Filecard Information: COBRA HISS drivers are selected from the best and most evil of COBRA Command's thousands of yearly recruits. Each is chosen for his physical strength and total dedication to evil! HISS drivers are graduates of COBRA Battle School, Advanced Weapons Systems Training. Qualified Experts: HISS Vehicle, FANG Copter, knowledge of all NATO and G. I. Joe weapons.
COBRA HISS drivers are committed to the destruction of G. I. Joe! This newly developed battle vehicle is a real match for the G. I. Joe team. Beware!
Toy Info:
Highest-ranking Cobra soldier whose rank is given on filecard (even outranks Cobra Officers and Major Bludd). The chest insignia rubs off easily. Also available with a vehicle drivers set through several mail-in offers in 1987 and 1988, as well as 1992's offer, Mission Rescue: Code Blue. In these brochures, his name is switched with that of Stinger Driver. This and his appearance in the Stinger in the G. I. Joe Bugle brochure suggests Hasbro may have permanently confused these characters for some unknown reason.
Cover Girl was a high fashion model in Chicago and New York prior to enlistment. Grew disillusioned with modeling and enlisted to put new direction in her life. Attended Armor School at Fort Knox and related tech schools. Proficient in diesel mechanics, gas turbine technology. Qualified Expert: LAW rocket, Dragon A/T Missile, M-16 and M-1911A auto pistol.
Cover Girl finds that she must work against her beauty to prove herself. She's compelled to learn and master decidedly unfeminine disciplines. Her self-assurance and stunning good looks reduce most men to stuttering fools.
Toy Info:
The only female vehicle-exclusive figure prior to 1998. The 2006 version was named Agent Courtney Krieger. Recolored versions were released in Argentina and Brazil as Sparta.
Grandslam (Grand Slam Silver Pads)
Laser Jet Pack Soldier
E-5 (Army sergeant)
File Name: Sgt. James J. Barney
Primary MOS: Artillery
POB: Chippewa Falls, WI
Secondary MOS: Electronics Engineer
Accessories: dark green helmet (large standard, with visor holes); clear visor (standard). Some collectors may regard the JUMP's jet pack, laser rifle, and cord as Grand Slam accessories.
Grand Slam received initial training in conventional artillery and served with a 155mm battery. Graduated: Special Weapons School (Top of Class). Specialized Education: Artillery School; Advanced Tech School. Qualified Expert: M-16; M-1911A1; HAL Heavy Artillery Laser. He's soft-spoken and calm—just a bit shy. Intelligent. Loves to read escapist fantasy (science fiction and comic books).
Toy Info:
Considered fairly rare and highly sought after, possibly due to low sales of the JUMP in 1983. (Perhaps most buyers already had the vehicle or the first version of the figure.) Often called Silver Pads Grand Slam to distinguish him from the 1982 red-padded version.
Grunt (Tan Version)
Falcon Pilot
E-4 (Army corporal)
File Name: Corp. Robert W. Graves
Primary MOS: Infantry
POB: Columbus, OH
Secondary MOS: Falcon Pilot; Small Arms Armoror [sic]; Artillery Coordinator
Accessories: tan helmet (large standard). Did not come with a backpack, though BGAP #1's tan 'Grunt' backpack is often given to this figure.
Familiar with all NATO and Warsaw Pact small arms as well as domestic civilian arms. Graduated: Falcon Glider School. Advanced Infantry Training: Finished in top ten of his class. Qualified Expert: M-14; M-16; M-1911A1 (Auto-Pistol)
Grunt is a highly motivated, systematic individual. He's a stand-up guy who doesn't blow his cool in a fire-fight.
Toy Info:
Due either to low sales of the Falcon Glider or simply to being a lesser-known figure, this Tan Grunt is considered valuable to collectors.
COBRA HISS drivers are selected from the best and most evil of COBRA Command's thousands of yearly recruits. Each is chosen for his physical strength and total dedication to evil! HISS drivers are graduates of COBRA Battle School, Advanced Weapons Systems Training. Qualified Experts: HISS Vehicle, FANG Copter, knowledge of all NATO and G. I. Joe weapons.
COBRA HISS drivers are committed to the destruction of G. I. Joe! This newly developed battle vehicle is a real match for the G. I. Joe team. Beware!
Toy Info:
Highest-ranking Cobra soldier whose rank is given on filecard (even outranks Cobra Officers and Major Bludd). The chest insignia rubs off easily. Also available with a vehicle drivers set through several mail-in offers in 1987 and 1988, as well as 1992's offer, Mission Rescue: Code Blue. In these brochures, his name is switched with that of Stinger Driver. This and his appearance in the Stinger in the G. I. Joe Bugle brochure suggests Hasbro may have permanently confused these characters for some unknown reason.
One of the nameless, faceless legions of COBRA Command. Each COBRA is highly skilled in the use of explosives, all NATO and Warsaw Pact small arms, sabotage, and the martial arts. Qualified expert: Skorpion (VZOR61) Machine Pistol; Dragunov (SVD) Sniper's Rifle; Uzi Submachine Gun; M-16
COBRAS swear absolute loyalty to their fanatical leader . . . COBRA Commander. Their goal . . . to conquer the world for their own evil purpose!
Toy Info:
Considered on of the Holy Grails of GI Joe 1980s figures, the Viper Pilot is rare because of its distribution methods & the fragile nature of the aircraft. The chest insignia rubs off easily; a Cobra soldier with missing insignia is probably a Viper Pilot.
According to Wild Bill's original file card, his real name is William S. Hardy, and his rank is that of army chief warrant officer CW-4. Wild Bill was born in Brady, Texas. Wild Bill served as a combat infantryman and participated in LRRP operations during the Vietnam War. He reenlisted for Flight Warrant Officer School and has remained in service since. When he first joined the G.I. Joe Team, he was the pilot of the Dragonfly helicopter. He is a qualified expert in the M1191A auto pistol (but prefers single action .45 long colt revolvers) and the XM-16 attack rifle. Wild Bill is the original helicopter pilot for the G.I.Joe team, and is also an expert tracker and can function on the ground as well as any expert infantry scout. He is able to adapt the hunting skills he learned as a boy whenever he's tracking the enemy, saying that sneaking up on a Cobra is easier than sneaking up on most critters. Wild Bill is an amiable fellow and talks slowly. He fancies himself a country-western singer. He is totally honest in his personal dealings, but he is not yet beyond spinning a tall tale for the amusement of his comrades.
Toy Info:
The character first appeared as part of the 1983 line of the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toy line. His action figure was bundled with the Dragonfly helicopter toy. A second edition action figure was released in 1992 and his function is re-designated as an Air Cavalry Scout. In 2002, a new figure was made utilizing the newer technology in articulation and detail. It was released as part of the G.I. Joe vs. Cobra series. Wild Bill was slated to be part of 1988's Tiger Force but was dropped for unknown reasons; Recondo was assigned pilotry of the Tiger Fly in his place. A recolored version was released in India.
Mail-In Rare Duke Figures
G.I. Joe Duke!
First Sergeant
E-8 (Army first sergeant)
File Name: 1SG Conrad S. Hauser
Primary MOS: Airborne Infantryman
POB: St. Louis, MO
Secondary MOS: Artillery, Small-arms armorer
Accessories: light green helmet (standard; mail version had no visor holes); tan backpack (83 Airborne's); light green submachine gun (82 Stalker's M-32); black binoculars (new, with strap).
Variations: Early mail-in versions did not have visor-holes in the helmet.
MAIL-IN
Item # 6422
Backround Info:
Duke was fluent in French, German, and English when he enlisted in 1967. Graduated top of his class at airborne school, Fort Benning. Opted for U.S. Army Special Language School. Specialized in Han Chinese and South East Asian dialects. Went Special Forces in 1969. Worked with tribesmen in the boonies of South Vietnam. Ran four different Special Forces schools. Turned down a commission in 1971. Commands by winning respect. Current assignment: Acting First Sergeant, G. I. Joe team.
Statement after declining commission: They tell me that an officer's job is to impel others to take the risks—so that the officer survives to take the blame in the event of total catastrophe. With all due respect, sir . . . if that's what an officer does, I don't want any part of it.
Toy Info:
Duke was one of the first mail-away figures created for the G.I. Joe 3.75 action figure line of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. There have been numerous versions of the Duke action figure issued over the years in the 3.75 size since 1982. Later on, Duke was inaugurated into the 12 G.I. Joe: Hall of Fame series. Featured in the Sky Hawk commercial. Slightly different versions were released in China and Japan.
Accessories: light green helmet (new, with goggles); tan backpack (new, with engraved shovel); dark grey assault rifle (new, Car-15 with L-shaped stock)
Variations: None.
Carded
Item # 6411
Backround Info:
Franklin E. Talltree (codename: Airborne) was born in a Navajo Reservation in Arizona. Airborne's parents are oil-rich Navajos who indulged their eldest son with sky-diving lessons, forever setting his love for being in the air. In college he studied law and passed the Arizona State Bar exams. He later joined the army and opted airborne training. He later graduated top of class from Fort Benning Airborne School. He is an expert in using Hughes Helicopter Chain Gun, M-16, M-60 and M-1911A auto pistol. Airborne has a psychic bond with his brother.
Toy Info:
Featured in the Polar Battle Bear and SkyStriker commercials. His name is beside the co-pilot's seat in the Dragonfly. Slightly recolored versions were released in Argentina and Brazil as Condor. A Python Patrol version was also released in Brazil as Gatilho. Versions from 2003 onward were named Sergeant Airborne. An unrelated figure named Airborne was released in 1990 as part of the Sky Patrol.
Destro
Enemy Weapons Supplier
File Name: (UNKNOWN)
Primary MOS: Weapons Manufacturer
POB: (UNKNOWN)
Secondary MOS: Terrorist
Accessories: black backpack (new, opens like briefcase); black pistol (new, Mauser C96).
Variations: Some figures were produced without a date stamp on the inside leg.
CARDED
Item # 6427
Rare Cobra Logo
Chinese Packaging
Japaniese Packaging
Backround Info:
Destro is the faceless power behind MARS (Military Armaments Research System), largest manufacturer of state-of-the-art weaponry. To Destro, war is man's most natural state: the fittest survive and the greatest technological advances are made. He maintains a luxurious lifestyle around the world. Destro provides high-tech arms to any side able to meet his price and will incite war where it does not exist. He dons his silver battle mask (a family tradition) and enters battle himself, either with COBRA Command (Destro is their major weapons supplier) or against them if it's better for business.
Destro respects the G. I. Joe team for their combat skills and expertise, but abhors them for wasting such skills to maintain peace. He's totally dedicated to seeing them undermined, subverted, or destroyed!
Toy Info:
Later filecards list Destro as James McCullen Destro from Callander, Scotland. The first figure to receive his own commerical; also taller than most figures. Recolored versions were released in Argentna as Fuera de la Ley and in Europe as Red Jackal.
Doc
Medic
O-3 (Army captain)
File Name: Capt. Carl W. Greer
Primary MOS: Medical Doctor
POB: Concord, MA
Secondary MOS: Chaplain's Assistant
Accessories: tan helmet (new, with flares on sides); black flare launcher (new, with sling); dark green stretcher (new).
Variations: In the 1983 catalog, Doc lacks both the cross on his right shoulder and the strap on his flare launcher.
CARDED
Item # 6415
Backround Info:
Graduated from Harvard Medical School, completed residency at Johns Hopkins. Hoped for a guarantee of a G. I. Joe assignment upon enlistment. Told flatly that the Army made no such deals. Doc enlisted anyway and achieved his goal through ordinary channels. Graduated Airborne School, Mountaineering School, and Desert Training Unit.
An avowed pacifist, Doc believes that the G. I. Joe team is the best we have. We send them into the worst situations imaginable because that's where we need them most. When the going gets rough, they need something more than a pill-roller.I'm their main man!
Toy Info:
The character G. I. Joe Doc, released in 2007, is this character's niece. Featured in the Polar Battle Bear commercial. Also available by the mail-in Original Adventure Team offer in 1986. A slightly different version was released in Argentina as S.O.S.
Gung-Ho
Marine
E-7 (Marine gunnery sergeant)
File Name: Sgt. Ettienne R. LaFitte
Primary MOS: Recondo
POB: Fer-de-Lance, LA
Secondary MOS: Jungle Warfare Training Instructor
Accessories: light blue backpack (new, pouch); black grenade launcher (new, XM-76).
Variations: In the commercial, Gung-Ho had a thicker moustache and a more complex camouflage pattern.
CARDED
Item # 6414
Backround Info:
Born into a large back-swamp Cajun clan. Gung-Ho moved to New Orleans and won a reputation as a bare-knuckle brawler and knife-fighter to be reckoned with. Joined the Marines at 18 and graduated top of class from boot camp at Parris Island. Attended: Airborne School, Recondo School, and Marine Ordnance School. Qualified Expert: All NATO infantry small arms and most Warsaw Pact infantry weapons, XM-76 Grenade Launcher.
ZAP says, All marines are crazy but Gung-Ho is the hairiest, scariest, craziest jarhead that ever scratched, kicked, and bit his way out of that hole-in-the-swamp they call Parris Island!
Toy Info:
At the time of his release, G. H. was the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer on the team. Featured in the Polar Battle Bear commercial. Recolored versions were released in India and in Europe as Gaucho. Gung-Ho's code name is not hyphenated for the 2001, 2002/III, 2003, 2004/I, 2004/II, 2005, and 2007 versions.
Major Bludd
Mercenary
O-4 (Major)
File Name: Maj. Sebastian Bludd
Primary MOS: Terrorist
POB: Sidney, Australia
Secondary MOS: Weapons and Tactics
Accessories: black backpack (new, with rockets); black pistol (new, rocket launcher).
Variations: None.
CARDED
Item # 6426
US Front Carded
US Back
Japan Card
Backround Info:
Bludd received initial military training in the Australian Special Air Service. Later joined the French Foreign Legion. Worked as military advisor in a number of countries and is currently wanted for crimes in Rhodesia and Libya. Proficient with every form of infantry weapon in current use. Bludd has a tactical mind like a steel trap. Qualified Expert: All NATO and Warsaw Pact small arms.
Major Bludd writes poetry . . . badly: When you're feeling low and woozy/Slap a fresh clip in your Uzi!/Assume the proper firing stance/And make the suckers jump and dance! (from The Attica Gazette).
Note: A few filecards give a less violent poem, as follows: A mercenary's job is a heartless one/I'm a soldier for hire like a pawn-shop gun/My ruthless tactics keep you on your toes/'Cause I fight 'em all, whether friends or foes!
Toy Info:
First available through Free Mercenary mail-in offer, then carded with the 1983 assortment. Also available through several mail-in offers between 1986 and 1988. Featured in the FANG commercial. Bionic arm does not bend or swivel. Recolored or otherwise different versions were released in India and China.
Snow Job
Arctic Trooper
E-6 (Army staff sergeant)
File Name: Sgt. Harlan W. Moore
Primary MOS: Arctic Ski Patrol
POB: Rutland, VT
Secondary MOS: Rifle Instructor
Accessories: white backpack (new, white with holes and clips); black laser rifle (new, XMLR-3A with sling); two white skis with black skipoles (new).
Variations: None.
SkyStriker XP-14F
Item # 6412
US Snow Job
Takara-Japan Front
Takara-Japan Back
Backround Info:
Snow Job was a major Olympic Biathalon [sic] contender. He enlisted initially for the special training and support privileges that the army gives to Olympic champions.However, to the consternation of army PR flacks, Snow Job volunteered and was accepted into the G. I. Joe team! Qualified Expert: all NATO long range sniper rifles, XMLR-3A laser rifle.
Submitted by Rock 'n Roll: You think we call him Snow Job because he does his job on skis? Negative. He's a con artist, pure and simple, except when he picks up his rifle—sure as heck, something's gonna fall down!
Toy Info:
Featured in the Polar Battle Bear commercial. Some time around 1985, sold in a J. C. Penny's exclusive 3-pack with Torpedo and Tripwire. Snow Job was the first of many snow-climate figures.
Torpedo
SEAL (Sea, Air, and Land)
WO-4 (Navy chief warrant officer)
File Name: Edward W. Leialoha
Primary MOS: Navy SEAL
POB: Aiea, HI
Secondary MOS: Demolitions
Accessories: two grey flippers (new); grey backpack (new, with orange tanks); black speargun (new).
Variations: None.
SkyStriker XP-14F
Item # 6413
US GI JOE VERSION
Japan Vintage Carded
Backround Info:
Torpedo was a scuba instructor prior to enlistment. Attained black belts in three martial arts by 19 (Wu-Shu, Kenpo, and Go-Ju-Ryu). Proficient with Filipino butterfly knife (Bali-Song). Training records after SEAL school: CLASSIFIED. Qualified Expert: Most NATO small arms, NATO and Warsaw Pact explosive devices.
Spends off-duty hours perfecting his fighting skills and marksmanship. Strict vegetarian. Regarded by his teammates as a highly competent professional, but has the personality of a cold fish.
Toy Info:
Featured in the commercial for the APC. Some time around 1985, sold in a J. C. Penny's exclusive 3-pack with Snow Job and Tripwire. Recolored versions were released in India. Some parts were used to create the India-exclusive figure Superhero. Versions in 2003 and 2004 were named Chief Torpedo, and the 2008 version is Lt. Torpedo.
Tripwire
Mine Detector
E-4 (Specialist 4)
File Name: Spc. Tormod S. Skoog
Primary MOS: Explosive Ordnance Disposal
POB: Hibbing, MN
Secondary MOS: Demolitions
Accessories: light green backpack (new, with cord hole and mine slot); three light green mines (new); black mine detector (new, with cord).
Variations: None.
SkyStriker XP-14F
Item # 6410
Backround Info:
Tripwire dropped out of high school at a naval base in Yokosuka, Japan (Father is career navy). Spent two years in a Zen monastery pondering the meaning of life. Expelled for breaking too many dishes and spilling every conceivable liquid. Joined the army at 19 and received spiritual awakening on the grenade range. Proficient with all NATO and Warsaw Pact explosives, detonators, ignition initiators, and blasting machines. Qualified Expert: M-1911A autopistol.
Tripwire freaks people out. He's always clumsy, jittery, and dropping things except when he's working with high explosives. Explosives are the only things that calm him down.
Toy Info:
Featured in the commercial for the APC. Some time around 1985, sold in a J. C. Penny's exclusive 3-pack with Snow Job and Torpedo. A recolored version was released in Europe as Blades.
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1983 83 GI Joe Rare Action Figure Viper Pilot Price Guide Pictures
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