Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Jacob Stone
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.067.01 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: March Field, California Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 December 1943 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 24.9 x 18.1 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Transcript of document
Addressed to "Dad." Thanks him for his "long newsy letter," and wanted to send a quick note for a follow up. He hopes Bee is feeling better after being laid up, and he wishes he could've been home to join Don while he was on furlough. He writes that he feels terrible about the death of Len's mother, and tells his father that he immediately wrote to Len. Nothing much is new otherwise.
The letter is written on "March Field, California" stationary with an image at the top of men in uniform. This is a handwritten copy of GLC09620.067.02.
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]
December 16
Dear Dad -
It was with the greatest pleasure that I just received your long newsy letter. I wrote you last night saying I hadn't heard from you for some time, and so hence this note.
I'm sorry to hear that Bee is laid up and I hope she's in A-1 shape by now. Give her my best and tell her to get well real quick like.
It sounds like Don had a swell furlough and I'll bet you loved having him home. I sure wish I could have seen him. Congratulate Barry on his going into the marines.
I was terribly sorry to hear of the death of Len's mother. I, of course, wrote him immediately. I sure hope he isn't too upset, cause I know how close he was to her.
Nothing much new - still flying and going to school for long [strikeout] [inserted: hours]. Everybody
[2]
is plenty irate because we still haven't been given our pass and we're indefinitely restricted to the post. 'Nuff for now.
Write soon.
All love -
Bobby
[envelope]
Lt. R. L. Stone 0-696041
399th Bomb Group
Squadron 607
March Field, California
Lt. Comdr. J. C. Stone
375 Park Avenue
New York City
N. Y.
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