Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.101 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: March Field, California Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 June 1944 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 25.1 x 16.8 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Transcript of document
Addressed to "Dad + Bee." He writes that he'll call them again at the end of next week, before he ships out. They've had miserable weather, but they're still flying. They have one or two more flights to complete all of their minimums. He talks about his crew, Pilot Bill Elkins and Co-Pilot Bill McGarvey. Bemoans the fact that he and Bill are the only two single officers. Bill McGarvey was mistakenly referred to as Joe McGarvey in this letter.(Bob was just assigned to his new crew and could not get all the names correct at first. Bill was the only crew member that stayed in touch until Bob"s death.)
The letter is dated "Sunday." "Letters in a Box" notes the letter was written on June 11, 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 Dad & Bee -
It was swell to talk to you last night and find everything ship-shape at Alderbrook. I'll call you again the latter part of next week before we leave March.
For the past week or so we've had miserable weather but none the less have flown a great deal. We've just about completed all our minimums and one or two more flights ought to finish us up.
You asked about my crew - the pilot's name is Bill Elkins and he's from Texas. The co-pilot is also from Texas and his name is Joe McGarvey. Both are swell gents. The navigator is
[2]
from Portland Wash. and is really tops. He's the best navigator I've ever flown with. The six enlisted men are from various and sundry places and are all pretty good men. My pilot and navigator are both married and their wives are in Riverdale. Joe and I are the only single officers - damn it!
Not much more news from here cause I told you most everything last night. Please continue to write as I always love hearing from you.
All love -
Bobby
[envelope]
Lt. R.L. Stone 0-696041
Box 1416
Match Field
California
Lt. Comdr. J.C. Stone
Alderbrook Park
Ausable Forks
N.Y.
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