Joseph Colton is a natural born leader. He graduated at the top of his class at West Point. He got assigned to the Green Berets under Capt Charles Beckwith in the 7th SFG. He served with distinction in operations in Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam. His impeccable record and devotion to the men who served under him caught the attention of President John F. Kennedy.

The President, as a long time supporter of US Special Forces, wanted to create a covert team that could be inserted anywhere to take on any mission and answered directly to the President. The project was called GI Joe and Colton was going be the team's Commanding Officer. Lt Colton accepted the mission.

This early incarnation of GI Joe operated in every major hot spot throughout the 60's. As the situation in Vietnam worsened the reluctance of other nations to support US military operations grew. For that reason project GI Joe was mothballed and Colton went on a sabbatical. In reality the team and its leader became a CIA fronted private security firm under the guise of being international exotic tour guides and a humanitarian rescue operation.

During a Cobra attack on a government scientific research facility in New York City, Colton helped the modern Joes fend off the attack. General Hawk tried to recruit who he thought to be a highly trained civilian onto his team. General Colton became a close adviser with the team, working with the Joes on several occasions.

After an attack that left General Hawk in a wheelchair, General Colton took over as acting commander of the team.