31 December 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Postcard

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." A brief note telling his parents that he's off post for dinner with some friends. He writes it's good to have a break. The image on the card is of actress Tyra Vaughn who is performing at the "Earl Carroll Theatre-Restaurant." The postcard is postmarked December 31, 1943.

GLC09620.074

1 January 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." The plane his crew flies had an engine fail when they were in the air and the next time they flew it was on the "fritz," so they landed after circling their base. The first day they were flying out over the ocean and broke formation to land at a small airport outside of Fresno. He thinks the plane should be fixed the next time they fly. They didn't celebrate New Years Eve as flying six-hour missions on oxygen is exhausting and they were all in bed by 9:30PM. He is very happy that the call request he thought he canceled went through and he was able to speak to his…

GLC09620.075

January 16, 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." He apologizes not writing lately as they've been busy with late night flying. Last night they flew until an "ungodly hour," but they have the day off now, where he's catching up on letters and sleep. They've been flying so much because the weather has been beautiful. He hopes all is well at home. The letter is dated "Sunday 16," and as he is still in Marching Field, it can be assumed it is still 1944.

GLC09620.076

January 24, 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." He writes that his lack of letters is due to their very routine days and it's hard to write sometimes. Their flying hours increased as their class hours dwindle down. He recounts a miraculous accident another crew got into. They ran out of fuel and most of the crew bailed out, while the two pilots landed the plane in a field. One soldier broke his leg, but the two pilots escaped the wreckage unharmed after their crash landing. The letter is dated "Sunday 24," and as he is still in March Field, it can be assumed it is still 1944.

GLC09620.077

February 14, 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Telegram

Title: to Jacob Stone

Addressed to "Lt. CAM AR C. STONE." Apologizes that he couldn't call, everything is fine with a letter following. The telegram is dated in the center of the text block. "Letters in a Box," notes the telegram was sent on February 14, 1944.

GLC09620.078

February 15, 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Telegram

Title: to Jacob Stone

Addressed to "LT COMMANDER J C STONE." Apologizes for missing the phone call, he is "perfectly ok," and sent a long letter. The telegram is dated on the right side of the text block. "Letters in a Box," notes the telegram was sent on February 15, 1944 as well.

GLC09620.079

February 21, 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

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

Addressed to "Dad, Bee, Don, Jim, Barry, Ken + ." He apologizes for not writing, but he's been in the hospital for the past three weeks to have the plate in his leg removed as it had been bothering him at the high altitudes. He's been removed from his crew, but they've been visiting him and bringing his mail. The hospital is dull and he is beginning to feel better, but gets dizzy when he sits up due to the "sulfa pills." He asks that this letter makes the rounds and he hopes to respond to everyone soon. The letter is dated "Monday Afternoon." "Letters in a Box," notes the letter was sent…

GLC09620.080.01

February 21, 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Typed letter

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

Addressed to "Dad, Bee, Don, Jim, Barry, Ken + ." He apologizes for not writing, but he's been in the hospital for the past three weeks to have the plate in his leg removed as it had been bothering him at the high altitudes. He's been removed from his crew, but they've been visiting him and bringing his mail. The hospital is dull, and he is beginning to feel better, but gets dizzy when he sits up due to the "sulfa pills." He asks that this letter makes the rounds and he hopes to respond to everyone soon. The letter is dated "Monday Afternoon." "Letters in a Box," notes the letter was sent…

GLC09620.080.02

February 22, 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." He apologizes for upsetting them after they hadn't recieved his letter. He's "up and about on crutches" and the incision is healing "just fine." There's a lot of delay in the mail, hence why he recieved their telegram two days late. The weather has been very unusual with snow and hail. Post Script: Asks that they write to the 607th instead of the 604th now. The letter is dated "Tuesday 22nd." "Letters in a Box," notes the letter was sent on February 22, 1944.

GLC09620.081

February 23, 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." All goes well, he's moving and has "physio therapy twice a day." He's excited to get out of the hospital soon. He received their letters from the 8th, and thanks them for the "cute Valentines." The letter is dated "Wednesday 23rd." "Letters in a Box," notes the letter was sent on February 23, 1944.

GLC09620.082

1 March 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." He left the hospital to go to the club, which was great for him. He asks his father if his office could take care of Bob's income tax report and lists his income from the army. "It would be swell if they'd handle it for me." The letter is dated "Wednesday." "Letters in a Box," notes the letter was sent on March 1, 1944.

GLC09620.083

4 March 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." Thanks them for the "swell selection of sweets," he really appreciates that they both sent a few things. He should be getting out of the hospital in a week, but found out that his crew received their orders and are leaving. Thanks them for the food and frequent letters. The letter is dated "Saturday." "Letters in a Box," notes the letter was sent on March 4, 1944.

GLC09620.084

5 March 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mildred Hilson and Edwin Hilson

Addressed to "Mildred + Eddie." Thanks them for the letters, cute card, and box of sweets. Life isn't very fun, but the toughest part was leaving his crew. He was glad to hear that John was home on furlough. He wishes everyone could go home on "permanent furlough!" Thanks them for their thoughtfulness. The letter is dated "Sunday." "Letters in a Box," notes the letter was sent on March 5, 1944.

GLC09620.085

15 March 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." "Swell to talk to you all yesterday." All goes well, and he's leaving the hospital tomorrow after seven weeks. The leg is a little weak, but he's in good shape. He was wandering around base, confused as he didn't know anybody, but saw Eddier Cantor's broadcast with Carole Landis. He heard that Jack Benny, Kay Kyser, and Bob Hope were on base as well, but this was the first broadcast he made it to. He tells his parents to thank O'ma and Bunny for their letters. The letter is dated "Wednesday 15th." "Letters in a Box," notes the letter was sent on March 15, 1944.

GLC09620.086

24 March 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." He's been out of the hospital for a week, and went into LA illegally with his friends. One took them to Warner's and they saw Humphrey Bogart making a new movie. The army doesn't know what to do with him, but they'll probably put him in as a replacement for another unit. Something should happen within the next week, but he still has to pass his "64" [flying physical exam]. The letter is dated "Friday 24, 1944." "Letters in a Box," notes the letter was sent on March 24, 1944.

GLC09620.087

13 April 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Postcard

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Folks." A brief postcard saying he and Don are doing great. Don includes a note that they had fried chicken at Pete's Steaks as they were out of steaks. The postcard is an image of "Pete's Famous Steaks." There is a postmark stamp with "April 13." "Letters in a Box," notes the postcard was sent on April 13, 1944.

GLC09620.088

15 April 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." Thanks them for "two wonderful weeks at home," as it is a great place, and it was far too short of a visit. His visit to Don worked out perfectly in Chicago. They wandered throughout Chicago and saw the film "A Guy Named Joe." They took a bunch of photos and went to The Brown Derby for a big steak before Don had to leave at 6:00PM. He had to wait for his flight until 1:45, and he was "feeling very low" knowing leave was over. He called up and met a friend of Pam's and they talked for a while before he went to more places. She left him at 12 and he bumped into "Capt…

GLC09620.089

17 April 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad+Bee." The mail is a mess, so he got a box at the local post office, and includes his new address. He hopes all goes well and asks them to pass on his address. The letter is dated "Monday 17th." "Letters in a Box," notes the letter was sent on April 17, 1944.

GLC09620.090

21 April 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad+Bee." No news, but did think of a present suggestion for Don. He needs a new wallet as his is very worn. He would've gotten him one, but he already purchased a gift for Don. Hopes they've recieved his letters with his change of address and asks after his father's health. He hopes his father's blood pressure troubles "are a thing of the past." The letter is dated "Friday Nite." "Letters in a Box," notes the letter was sent on April 21, 1944.

GLC09620.091

30 April 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." He's finally on a new crew, but hasn't met them yet. The weather is beautiful and he's been playing tennis and swimming. The "Grapevine" newspaper arrived with lots of news and a list of addresses. The letter is dated "Sunday." "Letters in a Box," notes the letter was sent on April 30, 1944.

GLC09620.092

1 May 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." All goes well and he believes he'll get a new crew at the end of the week. He's flown 12 hours in a small twin-engined ship. He got 10 hours of piloting the plane as the pilot slept. Played tennis twice. The letter is dated "Monday." "Letters in a Box," notes the letter was sent on May 1, 1944.

GLC09620.093

9 May 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." He's officially on a crew in squadron T-3. The pilot and co-pilot are great, but they haven't met the rest of the crew. He's back in classes and they're boring the second time through. He saw the Bob Hope Show, and he "carried on" for an hour and a half after he went off air. The letter is dated "Tuesday." "Letters in a Box," notes the letter was sent on May 9, 1944.

GLC09620.094

12 May 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." Glad to hear of Don's whereabouts and hopes he recieved a present from him. He's changed crews, and is now in the second phase, and doesn't have to repeat the "boring classes." A pilot walked in looking for an experienced bombardier, as theirs took sick. The new crew seems swell, especially as he was disappointed with his other crew. They were young and scatterbrained. He's glad his father is feeling better, and writes that he is proud of him no matter if he's a "Comdr." or "Mr." He hopes to try and call them tonight. The letter is dated "Friday." "Letters in a…

GLC09620.095

14 May 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." Attempted to place a call but there was a long delay. He just wanted to talk to his parents. Writes about Don's most recent letter as he settles in with a new outfit. Mentions the long letter he wrote yesterday before signing off. The letter is dated "Sunday Nite." "Letters in a Box," notes the letter was sent on May 14, 1944.

GLC09620.096

21 May 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." He is very happy that his father is at "Alderbrook," and says he deserves the rest and relaxation. Nothing new to report. He hasn't flown with his new crew yet due to a sore throat. He notes they're "swell," regardless. He closes the letter telling his father to enjoy the break and "live like a fisherman." The letter is dated "Sunday." "Letters in a Box," notes the letter was sent on May 21, 1944.

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