Buna Airfield

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Buna Airfield was an aerodrome located near Buna, Papua New Guinea. Built as an emergency landing ground, it was extended during the Second World War by the Imperial Japanese. A new runway was under construction until both runways were neutralized by Allied air bombing in late 1942.

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American bombing attacks

Buna was first subjected to American fury during the early days of 1942. A few half-hearted bombing raids by the disillusioned & discouraged Fifth Air Force's A-20, B-17, and B-25 bombers was about the worst Buna suffered. Then, in July 1942, General George C. Kenney assumed command of what was by this time, little more than a motley collection of exhausted men and exhausted planes.

Japanese units based at Buna Airfield

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