Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.168 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: Mariana Islands Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 March 1945 Pagination: 3 p. : envelope ; 24.6 x 15.6 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Transcript of document
Addressed to "Dad + Bee." Good news! He found a note from Barry in his tent and took a run over to see how he was doing. "If he'd been on a football week-end, he couldn't have looked healthier." Barry will by flying back to the states to enter the V-12 program and he couldn't be more jealous. He's sure his parents are just as thrilled that Barry will be coming stateside.
He's completed thirty-four missions and it's a "rotten grind mentally and physically." A number of other crews have completed their forty missions. He has never seen so many drunken brawls from celebrating. The officers club is a great success as they get can a cold beer or coke. Food has improved and they have fresh meat.
He enclosed a check for $750 [not included] which he asks Jacob Stone to buy him another war bond.
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
March 24th, 1945
Dear Dad & Bee -
By now I'm sure you've received the good news from out the way so I'll only be repeating it. None the less, I can't tell you what a pleasant surprise it was to find a note on my bed from Barry. Yesterday I took a run over and saw him for the first time since before rest leave. I can't tell you how well and happy he looked. If he'd been on a football week-end, he couldn't have looked healthier. His news about flying to the states in a few days to go into the V-12 program is just too fantastic. It's really a nice honor to have been selected, but frankly I couldn't be more jealous. He's been overseas for such a short while and to be able to return to the states so soon is just the best break in the world. I'm sure you're
[2]
just thrilled at the prospect of seeing him so I'll let him tell you all the details of his experiences etc.
Slowly but surely I've reached the thirty-four mark on my missions. It's a rotten grind both mentally and physically, in flying the last few raids. Keep the old fingers tightly crossed that I'll get through the next six without any trouble.
During the last three weeks we've had several crews complete their 40 missions. Never have I seen such drunken brawls when they start to celebrate. It [sic] such a thrill and relief of tension to finish up, that the boys just go hog wild in celebration. Frankly, I can hardly wait till our turn rolls around, and I only hope it's not too far off.
Our officers club has proved a great success. It's really a treat to have cold beer and coke every evening. Of course it's rationed but
[3]
still an occasional cold drink really hits the old spot.
Our chow down here has improved of late and we've had fresh meat on several occasions. It's a real treat to eat anything other than c-rations, which are mighty dull.
Enclosed is a check for $750 - with which I'd like you to buy me another war bond. Thanks for attending to this, Dad.
That's about all for now but I did want you to hear the good news about Barry even though he's already written himself.
Best love -
Bobby
[envelope]
<text loss> L. Stone 0-696041
4 <text loss> Bomb Sqdn. 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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