Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.148 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: Mariana Islands Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 December 1944 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 27.6 x 19.4 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Transcript of document
Addressed to "Dad + Bee." He has some time to "scratch off a few lines between missions." The mail has been coming regularly, which he is grateful for. He heard from Jim who is working hard at Parris Island and is anxious to hear form Don. He also received a letter from Ken who probably won't be around his location. He hasn't seen Barry as he comes down when he is out on a raid. He writes that he'll keep an eye out for his father's friends next time he is in Oahu. Also mentions that a nurse friend of a boy in the squadron has the same APO number as Don, and she's in England. He thanks his father for the newspaper clippings [not included] and puts them up on the bulletin board for everyone to read. He asks that his father lets him know when his $150 check comes through for the war bonds.
He has twelve missions under his belt now.
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 12th, 1944
Dear Dad & Bee -
It seems as though I just wrote you a few days ago but here I am with time on my hands between missions, so I'll scratch off a few lines. You've been swell about writing and your letters have been coming through quite regularly. All incoming mail takes anywhere from two weeks to a little over a month.
I finally heard from Jim who seems to be working quite hard at Parris Island. I certainly hope he makes the grade after setting his heart on it so. I'm anxious to hear from Don and find out where destiny carried him. Today I received a swell letter from Ken telling of some of his recent experiences. It doesn't look like he'll be around these immediate parts but perhaps some day we'll cross paths. I haven't seen Barry for almost a month now because each time he's come around I've been away on a raid.
To answer a couple of questions Dad, I didn't get in to see Mr. Kellett while I was on Oahu. Perhaps I will when we go back to Oahu on rest leave. I certainly will keep my eye open from Comdr. Bird and Lt. Comdr. Doyle. I don't know how I'll ever hear of him pulling in but if so I'll certainly look him up.
[2]
Oh incidentally, Don's new APO (316) is the same as that of a nurse friend of one of the boys in our squadron, and she is stationed in England. I have no idea if that means Don's APO spots him in the land of John Bull but it's a thought.
The various clippings you've sent have certainly been interesting, Dad. Please keep it up because it's fun to read what's going on in the different places. The news, that is from [inserted: the] papers, we get out here is practically nil. Occasionally someone will get a few papers from home and of course they do the rounds. The clippings you've sent, I put up on our bulletin board for all the gang to read.
Several days ago I enclosed a check for $750 - to purchase a war bond as you suggested, so please be certain to notify me of its arrival. I believe that all the mail gets through alright if you only wait long enough.
I'm afraid I've exhausted all inspiration so I'll put a halt to my idle banter. Incidentally I now have twelve missions to my credit.
Write often.
Love -
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.
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