CAMPBELL — With Memorial Day approaching, plans are in the works to further honor five local veterans toward year’s end, a city official said.

After Wednesday evening’s regular city council meeting, Councilwoman Mary Janek, D-3rd Ward, noted that the five Campbell veterans — Ensign S. Martauz, U.S. Army warrant officer Robert L. Baird, U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Anthony S. Tisler, Marine Cpl. Robert E. Bush Jr. and Army Sgt. Robert E. Pluchinsky — will have plaques dedicated to them Nov. 11 in Roosevelt Park. That date also will mark Veterans Day.

All five men also have been inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame, set up to honor military heroes of all branches. So far, an estimated 530 veterans statewide have been inducted, Janek noted.

The first class of veterans was inducted into the OMHOF on July 7, 2000.

Martauz, who served in the U.S. Navy and was a Silver Star medal recipient, was an assistant diving officer in the U.S. Pacific Fleet. He was awarded for his gallantry as well as for assisting his commanding officer in conducting successful attacks that resulted in sinking numerous enemy ships, along with his ability to help evade enemy countermeasures.

On Jan. 30, 1968, during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, Baird was an aircraft commander of an ambulance helicopter on a rescue mission in Kontum City, Vietnam, when enemy forces attacked a military compound in that city. Despite heavy enemy fire, Baird volunteered to be part of a rescue operation via flying into the compound three times that day and, despite the risks to himself, Baird flew injured soldiers to a nearby hospital.

Tisler, who served as a fire team leader with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, participated in a search-and-destroy mission April 7, 1968, in Vietnam. As a Marines unit near the Khe Sanh Combat Base came under intense mortar and automatic-weapons fire from an entrenched North Vietnamese Army force, Tisler left his covered position to help the wounded soldiers and at one point, he moved an injured man to a safe helicopter landing zone, then transported several others out of harm’s way before treating their wounds.

Bush, who served as an aerial gunner with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362, was part of an emergency medical evacuation mission Sept. 7, 1967, a few miles from Con Thien, Vietnam. After rescuing three severely injured Marines, Bush’s aircraft came under heavy fire, and a bullet struck him in the thigh. Despite his wound, Bush was able to complete the mission and get the three injured Marines to safety.

On Nov. 23, 1969, Pluchinsky, a Silver Star medal recipient, served as a squad leader with his unit on a counterinsurgency operation when the men were suddenly attacked by automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire from several enemy positions. Despite the danger to himself, Pluchinsky deployed his men to safe strategic areas and maneuvered through enemy territory while using fragmentation grenades to defend himself and others. A short time later, Pluchinsky saw a wounded comrade and again exposed himself to enemy fire before carrying the man to a medical evacuation helicopter and saving his life.

Bush still lives in Campbell, Janek said.

In other business, Janek announced that the city’s annual Memorial Day event is set for 10 a.m. May 25 next to the Veterans Memorial at Campbell Memorial High School, 280 Sixth St. In the event of inclement weather, the gathering will be in the school gym, she added.

Also at the session, Judy Clement, city administrator, urged residents to refrain from blowing, raking or placing their cut grass clippings, trimmed shrubs or litter into the street — especially since wet clippings can be hazardous to motorcycles and other vehicles. Homeowners who hire lawn care companies are responsible for ensuring they follow suit, she noted.

Violations of the city ordinance aimed at addressing the problem are first-degree misdemeanors and can result in fines and, in some cases, court action can be taken if residents repeatedly refuse to abide by the ordinance, Clement warned.