09/04/2026
Often we think of military pilots for their achievements during wartime. However, some are more famous for what they do afterwards. Harrison "Bud" Tordoff was born in upstate New York and developed an interest in wildlife, particularly Ornithology (the study of birds). By 1940 he was enrolled at Cornell University, where he would study until his enlistment into the United States Army Air Force in 1942. Despite his comparatively poor depth perception, Tordoff proved an outstanding pilot claiming 3 victories in a P-47 Thunderbolt. On his second tour, he was assigned a P-51 Mustang, more specifically the aircraft in on display in our museum. At that time, pilots were discouraged from using crude names for their aircraft. Tordoff decided to dub his P-51D "Upupa Epops"-- the scientific name for the Hoopoe bird renowned for its poor flight. In his P-51D he would claim two more victories, most notably one over an Me262 jet fighter, giving him the status of "Ace". After the war, Bud continued his studies, eventually getting a Ph.D. in Ornithology. From there he would become a leading figure in natural history museums as well as make numerous contributions to wildlife conservation, including that of the Kirtland's Warbler and Peregrine Falcon. Tordoff would continue his efforts until his passing.
