Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.073 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: March Field, California Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 December 1943 Pagination: 2 p. ; 24.8 x 14.2 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Transcript of document
Addressed to "Dad + Bee." The "X-mas" box arrived and he thanks his parents a "million" for the "swell selection of presents." He writes that New Years Eve will be filled with flying, school, and bomb training. Not how he would like to spend the holiday. He hopes to get a call through, but wishes them a Happy New Year anyway.
The letter is dated "Thursday." "Letters in a Box" notes the date as December 30, 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]
Thursday
Dear Dad & Bee -
The Xmas box arrived today and I want to thank you a million for the wonderful assortment of gifts. It was such fun opening the various packages. Every one of them was something that I can really use - a swell selection of presents, Bee. Thanks loads!
New Years Eve won't be any more than another night for us. I fly tomorrow morning, school all afternoon, and then bomb trainer from eight until eleven. Not my idea of how to spend New Years Eve.
I'd love to speak to you tomorrow night but I doubt if I'll be able to reach you cause the lines are so darn jammed with calls. If I don't, I want to wish you the best for a very happy new year. Let's hope this mess is over within the year and we can all be together again.
Again many, many thanks for the Xmas presents. Thanks loads for sending that editorial, Dad. I had such fun reading it cause it brought back so many pleasant memories of past Christmas. Happy New Year, with love -
Bobby
[2]
Lt. R. L. Stone
399th Bomb Group
March Field, California
Lt. Comdr. J. C. Stone
375 Park Avenue
New York City, N. Y.
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