PARIS — Robert “Bob” Lee Manning has been named the Veteran of the Month at Maine Veterans’ Homes in South Paris.

Manning was born in Bangor on Aug. 20, 1925, and grew up in Millinocket, graduating from George W. Stearns High School, also in Millinocket.

After the service, he used the GI Bill to further his education and graduated college from St. Lawrence University.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1943 and was honorably discharged on Feb. 4, 1946. He served in Europe during World War II and became a glider co-pilot, and he wanted to be part of the Airborne Division. Though he was never chosen to go into combat, he was in line for selection several times.

“They knew I was coming,” he joked.

He earned the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon, and the American Theater Campaign Ribbon.

He married Barbara Schaefer and they had one son, Robert L. Manning II. They have one grandson, Alec Manning.

After his service, he worked in sales at Alcoa Inc.

He used to love fishing and now enjoys playing bingo, listening to music and going on outings with other residents.

He came to the Maine Veterans’ Home in July 2014 and resides in the B Unit.