgt/Pilot Operations Sergeant
14th Liaison Squadron

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