22 May 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Typed letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad and Bee." "Busy as heck with tests." Completed two classes with flying colors and now has time to focus more on physics, which lasts as long as preflight training. Mentions that he is jealous that Don got to go home for a few days, but always looks forward to getting a letter from him and thanks Dad and Bee for writing so often. Moves on to talk about the movie stars who visited the field, including the leads from "Bombardier." He closes the letter writing that he hopes to go to Galveston tomorrow, and take a break from the army life. The letter is dated "Saturday Night…

GLC09620.027

24 May 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Postcard

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Folks." Brief note from Galveston saying he's getting some relaxation in, and while it isn't much, it's "fun for a change." Written in pencil. The postcard is not dated, except for a post office stamp. "Letters in a Box" notes the postcard was written on May 24, 1943. The postcard image is a "Scene of Loading Cotton, One of Galveston's Leading Industries."

GLC09620.028

25 May 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Typed letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone

Addressed to "Dad." A brief note asking Jacob Stone to purchase gifts for Bob's brothers, Jimmy and Barry on his and Don's behalf. Enclosed two slips of paper congratulating each boy on graduating. He offers to pay his father back, and apologizes as he cannot go out and purchase something himself due to a physics test. The is not dated, except for a "Tuesday afternoon" in the top right corner. "Letters in a Box" notes it was written on May 25, 1943.

GLC09620.029.01

25 May 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph note signed

Title: to Jim Stone

Addressed to "Jim." A brief note of congratulations upon his graduation. Enclosed with GLC09620.029.01 and GLC09620.029.03.

GLC09620.029.02

25 May 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph note signed

Title: to Barry Marks

Addressed to "Barry." A brief note of congratulations upon his graduation. Enclosed with GLC09620.029.01 and .02.

GLC09620.029.03

13 June 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone

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.

GLC09620.030

14 June 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone, Beatrice Stone, Jim Stone, and Barry Marks

Addressed to "Dad, Bee, Jim, and Barry." He owes everyone a letter as he hasn't been able to write. His classes are finished, and he did well above average. They don't mean too much, as the real scores come in during Advanced Training. Briefly walks through the basics of Advanced Training which is 12 weeks long. Only one-third of the group will move on, and he should get preference as a Cadet Officer. He feels like "such a heel" for not responding to all of the letters and asks his parents to thank O'ma, Pam, and others for him. He apologizes as he will have less time to write in the…

GLC09620.031

20 June 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Folks." He is very annoyed. He and Don were supposed to meet in Dallas, but Don never showed up. He risked being picked up by an M.P. [Military Police] as he couldn't get a pass to travel outside the 50 mile radius. There were no rooms to rent, and the next morning Don's train came late, with no Don. He felt stood up, grabbed lunch, and waited for another train from Missouri, before hopping on a train back to Houston. Wishes his father a Happy Father's Day, and hopes to call him later in the day. Closes with "the next time you hear from me I'll be at Advanced." The…

GLC09620.032

23 June 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Folks." He is incredibly happy as he is going on to Advanced Training. He was surprised to hear he was "car commander" and in charge of forty others. They are leaving this afternoon to a destination unknown. Post-Script: Sent his class yearbook along as well (not included). The letter is not dated, except for "Wednesday" in the top right corner. "Letters in a Box" notes it was written on June 23, 1943.

GLC09620.033

24 June 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Postcard

Title: to Jacob Stone, Beatrice Stone, and family and friends

Addressed to "All." Stepped off for a break in Fort Worth, Texas. Writes that he will arrive at Advanced this afternoon. Postcard is an image of "Texas Christian Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas."

GLC09620.034

24 June 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Postcard

Title: to Jacob Stone, Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Folks." Stepped off for a lunch break, nothing much in the town, but it's good to get off the train. Postcard is an image of "Downtown Street Scene, Wichita Falls, Texas."

GLC09620.035

24 June 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone, Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Folks." Unexpectedly held in Wichita Falls for a few hours. The trip has been pleasant, and the fellows he is in charge of are "most cooperative." They stopped for breakfast in Fort Worth, and stopped for lunch in Wichita Falls. The Lieutenant in Charge opened the orders in front of the two car commanders, and they are going to the "lousy little town" of Childress, Texas. It's a tough Advanced School, and he knows he won't have a lot of time to write. The letter is dated as "Thursday aft." "Letters in a Box" notes the date as June 24, 1943.

GLC09620.036

June 1943

United States. Army Air Forces

Printed document signed

Title: Aviation Cadet Detachment Army Air Forces Bombardier School, Childress, Texas

Card authorizing Robert L. Stone to leave Post, but not exceed a distance of 25 miles without written permission. Card is a faded olive green, with black type, Bob's name, and the Commandant of Cadet's signature, T.R. Mason.

GLC09620.037

27 June 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone, Beatrice Stone, Don Stone, and Jim Stone

Addressed to "Dad, Bee, Don, and Jim." Starts the letter with a brief about his location. Childress is a small "church-run," dry town where they can't buy beer. Open-Post means nothing, as there is nothing in town. Says it's flat, dusty, unbearably hot, and the food is not great. Their session has changed from twelve to eighteen weeks and they're trained as bombardiers and navigators. He has heard the work is difficult and he knows he won't have much time to write. He asks that everyone continues to write, as mail is "especially welcome," and it's very lonely. He writes that they recieved…

GLC09620.038

3 July 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone, Beatrice Stone, Don Stone, Jim Stone, and Barry Marks

Addressed to "Dad, Bee, Don, Jim, and Barry." A lengthy letter detailing the fifteen-hour work days they are subjected to. They are in class for most of the day, with lunch and dinner breaks, and an hour to themselves from 9:30-10:30 PM. The work is tough, but interesting and he has learned more in a week than he did "in half a year at college or prep-school." Has a "great bunch of fellows in the barracks" which helps with the stress. Asks to have his letters sent around to everyone, as he is surprised he found the time to write. Date on letter is written as "Saturday Nite." "Letters in a…

GLC09620.039

8 August 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone, Beatrice Stone, Don Stone, Jim Stone, and Barry Marks

Addressed to "Dad, Bee, Don, Jim, and Barry." A lengthy letter catching everyone up on the past month at Childress. They get up at 5:00AM and work until 9:30PM. They've begun flying in "AT-11" twin engine planes, and he flew a "zero-zero mission." They're also learning how to bomb, by using a "bombing trainer." In training they now fly seven days a week, and it's "fun but rough." Two men have washed out, including one who asked to leave because he couldn't handle the stress. Asks that everyone keeps writing to him as he loves to hear from them, even though he can't write back at the…

GLC09620.040.01

8 August 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Typed letter

Title: to Jacob Stone, Beatrice Stone, Don Stone, Jim Stone, and Barry Marks

Addressed to "Dad, Bee, Don, Jim, and Barry." A lengthy letter catching everyone up on the past month at Childress. They get up at 5:00AM and work until 9:30PM. They've begun flying in "AT-11" twin engine planes, and he flew a "zero-zero mission." They're also learning how to bomb, by using a "bombing trainer." In training they now fly seven days a week, and it's "fun but rough." Two men have washed out, including one who asked to leave because he couldn't handle the stress. Asks that everyone keeps writing to him as he loves to hear from them, even though he can't write back at the…

GLC09620.040.02

14 August 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone

Addressed to "Dad." It was great to talk to his father last night, phone calls are tough to get through. He writes about dropping his first bomb, and the swell instructors flying with him. The weather is bearable in flight, unlike down on the ground where it's unbearable. The town is dreadfuly boring, and "after this, combat outght to be easy." Asks his father to send him a thermos, and a shaving kit, and to pass on a letter (not enclosed in the collection). Letter is written on "Army Air Forces, Bombardier School, Childress, Texas," stationary and is dated as "Saturday Nite." "…

GLC09620.041.01

14 August 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Typed letter

Title: to Jacob Stone

Addressed to "Dad." It was great to talk to his father last night, phone calls are tough to get through. He writes about dropping his first bomb, and the swell instructors flying with him. The weather is bearable in flight, unlike down on the ground where it's unbearable. The town is dreadfuly boring, and "after this, combat outght to be easy." Asks his father to send him a thermos, and a shaving kit, and to pass on a letter (not enclosed in the collection). Letter is dated as "Saturday Nite." "Letters in a Box" notes the date as August 14, 1943. "Aug 14" is scribbled on the top right…

GLC09620.041.02

14 August 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Typed letter

Title: to Jacob Stone

Addressed to "Dad." It was great to talk to his father last night, phone calls are tough to get through. He writes about dropping his first bomb, and the swell instructors flying with him. The weather is bearable in flight, unlike down on the ground where it's unbearable. The town is dreadfuly boring, and "after this, combat outght to be easy." Asks his father to send him a thermos, and a shaving kit, and to pass on a letter (not enclosed in the collection). Letter is dated as "Saturday Nite." "Letters in a Box" notes the date as August 14, 1943. "Aug 14" is scribbled on the top right…

GLC09620.041.03

16 August 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone

Addressed to "Dad." Writes a quick "thank you" for a generous check from his father. Dropped two more bombs since he last wrote, and passed his "64" [physical], even though his eyes were considerably weaker this time around. Training is exhausting, the food isn't good, and they don't get enough sleep. Letter is dated as "Monday Nite." "Letters in a Box" notes the date as August 16, 1943.

GLC09620.042

29 August 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad and Bee." Thanks them both for the thermos as he is now "the envy of my flight," as he can drink something while on a mission. He's flown "double missions three days," with a four-hour navigation flight. This week five more "kids" washed out as their bombing missions were not great. The people in charge have added a parade on Sunday afternoons, since they "have too much free time." Post-Script: Gives his best to O'ma and apologizes for not being able to write back. Letter is dated as "Sunday." "Letters in a Box" notes the date as August 29, 1943.

GLC09620.043

12 September 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone, Beatrice Stone, Don Stone, Jim Stone, Ken Marks, and Barry Marks

Addressed to "Dad, Bee, Don, Jim, Ken, and Barry." He is still plugging along with training, even as they now get up at 4:20AM and are flying by 6:00AM. His class is now at seventy men when they started with one hundred and five. Six more weeks and he will graduate, and he's never worked or wished so hard to accomplish something before. They began "combat bombing" when they have to hit targets painted on the fields, and he explains what a bombardier does, using a bomb sight. They'll be going out to "maneuvers which last for about five days," next week, where they'll live and fly in combat…

GLC09620.044.01

12 September 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Typed letter

Title: to Jacob Stone, Beatrice Stone, Don Stone, Jim Stone, Ken Marks, and Barry Marks

Addressed to "Dad, Bee, Don, Jim, Ken, and Barry." He is still plugging along with training, even as they now get up at 4:20AM and are flying by 6:00AM. His class is now at seventy men when they started with one hundred and five. Six more weeks and he will graduate, and he's never worked or wished so hard to accomplish something before. They began "combat bombing" when they have to hit targets painted on the fields, and he explains what a bombardier does, using a bomb sight. They'll be going out to "maneuvers which last for about five days," next week, where they'll live and fly in combat…

GLC09620.044.02

19 September 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad and Bee." He is looking forward to "maneuvers" tomorrow. This is where they'll live and fly in combat conditions, including wearing gas masks, as they drop gas on the men to help prepare them. They were issued "those heavy leather flying pants and jackets," which make them look like "polar explorers," as they are lined with sheepskin. More men are washing out, and he hopes he isn't one of them. He's so close to earning his wings and commission. Letter is dated as "Sunday Aft." "Letters in a Box" notes the date as September 19, 1943. Handwritten copy of GLC09620.045.02.

GLC09620.045.01