Wallace Pierce Murdoch

Wallace was born 23 October 1924 in Farnum, Idaho to Brigham and Martha Luann (Hammon) Murdoch and spent his formative years there. After graduation from Ashton High School, he was inducted into the US Army in 1943. He served until his discharge in 1946. Upon release from military service, he began his university studies at Utah State University graduating in 1949 with a B.S. in Entomology and in 1950 with a M.S. in Medical Entomology. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a medical entomologist in the US Army. In 1951 he was called to active duty where after training at the Medical Field Service School, Fort Sam Houston, Texas he was assigned to Camp Picket, Virginia as Post Entomologist. In 1952 he received orders to Korea serving as a member of a preventative medical survey detachment and Commander of the 207th Preventive Medical Survey Detachment. Upon return to the U.S., he chose to remain in the army where he continued his career as a medical entomologist. In 1960 he attended the University of Utah, graduating in 1962 with a Ph.D. in Zoology (Medical Entomology) and a minor in Environmental Engineering and Public Health.

During his military career, he taught entomology at the Medical Field Service School, FT Sam Houston, TX. Established the entomology section of the US Army Medical Hygiene Agency, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD. He did research on infectious diseases in Korea, Japan, and Paraguay. Other notable assignments were to the 406th Medical Laboratory as Chief of the Department of Entomology, and to US Southern Command Panama as Chief of the Environmental Health Division as well as serving as medical adviser to the Panama Sea Level Canal Commission to combat and control the spread of Yellow Fever. Returning to the U. S. he was assigned to US Army Medical Research & Development Command as Chief of the Entomology Branch. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1966 and was awarded the Legion of Merit upon his retirement in December 1968.

After his retirement from the military, he was selected to be the Executive Director of the Entomology Society of America (ESA), a scientific professional society. Notable accomplishments were the computerization of society operations and scientific journal printing system. He retired from ESA in 1978.

Wallace was a member of numerous professional organizations and committees. He edited professional publications and authored a book, The Female Tabanidae (horse flies-deer flies) of Japan, Korea, and Manchuria, published in 1969. He was a member of the academic honorary society Phi Kappa Phi, The Sigma Xi Research Society, and a Fellow of the Washington Academy of Science. He was listed in the American Men of Science and Who’s Who of America.

Following his retirement from ESA, he consulted on mosquito control projects with the Bay County Mosquito Control Commission, Michigan but was primarily interested in working his hay and stock farm outside of Gettysburg, PA. Winters proved to be too uncomfortable and for many years he and Pauline, wife for 74 years, towed their RV to the South Texas Coast for the warmth, fishing, and bird watching opportunities.

Survivors include four children, Wallace Jr. (Sandra), Robert (Debra-deceased), Jon (Judy), and Scott (Mel), three grandchildren, two step grandchildren, two great-grandsons, and two step-great-grandchildren.

The interment will be at Pineview Cemetery, Ashton Idaho at a future time.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Henry’s Fork Foundation (HenrysFork.org) or the charity of one's choice.