Marine General Who Was Aviation Pioneer Is Killed in Home Robbery

Retired Maj. Gen. Marion Carl, a World War II ace and postwar test pilot considered the “Chuck Yeager of the Marine Corps,” was shot to death in a robbery at his home after a man kicked in the front door.

The 82-year-old Carl, one of the Marines’ most highly decorated aviators, was shot in the head Sunday night. His wife, Edna, suffered a glancing shot to the head.

Sheriff’s deputies Monday searched for the gunman in the wooded hills nearby. Monday afternoon, authorities issued a warrant for the arrest of Jesse Stuart Fanus, 19, who has a record of arrests on charges including drunk driving, burglary and criminal trespassing.

Edna Carl told police a young man with a German shepherd kicked in the front door, demanded money and her car keys, then shot her husband when he confronted the man.

The gunman stole $200 to $400 and the couple’s car.

Carl’s flying exploits extended from World War II to the Vietnam War. In 1942, the Oregon native became the first Marine fighter ace, downing three Japanese bombers and a fighter plane over Guadalcanal.

Carl later became a Navy test pilot, setting a world speed record of 651 mph on Aug. 25, 1947, at Muroc Field, now Edwards Air Force Base. In 1953, Carl set a world altitude record of 83,235 feet.

He retired in 1973 with 13,000 flying hours, a Navy Cross with two gold stars, the Legion of Merit with three gold stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross with four gold stars and the Air Medal with 13 gold stars.