Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Mildred Hilson and Edwin Hilson
Order a pdf of this item here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.144 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: Mariana Islands Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 November 1944 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 27.4 x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Transcript of document
Addressed to "Mildred + Eddie." He's intended to write them for some time, but he always seems to be busy "usually fixing up some contraption in his tent," or on a mission. He's flown a couple of missions so far and they haven't been too rough. His conditions aren't great, but they're improving. He doubts he'll ever go camping again. He found Barry's outfit a few days ago, and it's quite the coincidence! He received a letter from John, and asks the next time Mildred and Eddie write to John, to enclose his well wishes. He appreciated hearing from them.
The letter is marked "The Marianas, November 6th." "Letters in a Box" dates the letter as November 6, 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]
The Marianas
November 6th
Dear Mildred & Eddie -
For some time now I've intended to write you but somehow I just haven't gotten to it until today. It always seems that we're busy (usually fixing up some contraption in our tent) even when we're not out on a mission.
As always it was swell to receive your letter, Mildred. It certainly was a crime about Wilkie and I'm sure it cut deeply with you because of your close association with him. His loss is one that will be felt by the entire nation because I believe he was a great man.
As you probably know I'm up here in the Marianas flying my missions. I've already flown a couple of missions and so far it hasn't been too rough and I only hope the rest of my missions come out as luckily.
Our conditions out here aren't too good but they are improving as we get more organized. Life in a tent and eating C rations doesn't appeal to me somehow. I don't believe I'll ever go on a camping trip again.
A couple of days ago I searched around the island and tracked down Barry's outfit. Yes believe it or not, he's stationed not ten miles away
[2]
from me. Isn't that a coincidence that out of all the islands in the Pacific we should end up [strikeout] [inserted: in] the same place!
A few days ago I received that long letter from John because it was sent to my old APO. He certainly writes an interesting and extremely clever letter. I'd like to write him but I just haven't time now so please give him my best when you next write him.
I must run along now and put an end to my rumbling. I know this is a dull letter but I did want you to know I'd received your letters and appreciated hearing from you.
My best to you all.
Fondly -
Bobby
[envelope]
Lt. R.L. Stone 0-696041
43 [illegible] Bomb Sqdn. 11th Group
APO 246 ? Postmaster
San Francisco, Cal.
Mr. & Mrs. Edwin I. Hilson
927 Fifth 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.