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Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.147 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: Mariana Islands Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 December 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 is up to ten missions and his mail is coming in very slowly. One Christmas package has arrived safely and it's a "real treat to feast on some good cookies and candies." He enclosed a check [not included] to his father to purchase war bonds, as it's a smart investment. Life is the same and luckily the food isn't too bad. Between raids is the worst as that's when the boredom sets in. He hasn't seen Barry for a while as he has been on misisons.

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
December 7th, 1944
Dear Dad & Bee -
I'm afraid I've sadly neglected my correspondence again but we've been fairly busy. Our missions are coming along fairly well and so far we've flown ten. Your mail is very slow in coming through and lately your letters have taken almost four weeks. I only hope mine aren't as badly delayed.
So far only one Christmas package has arrived but I still have my fingers crossed that the others will show up eventually. The box from Robert Day Dean's arrived in fine shape Dad, and I want to thank you for the delicious sweets. Nothing was spoiled and it was a real treat to feast on some good cookies and candies, after always eating C-rations.
As you can see by the enclosed check I am taking your advice about the war bond - as a matter of fact I've had it on my mind to do something along that line for quite some time. I trust that you will take care of putting it in a vault for me so that I will have it when I get home. As long as the bonds are redeemable for ready cash whenever you want, I think it's a swell investment. It might as well be put to good use now as long as I can get ahold of the money whenever I need it in the future.

[2]
Life out here continues the same as ever. Our living conditions have improved a great deal and our chow isn't too bad. Occasionally we even get a fresh meal. Everything considered, it's not too bad. Between raids is the worst because you have a chance for boredom and loneliness to set in. As long as you're busy it isn't too bad but when you're idle it's demoralizing.
I haven't seen Barry for quite some time because I've been away on missions the last two times he came over. If all goes well, I may see him this coming Sunday.
Guess that's about it for now. Let's hear from you as often as possible because your letters are always welcome.
My love to you -
Bobby

[envelope]
Lt. R.L. Stone 0-696041
431st Bomb Squadron 11th Group
APO 246 ? Postmaster
San Francisco, Cal.

Mr. J.C. Stone
375 Park Avenue
New York City (22)
N.Y.

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009
Stone, Jacob, fl. 1894-1985
Stone, Beatrice Hecht Marks, 1901-1962
Marks, Barry, 1926-1983

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