Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009 to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09620.159 Author/Creator: Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009 Place Written: Northern Mariana Islands Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 February 1945 Pagination: 5 p. : envelope ; 27.5 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy PDF Download(s): Transcript of document
Addressed to "Dad + Bee." He had a "pleasant and relaxing rest leave on Oahu and Kauai." They luckily don't have to fly a ship back and are on an "ATC [Air Transport Command] ship." They were surprised with leave after a rough mission which left them "pretty badly scared." They packed and left the next morning. The crew completed twenty-two missions, with eighteen left to fly. He is looking to purchase a few things and place a few calls in Oahu. He was happy to hear his parents' voices. He also met Mr. Kellett, a friend of Jacob Stone's who is an "A-1 fellow" and invited him to lunch. He and Bill signed up to go to a ranch on another island, and were assigned to the Hansens who run a large sugar plantation. They were incredibly well off and kind. There is no rationing on the islands so the boys ate "like kings." They went to the beach, the Hansen's mountain home, drove around the planatation, slept in, and indulged themselves. The Hansens invited the boys back once they complete their missions.
He's happy to hear that his father went to Virginia for some relaxation and describes what happens when a crew member is sick before a mission. He apologizes for his messy "scrawl" and hopes to write again soon.
Post-Script: Dreading the thought of returning to C-Rations and "live like a primitive man."
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