Sept. 24th, 2005

Dear Sandy,

My name is Jeanne Marquis, I'm writing to you from New Hampshire. I have recently discovered your website on the USS Salt Lake City. Let me first tell you that it is a wonderful site. I found the site on a search I did for this particular ship. I am also a family history buff, like you. After talking with my mother (who is 80 now) and her brother(who is also a WWII vet) I decided to look for information. My mom had 2 brothers that served in WW2.

Her brother Jerry, served in the Navy as a Seabee. Her brother Victor, served on the USS Salt Lake City. Both came home from the war safely. Her brother Jerry lives with her, they take care of each other.

Her brother that served on this ship was Victor Lemay

Victor came home safely, but unfortunately he was killed in a car accident in 1947. He was very young, out with friends for the evening. He died instantly. I'm not sure my mom and her family ever got over it. Victor was 1 of 8 kids. My Mom is the oldest, then came Victor. My mother's face just lights up with memories whenever she talks of Victor. She named her 1st son Victor. I remember in my grandmothers house, a large picture of the USS Salt Lake City, with my Uncle's ribbons on it. That picture hung in Victors mother's house until she passed at the age of 94.

My mother, Rita, will be 81 in December. She seems to be getting very reflective of her past, talking more of the ones that have gone before her. She talks of Victor often. When I showed her your website, she was thrilled to see the picture of Victor. He is #1 in Group ID #157 Ships Dance. We are also in the process of verifying dates he was on the SLC, we'd like to pass this on to you for the website. I think it would mean a lot to her if we could put up a little information, and hope someone remembers him.

Sitting right next to Victor, is #2 John J. White, S1c. My Mom remembers Victor speaking of John. We were wondering if John was still alive and if you had an email address for him. I think my mom is looking for someone who remembers Victor, maybe someone outside the family. I realize you just can't give out someone's address, but if you have an address for John White, please feel free to pass this email along to him. If he does remember Victor Lemay and chooses to write us, my Mom and I would be thrilled. I also have 2 pictures of Victor I would like to send you. One is of Victor alone, the other is of Victor and John White together in a fake jail cell in Long Beach California. I should be able to send the pictures to you in the next couple of days.

Well, I guess I've taken up enough of your time for now. I think your website is wonderful, and a wonderful tribute to everyone who served on this ship. As soon as my Mom had all the dates in order, I will send them to you.

Please feel free to email me anytime.

Thank you,

Jeanne Marquis