Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.140 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: Marianas Islands Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 October 1944 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 27.4 x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Transcript of document
Addressed to "Dad + Bee." He flew his first mission and it was no "tea party," but he ought to get through thirty-nine more. He and others from camp have been trying to make their area more livable, so they built tables, racks, and shelves from old bomb cases. He never wants to go camping again after this.
He was very happy to have finally received a letter from Bee that was written on the 10th, so he hopes it's a sign that a lot of letters will be coming soon. He misses hearing from them regularly. He asks about the packages and card he sent them, and wants to know what is happening with Don as he was about to go overseas.
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]
The Marianas
October 25, 1944
Dear Dad & Bee-
Just a few lines from your Pacific reporter to say that all goes well with R.L.S. We finally flew our first mission and I only hope that the next thirty-nine work out as successfully. It's no tea party out here but with a bit of luck I ought to get by alright.
The last couple of days we have been busy trying to make our tents and our area more liveable. We've made some crude tables, shelves, and racks from a bunch of old bomb cases. Everything is still in a state of being organized and so there's still lots to be [struck: down] [inserted: done] before things are running smoothly. After living down here I doubt if I'll ever want to go on another [strikeout] camping trip-I'll have had just about enough of outdoor life!
I was awfully glad to receive a letter from you Bee, that was written on the 10th to APO 241 and forwarded on. That's the first mail I've had from home in nearly a month. I'm sure you've all written but somehow none of your letter have caught up to me yet, I imagine after awhile I'll get a whole bunch of letters all at once. Many thanks for the set of pictures. They certainly were good ones. I'm certainly glad that my trunk arrived in good [2] shape. By the way Dad, you've never told whether the package with the boys wallets arrived or not. Also did the other package arrive and did you repack it as I requested and enclose the card I mailed you? Another thing you never let me know if you'd received that letter with the check for Pam's flowers when she was in the hospital or if you just hadn't cashed it yet. Please let me know about these things.
I sent all the boys a short letter yesterday with my new APO so that they'll know where to send letters. You've never told me what's up with Don. The last you wrote he was home on furlough and was about to go overseas.
Can't think of anything else for now so I'll put an end to my ramblings. Please write often cause I miss not hear from you regularly.
All love-
Bobby
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