Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Jacob Stone, Beatrice Stone, and Jim Stone
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.112 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: San Francisco, California Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 July 1944 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 24.8 x 16.0 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Transcript of document
Addressed to "Dad, Bee, and Jim." It was great to talk to his parents last night especially as his unit recieved an unexpected pass to "Frisco." It was a "rotten trip" up, but they were in an antique train. Due to censorship, his whereabouts are now "unknown" and he sent this letter from town rather than Hamilton Field. He's on his way to the next location and encloses a temporary APO.
The letter is dated "Sunday." According to a notation on the back of the envelope, it was received on July 17, 1944. However, as GLC09620.113-.115 are dated July 11 and 12, this letter is being recorded as July 9, the day before he boards the ship.
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, & Jim -
'Twas indeed swell to talk to all of you last night. I didn't think I'd be able to call you, but we got an unexpected pass to see Frisco once before we left.
Had a rotten trip up here on coaches for 28 hours. It's only a 450 mile trip but we had an antique train.
As I told you before, when I left March my whereabouts became "unknown." I'm going to
[2]
have this letter mailed from town so that it won't have to be censored as all mail does leaving Hamilton Field. No calls or telegrams can go out of or be received on the field so please don't mention where I am - actually it will be "where I was" when you receive this letter.
Things happen awfully quickly up here and before long I'll be on my way. I wish I could tell you more about the set-up etc. but I just can't.
Didn't do too much last night of excitement. Just went from place to place seeing the town - Sir Francis Drake, Top of the Mark, St. Francis, [inserted: Chinatown], etc.
[3]
As I told you the address I gave you is just temporary but be sure to use it (often) until I get to the theater of operations when I'll get a permanent A.P.O.
If you don't hear from me for awhile you'll know I'm thinking of you all and will write whenever I can.
Have a swell time at Alderbrook, Jim. I envy you.
(over)
Love - Bobby
[4]
In case you aren't sure of my address it is -
AAF
APO 16280 AS (19)
? Postmaster
San Francisco
Cal.
My love again -
R.L.S.
P.S. Please be sure to forward any mail that comes to 375 Park.
[envelope]
Lt. Comdr. J. C. Stone
Alderbrook Park
Ausable Forks
N.Y.
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