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

19 September 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Typed letter

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. Typed copy of GLC09620.045.01.

GLC09620.045.02

21 September 1943

Stone, Donald, 1925-2017

Typed letter

Title: to Jacob Stone, Beatrice Stone, Bob Stone, Jim Stone, Barry Marks, and Ken Marks and anyone else who is around

Addressed to "Dad, Bee, Bob, Jim, Barry, Ken, and anyone else who is around." Nothing much to report from the "northwestern sector." Talks about five professors of Spanish who alternate days, including "Captain Eduardo Nile-Silva from the U. of Madrid and Pultizer and Guggenheim fellowships winner, is the best language teacher I've ever had." Another teacher, who is the head geographist, [Leo Heinrich] Waibel, is a former member of the German Supreme Court and great teacher. In additon to classes, they have "P.T." [Physical Training] and other tests. He went on a trip to Minneapolis, and…

GLC09620.046

25 September 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." He finished up with "maneuvers," and he is mighty glad to be back after spending six days in "the wilds of West Texas." He and thirteen others flew out in a B-18 bomber plane, they landed and began their duties. They lost one plane on the way and lost two cadets, the pilot, and crew chief. On Tuesday, he went on a Navigation mission, and completed three separate bombing missions in the afternoon. The next day, he filled bombs with sand and loaded them on trucks. Thursday contained two more bombing missions and overnight guard duty. He was on K.P…

GLC09620.047

30 September 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad and Bee." Asks Bee to send him all of his winter clothes, that he had sent back in Ellington. He writes that his "screwy" schedule is a "darn good one" that gives them a lot of free time. Their days now start at 10:30AM and go to 3:00AM with a break from 6-9PM. The weather has taken a turn for the worse and they haven't been flying. The class ahead recieved a lot of their equipment and will be graduating in six days. Everyone in his class is doing their best to not be washed out before graduation, especially with their last two classes. Sends his congratulations to Ken…

GLC09620.048

2 October 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone, Beatrice Stone, and Ken Marks

Addressed to "Dad, Bee, and Ken (if he's still home)." Writes that Ken and Bunny are "darn lucky kids," and he wishes he could've been there in person. They've had a tough break on the weather, and haven't been able to fly. However, to the class' surprise, they are graduating five days early, and they'll get their wings on the 23rd instead of the 28th. He hopes that he has those wings "in the bag," as he doesn't believe he could handle washing out now. He thanks his father for the "box of eats." Closes the letter asking them all to write, even though it might take him a while to respond.…

GLC09620.049

10 October 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad and Bee." He writes that he is twelve days away from "those coveted wings." Tried to call home this morning, but didn't make it through. Finished up ground school, and they've been flying from 6PM-1AM this week, and don't get off until 3AM. The next few days will be spent dropping bombs to reach their quota. Sends his congratulations to Ken for getting promoted and wants to know when his wedding will be, as he wants to be there. He'll probably get a ten-day leave after graduation before rejoining his tactical unit. The letter is written on "Army Air Forces,…

GLC09620.050

11 October 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone

Addressed to "Dad." He writes that it was "swell to talk with you and Ken" and encloses his new schedule starting at 1:30AM with the reveille until "taps and to bed" at 6:00PM. They have this schedule so they can have all of their bombs dropped in time for graduation. Warns that they may not hear from him this week due to the schedule. The letter is written on "Army Air Forces, Bombardier School, Childress, Texas," letterhead and is dated "Sunday." "Letters in a Box" notes that the date is October 11, 1943.

GLC09620.051

circa October 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone.

Addressed to "Dad and Bee." Acknowledges the big event yesterday, and he wishes he could've been home for it. He writes that he's graduating in a week and a day, and everyone is a wreck from their night flights. They caught up on their bombing, and tomorrow he's going to drop his "last four qualification bombs." They also have to log forty-four hours of navigation, but that's just a matter of logging the time, rather than missions. Closes the letter asking for all of the wedding details, before going to bed at 6:00PM. The letter is dated as "Friday Night." Circa date drawn from…

GLC09620.052

22 October 1943

United States. Army Air Forces

Printed document signed

Title: Honorable Discharge and Enlisted Record of Robert L. Stone

Robert Stone's Honorable Discharge from the army after his graduation from Childress Army Air Field in Childress, Texas. Signed by H.A. Holmstrom, Lt. Col. Air Corps, Executive. Copied on the back is Robert's enlisted record.

GLC09620.054

22 October 1943

United States. Army Air Forces

Printed document signed

Title: Honorable Discharge and Enlisted Record of Robert L. Stone

Copy of Robert L. Stone's enlisted record and signed by Robert C. Stokes, a 1st lieuntenant in the Air Corps. Contains his service and brief medical record.

GLC09620.055

22 October 1943

United States. Army Air Forces

Printed document signed

Title: Honorable Discharge and Enlisted Record of Robert L. Stone

Copy of Robert Stone's Honorable Discharge from the army after his graduation from Childress Army Air Field in Childress, Texas. It is signed by H.A. Holmstrom, Lt. Col. Air Corps, Executive.

GLC09620.056.01

August 26, 1946

United States. Army Air Forces

Printed document signed

Title: Certificate of Service for Robert L. Stone

This is a negative copy of Robert Stone's Certificate of Service given at Fort Dix after his service in the war. It is signed by Major H.C. Ward.

GLC09620.056.02

23 October 1943

United States. Army Air Forces

Printed document signed

Title: Temporary Appointment

Document from "Headquarters, Army Air Forces Central Flying Training Command," naming Robert L. Stone a Second Lieutnenant for the Army of the United States. Signed by J.E. McCord, Lieutenant Colonel, and Assistant Adjutant General.

GLC09620.057

4 November 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." Just left Des Moines [Iowa], and didn't get a lot of sleep. Writes how wonderful his "10 short days" were at home. While he did not do much, he was happy to see everyone. He is pulling into Omaha [Nebraska], and hopes to send this letter from there. He gives a "million thanks for the coat" from his parents.

GLC09620.058

7 November 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." Just arrived in "Salt Lake" [City, Utah], after a scare where four "fellows" were bumped off the plane to make room for more gas due to bad weather. It was a rough trip, but they made it to a "very beautiful place." This town has things to do, including theaters, stores, and hotels. Met up with a few fellows from Childress who had already rented an apartment, and reported to fill out paperwork, before leaving post again. "It's absolute bedlam" as a lot of fellows are reporting, and "no one knows anything about anything as to shipping." They are eating like pigs,…

GLC09620.059

12 November 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." Still no word on when he will be "crewed up," and now everyone is required to be on post by 1AM. They have them in school from 8-5PM and it's a "complete farce." After class they head to town for a good meal, and a movie or "some such entertainment." The letter is dated as "Friday." "Letters in a Box" notes the letter was written on December 10, 1943, but the envelope is postmarked at November 12, 1943.

GLC09620.060

19 November 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." "Just a note to say that all goes well." Writes that he received the ring and pictures he asked for and enclosed the $3.00 [not included] he owed them for the ring. Asks for a copy the photo of him they ordered. "All hell broke loose," as he and the others were restricted to post for two days. He hopes they'll be able to get out soon. There's still nothing definite about shipping orders. Letter is dated as "Friday." "Letters in a Box" notes the letter was written on November 19, 1943.

GLC09620.061

23 November 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." Writes "Life is looking up!" as they are no longer restricted and can go into town as long as they report back in the morning. He and others are renting a room with a sitting room to avoid freezing in the barracks. Many groups have been shipped out, including many Childress fellows. He hopes he'll hear soon, but in any case they are hoping to see another Utah game and made reservations for a Thanksgiving dinner that night. Letter is written on "The Belvedere Apartment Hotel" stationary and dated as "Tuesday." "Letters in a Box" notes the letter was written on…

GLC09620.062

28 November 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." He mentions the swell conversation they had over the phone yesterday, and the terrible conditions. They are officially on their way to California, rather than being in Utah for 3 more months. He'll be heading to March Field, CA which is 60 miles away from LA, and supposedly it's very nice. He encloses a new address, and writes about the "gents in his crew." They are just missing a navigator, but they all seem like great guys. They'll be heading for more intensive training, and after walking through a B-24, he knows they all have a lot to learn. Letter is written…

GLC09620.063

8 December 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Postcard

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

A brief postcard to tell his parents that he arrived two days ago to a "swell field." His schedule looks to be very tough, but it's great to be out of Wendover. Postcard is an image of "C-106 Liberator Bomber. The Liberator is one fo the fastest heavy bombers in the world, heavily armed, it carries a nine man crew with a range exceeding 3000 miles." The postcard is not dated. "Letters in a Box" notes the postcard was written on December 8, 1943.

GLC09620.064

9 December 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." He opens the letter apologizing for having not written for a while as they just pulled in and are extremely busy. The field is set up nicely, it's hard to get around as it is "so darn big." Living conditions are ok, as the field is older and has permanent structures. They were assigned a navigator, and will be on 24 hours a day for five days, and a 24 hour break on the sixth day. They'll be completing their training in two months rather than three, and will be shipped out the second week of February. He asks that his letters get passed around, and they keep writing…

GLC09620.065.01

9 December 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Typed letter

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." He opens the letter apologizing for having not written for a while, as they just pulled in and have been extremely busy. The field is set up nicely, it's hard to get around as it is "so darn big." Living conditions are ok, as the field is older and has permanent structures. They were assigned a navigator, and will be on 24 hours a day for five days, and a 24 hour break on the sixth day. They'll be completing their training in two months rather than three, and will be shipped out the second week of February. He asks that his letters get passed around, and they keep…

GLC09620.065.02

15 December 1943

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." Hasn't received any mail from his parents lately, probably because Don Stone was home on leave. He enjoys the men he's flying with, but was upset to find out that all passes from "Post" have been canceled, especially as the schedule is very rough, with six-hour training flights. He has discovered that he will be heading to the Pacific Theater, most likely, as "an R.T.U." [Replacement Training Unit]. He asks for a new pen for Christmas, and apologizes for the late presents this year as he was going to go shopping before the passes were taken away. The letter is…

GLC09620.066