Development
The 872nd Airborne Engineers were sent in from Nadzab in September 1943 to develop an all-weather airfield, including complete servicing and repair facilitiesand runways to handle 200 transports daily. the ground unit arrived in October, and the 871st Battalion in November. In December, one strip was sealed, while other strips were maintained as gravel strips. At Gusap, opportunity was taken to also build more comfortable quarters than normal. [Portable buildings with concrete floors.]

Interview with Walter Seale, 871st Airborne Engineer Veteran

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