Hall of Fame
Position: Halfback/Tackle
Years: 1899-1902
Place of Birth: Alpena, MI
Date of Birth: May 07, 1881
Place of Death: Japan
Date of Death: Mar 16, 1943
Height: 5-11
Weight: 186
High School: Alpena, MI (Alpena HS)
Competition breeds no greater compliment than the praise and respect of an opponent. Paul Bunker earned such regard as a versatile member of the Army teams of the turn of the century. However, it was not until many years later that Bunker learned of a particular foe's praise. Bunker had ended his playing career in the 1902 Army-Navy game, running wild against the Middies and leading the Cadets to a 22-8 victory. He had scored two touchdowns on offense and had spent much of the afternoon punishing Navy's star back, Ralph Strassburger, while on defense. Several years had passed when the two met up again, this time in the Philippines. "Bunker," Strassburger said, "I hate you. Let's have a drink." Walter Camp described Bunker as a battering ram who outclassed all other backs and was a first class defensive tackle. Bunker is one of just a handful of athletes to win All-America mention at two different positions. He won All-America honors as a tackle in 1901 and in 1902 at both halfback and tackle. A World War II Army colonel, Bunker commanded the harbor defense at Manila and surrendered during the fall of Corregidor on May 6, 1942. He died for his country as a prisoner of war.
