CHERRY TWP — Cpl. Luciano Plesakov graduated from Moniteau Jr./Sr. High School in 1965.

In 1967, while serving in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War, he became the only graduate of the district to be killed in action.

His sacrifice for his country was what prompted the school board to approve renaming the football field in his honor at their Monday, June 26, meeting.

The field is now officially named The Luciano Plesakov Stadium, with a dedication to be planned later.

A donation was accepted from West Sunbury American Legion Post 243 for the sign renaming the stadium. Gary Fitzingo, who represented the Legion and graduated with Plesakov, said the sign will cost around $13,000.

Board President Michael Panza said that Plesakov was involved in a number of activities during his academic career, being both a co-captain of the football team and a member of the track team.

Board member Mark DeMatteis, whose sister graduated with Plesakov, recalled as young child, the sorrow that swept over the community when he died.

Another board member, Joann Duke, was in high school at the time of Plesakov’s death.

“I remember the principal saw the funeral procession starting to come,” Duke said, “He had tears running under his eyes, and he went and put the flag at half mast.”

Fitzingo and DeMatteis said the proclamation to rename the stadium for Plesakov has been made many times, and were happy to see the motion finally pass.

“This is historic tonight,” DeMatteis said.

“We’re very honored that we could do this for a person such as Corporal Plesakov, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country,” Panza said, noting Plesakov’s impressive rise to the rank of corporal before the age of 20. “It speaks highly for the type of character and the service, dedication, and loyalty that he had.”