Location
Located near San Pablo on Leyte, due east of Bayug Airfield, and south-east of Buri Airfield.

Construction
Built by the Japanese and used until the Americans landed on Leyte in late October, 1944.

American Usage
Occupied by American forces and immediatly put back into service as a crash strip.

Japanese Paratrooper Attack - December 7, 1944
After the airstrip fell to the Americans, Japanese General Yamashita ordered the entire First Airborne Brigade with two regiments to jump on San Pabalo and Buri Airstrips at 1800 hours.

Although the paratroopers caught the Americans by surprise, the first plane load of paratroopers began leaving their aircraft direct over the Div. Hdqs. some 600 feet short of their objective. Others were strung out well beyond the airstrip in an area of tall trees, where many were entangled. One entire plane load jumped to their deaths when the anchor line which pulls the rip chord failed to open. Those who did reach the airfields were ineffective. The attack proved to be disorganized and an abortive effort.

By later in 1945, the airfield was used as only an emergency crash strip and for limited use by L-5 liason light planes.

Today
Disused since the war.

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009

1945

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