Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Jane Stone Goodfriend
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.150 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: Mariana Islands Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 December 1944 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 27.5 x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Transcript of document
Addressed to "Aunt Jane." He thanks her for the beautifully wrapped packages, treats, and reading materials. He's flown twelve missions and it's going to be a long haul. The living conditions aren't great and every time it rains "it's like living in a mud hole." He mentions that Barry is in great shape and he's seen him multiple times. He thanks her again for the "Christmas packages" and asks her to give his best to Henry.
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 17th, 1944
Dear Aunt Jane -
I can't tell you how pleased I was to have received the delicious assortment of Christmas packages. It was such fun opening all the beautifully wrapped packages and most welcome were all the contents which certainly hit the spot - I've always liked little snacks and out here they're even more enjoyed. Many thanks also for the reading material which is quite scarce out this way. Really Jane, it was too sweet of you to have taken the time and effort to put up such a swell bunch of Christmas packages and I truly appreciated it.
I imagine that you've learned of most of my activities from the folks. I have already flown twelve missions on my way toward our goal of forty. It's a long, hard pull.
Conditions out here aren't too good but they are improving all the time. We are living in tents and when it rains it's like living in a mud hole. Supposedly this is the dry season but you couldn't prove it by me.
I suppose that Dad told you I ran into Barry quite some time ago and have see [sic] him several times since then. He's in great shape and seems to be getting along fine.
[2]
Well Jane, I guess that's about all from these parts out again I want to thank you a million for the assortment of Christmas packages. It was just like opening a batch of presents from Santa when we were kids.
My best to Henry.
Love -
Bobby
[envelope]
Lt. R. L. Stone 0-69041
431st Bomb Squadron 11th Group
APO 216 ? Postmaster
San Francisco, Cal.
Mrs. Henry B. Goodfriend
112 Walworth Avenue
Scarsdale
N. Y.
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