Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Jacob Stone
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.128 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: Oahu, Hawaii Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 September 1944 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 27.6 x 19.4 cm.
Addressed to "All." He apologizes for not writing lately, but he has been flying a lot. Recently, to Johnston Island and to Midway, which was an eleven-hour mission. He thanks them for writing constantly, and lauds Bee on her gossip skills. He's not sure if he'll be able to see a friend of his father's before he gets shipped out.
The mosquitos are terrible, and he closes the letter before they attack him.
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]
Oahu, Hawaii
September 8, 1944
Dear All -
Since my last letter I've been quite well occupied with a big dose of flying. We flew down to Johnston Island and to Midway. The former was a flight of over eleven hours. Believe me that's a long time to be up in a B-24, which was not designed for comfort. Both missions were mainly for the navigator, although we did drop a few bombs on the way back. The navigator really did a swell job and got us through in fine shape.
Many thanks for all your various letters - it's certainly great to hear from you often. Please keep your pens at work because it's your letters that keep the old morale from hitting rock bottom. You surely are a regular Walter Winchell, Bee. I was kinda surprised to hear about Delia's engagement. Was glad to receive the letters from both of the Jacks. I intend to write them if I can ever find a minute or two.
As yet I haven't had a chance to see Mr. Kellet, Dad, although I intend to if I ever get back to town before we leave. From now on we'll be fairly busy flying, I imagine.
The mosquitos are driving me mad so I'll have to stop now. Just about sundown they
[2]
come out in squadrons and really go after us.
S'long to you all for now - I'll try to find something of interest to write at the beginning of the week.
All love -
Bobby
[envelope]
Lt. R. L. Stone 0-696041
VII Bomber Command (Heavy Trng. Det.)
APO 953 ? Postmaster
San Francisco, Cal.
Lt. Comdr. J. C. Stone
Asiel and Company
11 Wall Street
New York City
N.Y.
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