[303rd-Talk] VE-Day

[bill runnels]

I remember the marching and passing in review that morning. I am sure that was something to behold because we hadn't done that for a long time.  The Commanding Officer, Colonel Sipes, was not on the review stand but rather playing the tuba in the make shift band. I played baritone in the band . Following this more formal time of celebration, party time began.  Since I was scheduled to fly the first 303ed "Continental Express" flight the next day, I departed the Officer's Club about midnight. I remember seeing a few of the real party goers taking a snooze in the ditch along the road as I headed for the 360thBS area. My bunk was in  back of the hut so I always entered the back door.  Got within about 20 feet of the door and heard a gun shot, then another etc. Sounded like  they were coming from inside my hut so I reversed direction and headed for the front entrance door. One guy, three sheets in the wind, in a chair leaning against a bunk, was firing his 45 out the open back
 door.  There had been a haystack in a fenced-in pasture area in view through the back door and it had been torched.
   
  The May 9TH "Continental Express" flight was lead by Colonel Sipes. In a pre-flight briefing, he set forth all sorts of rules including staying in formation, not going below 10,000 feet etc.  He was the first to peal off and head for the deck.  The 9 hour 50 minute flight was great fun and the spirit of the previous day celebration prevailed. I flew a second flight on May 12, 1945.
   
  Bill Runnels
  Bombardier, 360thBS