Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.020 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: Ellington Field, Texas Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 April 1943 Pagination: 2 p. ; 27.8 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Transcript of document
Addressed to "Dad and Bee." Dropping a line to say all goes well. The work is "tough as hell," and "instruction is far from good." He hasn't been off post, as he's been on guard duty, studying, or preparing for a big parade. Thanks Dad and Bee for the photo of Don, and asks for another photo of Jacob in uniform. He is more accustomed to the extremely warm weather, and it's only rained once. Includes an updated address, with an explanation as to why his group number changed.
The date is written as "Sunday" but "Letters in a Box" notes the letter was written on April 25, 1943.
Robert "Bob" Stone was a Bombardier in World War II and served in the Pacific Front. These letters, were compiled by Bob's wife, Sheila M. Stone, and Ali Adair into a book named Letters in a Box. This book details Bob's service to his country, and his life after the war. Bob's letters were donated to the collection by his wife, Sheila M. Stone, in 2017. It contains a variety of letters, postcards, patches, pins, photographs, and scrapbooks that relate to Bob's training and combat missions.
[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
Sunday
Dear Dad and Bee -
There's not much news to report from Ellington, but I thought I'd at least drop you a line saying that all goes well. The work continues to be interesting but none the less tough as hell. The physics here is darn rough and the instruction is far from good. In most courses we have enlisted men who are not great.
As yet I haven't been off the post because I've been stuck with guard duty, studying, and this week-end a big parade for some women flyers who received their wings. Frankly, I'm going just a bit stir crazy being confined here on the post not seeing civilians and the other symbols of free living that still exist. Just to see a car that isn't painted olive drab would be a treat in itself.
Thanks for sending me that picture of Don, Bee. Frankly, I don't like it too much cause I don't think it does him justice. Incidentally what's happened to the picture of Mom, Don, and you in uniform that you were going to send me, Dad? Remember I was having one made of Mom 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 I think it was?
[2]
I'm getting more accustomed to the weather even though it continues to be extremely warm. So far we've only had one rain in three weeks and it really poured then.
Can't think of any more to write now so I'll stop here. Thanks loads for your letters - please keep them up cause they're muchly appreciated. Incidentally, they've changed our address a little and it now reads as follows -
A/C R.L.S. 12120188
Bombardier Wing
Group 21 Squadron D
Ellington Field, Texas
If you use this address it will be easier for the clerks and we'll get the letters that much sooner. Please notice it's group 21 and not 20 and I didn't make a mistake in writing it. It's changed now because one class just graduated last wednesday.
Must run now -
Lots of love -
Bobby
[envelope]
A/C R. L. Stone 12120188
Group 21 Squadron D
Bombardier Wing
Ellington Field, Texas
Lt. Comdr. J. C. Stone
375 Park Avenue
New York City
N. Y.
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