Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Mildred Hilson and Edwin Hilson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.085 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: March Field, California Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 March 1944 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 25.1 x 16.7 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Transcript of document
Addressed to "Mildred + Eddie." Thanks them for the letters, cute card, and box of sweets. Life isn't very fun, but the toughest part was leaving his crew. He was glad to hear that John was home on furlough. He wishes everyone could go home on "permanent furlough!" Thanks them for their thoughtfulness.
The letter is dated "Sunday." "Letters in a Box," notes the letter was sent on March 5, 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
Dear Mildred & Eddie -
I hardly know where to begin what with thanks for the letters, cute card, and delicious box of sweets. Anyway, let it suffice that I really appreciate your thoughtfulness. The assortment of eats certainly hit the spot.
As you can imagine life here in the hospital hasn't been any fun but before long I ought to be out. The toughest part of all this is the fact that I had to leave my crew. It's tough to be separated from a bunch of kids you've gotten to know and like alot.
I was certainly glad to hear that John was home on furlough. I know how swell it must have been to see him again. The only trouble with a furlough is that it's always too darn short. Would that we could all come home for a permanent furlough!
[2]
Again many thanks for all your thoughtfulness, Mildred - you know how I appreciate it.
All love -
Bobby
[envelope]
Lt. R. L. Stone 0-696041
399th Bomb Group
Squadron 607
March Field, California
Mr. & Mrs. Edwin I. Hilson
927 Fifth Avenue
New York City
N.Y.
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