'I was there for the turning point': The last living WWII Marine Corps Pilot

Last known survivor of battle of Guadalcanal tells his story

Sunday is the anniversary of the United States Marine Corp. established back in 1775 and Monday is Veterans Day. What better time to meet a former marine pilot in Sherman oaks, who may be the last known survivor of the battle of Guadalcanal, in World War II.

Earlier this week, FOX 11's Laura Diaz sat down with greatness — 99-year-old Sam Folsom is a distinguished World War II vet. Folsom recounted his military service in vivid detail and called it "the cornerstone of my life... still." 

Folsom is a piece of living history. He fought in the Battle of Guadalcanal in one of the most historic, bloody battles of WWII. A man not prone to bragging, he said, "I was there for the turning point of World War II."

In 1942, Sam was barely of legal drinking age and a Marine pilot. He said the American forces were not nearly as well trained, nor as well equipped as their formidable foe in their battle to gain control of the islands.

In fact, when Folsom was dispatched on this tour of duty he had not completed combat training.

But the Americans fought relentlessly. The casualties were high. And this marine, who grew up just outside of Boston, never thought the American forces would lose.

He told Diaz, "We were on the verge of running out of food. We knew people were getting killed all around us. We were not sitting around brooding about how we were losing."

Last week, at his Sherman Oaks home, with his beautiful wife Barbara at his side, he described with strength and humility his wartime experience. His stories included getting shot at three times, the camaraderie of his fellow marines, and the sobering reality that he saw all his friends get killed— but he made it. 

Folsom's numerous medals for his military service are on display in their home. They include a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

Folsom doesn't move as quickly as he once did, and strains to hear even with the help of a hearing aid. But his mind is lively and his anecdotes are colorful. Honestly, one news story just barely scratches the surface of the contributions Folsom and his generation made to this country. 

So perhaps you will learn more when a documentary is finished on this war hero's service to America. There are few of these surviving World War II heroes. As they pass away, they take with them memories of a critical turning point in American history.

The documentary to commemorate Folsom's life is titled, "Marine Pilot the Sam Folsom Story."  Actor Kelsey Grammer is set to narrate. Steven C. Barber is the director/producer. 

Diaz said she felt lucky to be there to listen to Folsom's first-hand accounts.

"God bless you Sam Folsom for your service," she added.