SAN DIEGO -- In 1942, nearly every American could properly locate the Solomon Islands and note their significance to U.S. history.

However, today, most Americans can't find them on a map.

Almost 70 years later, a 96-year-old San Diego military veteran and a group of doctors are trying to draw attention to the islands again and the debt owed to the people who live there.

It took almost 70 years for the paths of two South Pacific World War II veterans to cross. One whose life has been filled with adventure, a large family and longevity, but the life of the other cut dramatically short.

Billy Stack was standing on the gun turret of the USS Quincy when it was sunk by Japanese cruisers off Guadalcanal in 1942.

"A single hit of any heavy artillery just blew that whole section of the ship off, so I'm sure his demise was pretty quick," said Stack's niece, Dr. Eileen Natuzzi.

Natuzzi never knew her uncle and only heard stories about how he joined the Navy at age 17, shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. However, Natuzzi said her uncle left an impression on her life. She now travels from Encinitas to the Solomon Islands to care for the people who live there.

"When I go there, I'm quite respectful of the history I'm moving into," said Natuzzi.

Natuzzi works with a group of doctors who formed the Loloma Foundation, a group that volunteers their services in the South Pacific. The doctor-patient ratio in the region is 1 for every 20,000, which has not changed much since World War II.

Dr. Lance Hendricks, president of the Loloma Foundation, said, "Life is exactly as it was back then. Maybe a little bit improved, but not dramatically."

"We get to work with them and partner with them and elevate their level of care. At the same time, we are a constant reminder of the history that went on there," said Natuzzi.

Supplies and travel are not cheap, and the foundation has asked for -- but has never received -- a government grant.

Now, 96-year-old retired Vice Admiral David Richardson said he is trying to help.

Richardson is one of the few remaining survivors of the Battle of Guadalcanal.

"How many from your 'fighting five' are still left?" asked 10News anchor Steve Atkinson.

"Uh, I don't know that any of them are still alive other than myself," said Richardson.

Richardson is one of the few voices left who can bear witness to the debt of gratitude owed to the Solomon Islands citizens.

"Without question they were an enormous help to us throughout the war," said Richardson.

The Loloma Foundation will return to the Solomon Islands in April to provide care.

However, time is not on their side.

"I think the biggest problem right now is the guys who fought there and came home and told the stories are dying off," said Natuzzi.

Richardson is trying to convince the Navy to help with construction of a hospital on Guadalcanal. He is also trying to create an annual event to honor all those who fought and lost their lives in the Solomon Islands.