Jeep and V-Mail

"I had a conversation this morning with Fred Gutt (VMF-223) regarding the 2 unidentified pilots in the back seat of the jeep. I had everyone correct and the pilot behind your dad is Rex Jeans. Looking at other photos I have of Rex it does make sense.

So starting with the front seat: Your dad, "Rapid Robert" Read, Marion Carl.
In the rear: Rex Jeans (behind JLS) and Jack E. Conger (on loan from VMF-212)

The photo was taken between 9/27/42 and 10/1/42. Jack Conger is the key for this. He was detached to fly with VMF-223 on these dates exclusively returning to Efate (Roses) on the 2nd of October with Admiral Nimitz, Fritz Payne and Frank Drury. Jack and the rest of VMF-212 didn't return to Guadalcanal until 10/16/42, 4 days after Rex Jeans had departed and 5 days after your dad and Marion Carl had left for home. "

e-mail from Larry Lassise - 6/8/09




V-Mail September 12, 1942

Mrs. J. L. Smith
122 Hardy Avenue
Norfolk, Virginia

This is really the life here. Have been bombed almost every day since I've been here...

We have had quite a good score against the Japs. I got my tenth one today. Am not being blase, it has just worked out right so far for me. We have lost almost no pilots, but have had some planes shot up... We are shelled or bombed nearly every night. Am getting so used to it that I wake up, smoke a cigaret and go back to sleep again....
These young pilots have turned out perfectly. I have never seen a bunch with more spirit...

Love to all,

John