![Ace Allgood's G I Joe collection. ] JOELKOYAMA•jkoyama@startribune Minneapolis, MN on March 11, 2014. G.I. Joe has seen a lot of action over the years. The soldier is a scarred veteran of countless military campaigns and adventures. He captured pygmy gorillas and hunted white tigers. He fought a terrorist organization, and four generations of young men have been his commander. America's first action figure has been an institution for children and adults for 50 years. Will G.I.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/O5F3RGGPQOU6URHGLEVON6KSUY.jpg?&w=1080)
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.
