COLUMBIANA COUNTY Search turns up 11 military heroes

The marker honoring the Medal of Honor winners would be dedicated during Memorial Day week 2003.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Columbiana County's effort to recognize Medal of Honor winners as part of a state bicentennial program is producing results.
So far, research by county officials has turned up 11 men who won the nation's highest military honor and who were either from the county or are buried here, commissioner Dave Cranmer said Thursday.
No living Medal of Honor winners have been discovered, so far, he added.
The county veteran's service office provided most of the names at the county's request.
To ensure no hero is forgotten, Cranmer has enlisted the aid of the Medal of Honor Society's Columbus branch to check its records.
Also being researched are each man's combat exploits that resulted in his being awarded the medal.
What brought this about: Prompting the commissioners' interest in the county's military heroes is a program formulated by the Governor's Office of Veterans' Affairs in connection with Ohio's 2003 bicentennial observance.
The state wants granite plaques to be placed in or near all county courthouses in the state recognizing Medal of Honor winners from or buried in each county.
The black granite markers will be dedicated in ceremonies statewide the week of Memorial Day 2003.
Each county will be expected to spend $500 to $1,500 for the markers. The cost will vary depending on the size. There also may be additional expense for having the plaque mounted.
Cranmer said the county will be certain to get a marker despite severe budget constraints.
"Even if we have to take donations," the county will erect a plaque next year honoring its heroes, he said.
Where to put it? Commissioners have yet to decide where the plaque will be placed.
One idea is to put it in the courthouse lobby, which is off the building's main entrance along Market Street.
Also being considered is putting the plaque just outside the building's main entrance.
If that option is chosen, the plaque may be part of a small plot that also would include a new flagpole and a bronze bell that is being cast as part of the state's bicentennial.
leigh@vindy.com