Paul Joseph Gunderman was born 23 January 1923 in Cleveland, OH. He registered for the draft in June 1942 in Lakewood, OH, noting he was employed at the Merriam Welding Company. His enlistment followed on 22 January 1943, a day before his 20th birthday. After training, he joined the 10th Mountain Division at Camp Hale as a Technical Sergeant (T/4) with the 605th Field Artillery Batallion. On his deployment to Italy, he was awarded the Bronze Star for actions in the Appennines & Po Valley campaigns. Gunderman was also personally credited, along with a field surgeon, with saving the life of Senator Bob Dole, who was grievously wounded in combat. After the war, Gunderman pursued a successful career as a carpenter and home builder in Ohio and Florida. He also served two terms as President of the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division. Gunderman passed away on 31 October 2013 at his home in Cape Coral, Florida.