Sgt Aubrey C. Buser
1st Marines Guadalcanal "Pagoda Signals"
Interview by Peter Flahavin

Aubrey C. Buser was a member of "Pagoda Signals" at The Pagoda atop Pagoda Hill at Henderson Field. He remembers that in the desperate days of 1942 everyone was encouraged to help out on the airfield and the planes. However, when he returned in 1943 rules and regulations decreed you had to have a signed pass to go onto the field and even approach the aircraft.

When asked about the pass, he said:
"There was no time for such foolishness in 1942. At the time everyone, regardless of rank or rate was expected to do everything in one's power to rescue any who needed such, to drain fuel from damaged aircraft for use in flyable craft, to drag damaged equipment out of the way of aircraft seeking to land or take off from Henderson Field, to help Seabees fill in bomb or shell holes on the strip itself, to aid in replacement of Marston matting or anything else that desperately need to be done.

By 1943, after the island had been declared secure, one needed a pass to enter some areas. By then, there were armed guards in key locations and equipment piled everywhere. It was a wonder the island did not sink below the waves. Fortunately, I kept my pass or people now would doubt such existed."