PARIS — Raymond Henry Croteau Sr., a former Maine National Guardsman and Marine, was named veteran of the month at the Maine Veterans Home.

The Lewiston native graduated from Lewiston High School and joined the Maine National Guard on June 1, 1949. He served as an infantryman and a rifleman, attaining the rank of private first class. He was discharged on July 5, 1954.

The following day Croteau enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served tour tours in Korea during the Korean War. He was a rifleman/guard and a wireman, and achieved the rank of corporal. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two stars, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

After his military service, Croteau joined the Lewiston Police Department as an officer, then worked for Bates Fabrics as an industrial engineer and became plant manager.

He married Cecile Saucier Pare and they have three daughters and one son, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He has been a resident of the Veterans’ Home since August 2013.

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