Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone
Order a pdf of this item here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.120 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: Oahu, Hawaii Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 July 1944 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 27.4 x 19.4 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Transcript of document
Addressed to "Dad and Bee." He hasn't received any letters to his new APO, so he's wondering if his parents have received his letters. He is worried about Pam, but asks that his parents keep him posted on her health. They've flown a lot and his plane led a formation on a simulated bombing mission. He's getting "excellent training here -- far better than in the states." He asks his parents to send him Ken's address, and he plans to head to the beach and tan after concluding this letter.
The letter is dated as "Monday July 24th." "Letters in a Box" dates the letter as July 24, 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]
Monday 24th
Dear Dad & Bee -
I haven't any particular news since my last letter but today my crew is on pass and so I thought I'd scratch off a few lines. Your letters have been coming through alright but as yet I haven't received any to my new APO and I'm wondering if you've received my various letters. Many thanks for your long newsy letter Bee, that arrived two days ago. Please keep me posted on how Pam is coming along until she can write. I worry so when I don't hear from her but I realize that she isn't allowed to do much yet.
We've flown quite a bit of late and two days ago we led a group formation of some twenty planes. It simulated a regular bombing mission because we flew out to a small island dropped our bombs and returned. We went through all the steps of a regular combat attack. We're getting some excellent training here - far better [struck: that] than in the States.
[2]
Before I forget, how about sending me Ken's address? You might also send him mine in case he ever gets in this way. With so many ships stopping by here I always keep my eyes open with the thought of possible bumping into him.
This afternoon I plan to head for the beach and try to pick up a little sun tan. In spite of the tropical weather I still have a night club palor [sic] since we don't have too much of a chance to sunbathe.
Keep up your letters.
With love -
Bobby
[envelope]
Lt. R. L. Stone 0-696041
7th Bomber Command (Heavy Trng. Det.)
APO 953 ? Postmaster
San Francisco, Cal.
Lt. Comdr. J. C. Stone
375 Park Avenue
New York City
N.Y.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.