Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.095 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: March Field, California Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 May 1944 Pagination: 3 p. : envelope ; 25.1 x 16.2 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Transcript of document
Addressed to "Dad + Bee." Glad to hear of Don's whereabouts and hopes he recieved a present from him. He's changed crews, and is now in the second phase, and doesn't have to repeat the "boring classes." A pilot walked in looking for an experienced bombardier, as theirs took sick. The new crew seems swell, especially as he was disappointed with his other crew. They were young and scatterbrained. He's glad his father is feeling better, and writes that he is proud of him no matter if he's a "Comdr." or "Mr." He hopes to try and call them tonight.
The letter is dated "Friday." "Letters in a Box," notes the letter was sent on May 12, 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]
Friday
Dear Dad & Bee -
Was so glad to receive your letter today telling of Don's whereabouts. I haven't had a word from him since I was him in Chicago and I was wondering if he'd received the present I sent him on May 3rd. I guess he's been busy what with his transfer and all. The change certainly seems like a good break.
Since my last letter I've changed crews. Yesterday a pilot came in looking for a new bombardier for his crew. He had finished all the phases and would [inserted: have] shipped out in ten days or so but his bombardier took sick. So, he wanted me to replace him rather than take a new man with no experience in a B-24. He and his
[2]
co-pilot and navigator all seemed like swell gents and so I accepted the position. We are now [inserted: put back] in the middle of second phase, and it means that I won't have to repeat all the boring ground school etc. They seemed very anxious that I join the crew and I'm mighty glad I did. Will write more when I get to know the fellows better.
As you may have gathered I was rather disappointed with my other crew, although I didn't know them too well. I had two flight officer pilots who were quite young and a little scatterbrained. Most of the kids who are coming in now seem to be quite immature and surprisingly young. To have gotten on my present crew would appear to be a small break.
I was certainly glad to receive your letter re the navy and to hear that you feel as you do
[3]
about the whole thing, Dad. I know that you've done a swell job with your assignment and are thought very highly of by your associates so that you shouldn't feel at all bad about it if they decide to release you. You know how proud we are of the "Comdr." but we'd be just as proud of him as Mr. J. C. S. too! Be sure to let me know what develops one way or the other.
If I can get a line, I may try to call you tonight. If not tonight, I'll try in a day or so.
Write often.
Lots of love -
Bobby
[envelope]
Lt. R. L. Stone 0-696041
Box 1416
Lt. Comdr. J. C. Stone
375 Park Avenue
New York City
N.Y.
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