Location
Wartime airfield located in the suburbs of northern Manila. Also known as 'Manila North'.

Construction
This was the first commercial airfield in Manila, built prior to the war.

Wartime History
Occupied by the Japanese. During the battle of Manila, no American units were ever permenentally based at this airfield.

American Missions Against Grace Park
December 23, 1944 - January 10, 1945

Eugene Salternick recalls:
"During the battle of Manila, we flew over Grace Park and I landed there in my L-5, with General Kruger as a passenger.  We got out, parked the plane and he went to do his inspection.  When we were ready to leave, we heard a 'whoomp' and some mortars hit nearby.  I ran back to the plane, fearing that they would have destroyed it but luckily it was not hit.  We took off and got out of there quickly! This mortar crew must have been watching us when we landed, luckily their round missed."

Today
Disused since the war and developed into an industrial area. The airfield is located in Kalookan on Rizal Avenue Extension between 2nd and 11th street.  The area is now urban center, there is no 'park' or trace of the strip.

Tony Feredo adds:
"From the LRT at Gotesco Station, look to the east. That area used to be flat. That was the airfield. Now its with residential and commercial establishment. If you are at the monument, look southeast from the rotunda."

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009