Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.076 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: March Field, California Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 January 1944 Pagination: 1 p. : envelope ; 25.2 x 17.0 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Transcript of document
Addressed to "Dad + Bee." He apologizes not writing lately as they've been busy with late night flying. Last night they flew until an "ungodly hour," but they have the day off now, where he's catching up on letters and sleep. They've been flying so much because the weather has been beautiful. He hopes all is well at home.
The letter is dated "Sunday 16," and as he is still in Marching Field, it can be assumed it is still 1944.
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 16
Dear Dad & Bee -
Excuse my not writing lately but for the past week or so we've been awfully busy with late hours flying. We flew until an ungodly hour last night and so we have the whole day off today. Alot of the gang took off for LA but I'm sticking by for some letter writing and some back sleep.
Before I forget, the picture arrived in good shape. Many thanks, Bee. Frankly, I don't like it too well. Think it's too stiff and kinda sedate looking - hardly like R.L.S.!
We've gotten in many hours of flying this past week because of a streak of beautiful weather. Today there isn't a cloud in the sky and it's as warm as summer time. That's the good side of the picture - prior to this we've had just day after day of rain and lots of fog when we couldn't fly at all. On the whole the weather has been very poor since we've been out here.
Can't think of any more now. The crew is still tops. Hope all goes well at home. Write often.
All love -
Bobby
[envelope]
Lt. R.L. Stone <text loss> 96041
399th Bomb Group
Squadron 607
Match Field, California
Lt. Comdr. J.C. Stone
375 Park Avenue
New York City
N.Y.
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