Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) to Jacob Stone
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.030 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L. (1921-2009) Place Written: Ellington Field, Texas Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 June 1943 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 26.4 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Transcript of document
Addressed to "Dad." A letter focusing on his father's birthday. There was a slight change to the date, but he wanted to make sure his father knew he would celebrating in spirit and hopes that the next year will be happier than this past one.
The letter is not dated, except for a "Sunday" in the top right corner. "Letters in a Box" notes it was written on June 13, 1943.. Written on "PreFlight School, Bombardier, U.S. Army Air Corps, Ellington Field, Texas" stationary.
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]
Sunday
Dear Dad -
I was quite surprised when Jim wrote me about the change in the date of your birthday. No matter what the date, I want to wish a great Dad all of the best on his forty-? birthday. I really wish we could all be together for the day but of course war makes that, along with many other things, impossible. Even so Dad, you can be sure that I'll be with you at 375 in spirit though not in body to wish you all of the luck and congratulations in the world for the years to come - and lord hope that they're more pleasant and less depressing than the last one!
I won't go into a long ado of how very proud I am of my old (apologies) "Pop" and what he's doing to help end this damn war. You already know that I, along with everyone else you know, think you're a great guy and you're doing more than your share to end the mess we're in - you're a great guy, Dad,
[2]
and you've certainly made a tough goal for your three sons to live up to and attain. If they only half way reached it, they could hardly be called unsuccessful.
Again Dad, I wish we could all be together for the day but none the less I'll be thinking of you and hoping you're having a very, very happy birthday.
With lots of love from,
Your loving son - Bobby
[envelope]
A/C R.L. Stone 12120188
Bombardier Wing
Group 21 Squadron D
Ellington Field, Texas
Lt. Comdr. J.C. Stone
375 Park Avenue
New York City
N.Y.
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