Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Jacob Stone
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.129 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: Oahu, Hawaii Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 September 1944 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 27.6 x 19.4 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Transcript of document
Addressed to "Dad." He's excited about the news of Don's promotion, but hesitant with his eagerness to go overseas rather than into O.C.S. [Officer Candidate School] which would be perfect for Don. He wrote his feelings to his brother, but asks his father what his thoughts on the matter are.
They still have a few training missions to fly, so they're "going down under has been delayed." All of their planes are out of commission, so they haven't completed too much flying. He mailed his father a folder with important documents and asks him to keep them safe. He spent a few days in Honolulu, and the room he stayed in was occupied that same day by Jack Benny.
The letter is dated as "Oahu, Hawaii, September 14th." "Letters in a Box" dates the letter as September 14, 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]
Oahu, Hawaii
September 14th
Dear Dad -
I was so very glad to receive the news of Don's promotion. He's really got what it takes and actually deserves alot more than just three stripes, and my hat's off to him! I got the good news directly from him a few days ago myself.
In his letter Don mentioned something about the possibility of going to O. C. S., but he didn't sound as though he was going to do anything about it. He seems very anxious to get overseas. I wish he wouldn't be in such a rush and would go to O. C. S. if he had an opportunity. I know he has the stuff to get through in a walk, judging by some of the punks you meet with commissions. I wrote Don and told him my feelings and I just wonder what you think about it, and if he said anything to you about it.
Our going down under has been delayed a little because of a few training missions we have yet to fly. Of late our planes have been out of commission and so we haven't done much flying for the last ten days or so.
[2]
Before I forget, yesterday I mailed you a folder containing my commission paper, my discharge, and my diploma from Gunnery School. They are things that I have no use for right now and they'd only be ruined if I kept them. Be sure to let me know when they arrive.
Just got back from a couple of days in Honolulu. As usual there wasn't anything much to do but it was a pleasant change from the air base. The room we had at the officers club in town was occupied by Jack Benny the day we left. He's been on a tour in the Pacific area this last summer.
Well Dad, I guess that's about all for now.
All love -
Bobby
[envelope]
Lt. R. L. Stone 0-696041
VII Bomber Command (Trng. Det. Heavy)
APO 953 ? Postmaster
San Francisco, Cal.
Mr. J. C. Stone
11 Wall Street
New York City
N.Y.
Notes:
First page of the letter is written on stationery with United States Army Air Forces letterhead.
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