1964: G.I. Joe enlists in the U.S. military. He stands 12 inches tall and represents four branches of the armed forces.

1970: He grows out his hair, and leaves the military to join the Adventure Team.

1974: Gets plastic surgery to improve his grasp. He trademarks the "Kung-Fu Grip."

1977: G.I. Joe shrinks to 8 inches, but gains muscle. He is now called "Super Joe." His fans aren't pleased.

1978: Takes a military furlough.

1982: Called upon again by the U.S. government to fight terrorism. He shrinks again, but quickly gains a reputation as the "Real American Hero."

1983: A cartoon miniseries documenting G.I. Joe's adventures debuts. A full series follows in 1985.

1987: Stars in his first film, "G.I. Joe: The Movie," released direct-to-video.

2004: Inducted into National Toy Hall of Fame for years of service.

2009: Stars in "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra." Critics thrash it, but the film grosses more than $302 million worldwide.

2013: The sequel "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" again receives tepid reviews. Grosses more than $375 million worldwide.

2014: Celebrates 50 years of service.