On August 25, 1947 Marine Corps Lt. Col. Marion Carl set a new world speed record of 650.606 miles per hour over the low altitude timing course laid out at Muroc AFB (now Edwards AFB) At 6'2" tall, Carl was unable to wear a hard helmet in the cramped cockpit of the Douglas D-558-1 Skystreak, also known as the "Crimson Test Tube." Instead, he wore the same style leather head gear he had worn as a decorated combat pilot in  WWII.
 
The original painting is sold. It was purchased by the NASA Art Program and is proudly displayed at the Ames Flight Research Center, Edwards AFB in California.
 
* Prints are available through his website by clicking the "add to cart" navigation button. Print size in inches: 16 x 20 on 18 x 22 paper.