Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.170 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: Mariana Islands Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 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." He's sweating out his last few missions and the crew is all a little jumpy. "In this game you've haven't won until the last ball is pitched, or in this case 'till the last burst of flak has been evaded." He is ready to be done. He saw Barry and he is excited and nervous to be returning to the states. He thanks Bee for a book of "GI laughs," and it's lived up to its' name. He asks his parents not to send any more packages as he hopes to be out by next Christmas. He's sorry to hear that O'ma has been sick, and just sent her a letter. He thanks his father for taking care of his income tax and for sending around a few of the snaps. He hears from Don regularly and he's already on his way to the front. He believes Don should be at college, but he already sent "Donny" his birthday letter.
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] The Marianas
March 29th, 1945
Dear Dad and Bee-
Nothing particular to write about, but here go a few lines just to say howdy. Still sweating out the last few missions and we're all a little jumpy. In this game you've haven't [strikeout] [inserted: won] until the last ball is pitched, or in this case 'till the last burst of flak has been evaded. I'd give a million bucks (if I had it) to have our forty under our belt. Enough of our troubles, but it's the only thing that preys on our worn-out minds!
Since my last letter, I've seen Barry again. He came over for lunch one day with Jack Jordan. Naturally he is excited and anxious to leave for the states. Who isn't?
Received a food package yesterday which was duly appreciated. Those little delicacies go a long way to make up for the dull C-rations we exist on. Also received your book of GI laughs, [2] Bee. Getting a bunch of good laughs out of it. Speaking of sending things, I'd suggest that you not sending any more packages because if anything works out at all I hope to be out of here before next Christmas. Seriously though I don't think you should send anything else from now on. Thanks, anyhoo.
In a few weeks, a box from an outfit in Texas will come to me at 375 Park. Please keep it for me because it's some stationary that I ordered. [strikeout] Awhile back I mailed you a box Dad, which you should receive before too long. Be certain to notify me as soon as you get it because I want to know how packages get through going to the states.
I was sorry to hear that O'ma is so sick and trust she is lots better now. I wrote her a short while ago to Florida, but I imagine they'll forward it to N.Y. Give her my very best for a speedy recovery. [3]
Many thanks for attending to my income tax down at your office, Dad. Thanks also for sending around those pictures I mailed you. They're not too good, but already I've had several people write thanking for a copy. I hear from Don quite regularly and I gather he's well on his way to the front. I can't wish him enough luck in what's ahead of him, but I know he'll come through alright. Frankly I can't picture Donny in the army-he ought to be back in college somewhere. I wis he'd gone to some sort of O.C.S. instead of right over. By the way, I wrote him a birthday letter a week or so ago even before I heard from you Dad, just to make sure he'd get it in time.
Must run now. Keep up all your letters.
Best love-
Bobby
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