SWAMPSCOTT — Paul Artemis, a resident at the Bertram House of Swampscott, turns 100 on March 20, and received a surprise celebration on Friday.
”We are all thrilled to celebrate this milestone birthday with Paul,” said Josh MacQuarrie, executive director at Bertram House. “He’s been loved by staff and residents alike since the day he moved in five years ago, and we’re so glad to have him as part of our community.”
Artemis was born in Rhode Island and grew up in Lynn. He took courses at multiple local colleges before receiving his Bachelor’s degree from Boston University and Master’s degree from Columbia University.
Artemis learned four or five foreign languages, which he used in his position as a translator and investigator with the United States Army in the 1940s. He received numerous commendations, including the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was also part of a team involved with forming the Office of Strategic Services, a precursor to the CIA.
Artemis has lived at Bertram House since 2016. He celebrated his birthday with residents and staff with a surprise lunch party on Friday.