Gung-Ho
(G.I. Joe)
Context
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero was a comic book and cartoon series based off of Hasbro’s 1980’s military action figure toyline.
While both series covered the same characters and concepts, they had vastly different continuities. The cartoon’s stories were far more fantastical (and often silly). Whereas the comic was far more realistic and gritty.
G.I. Joe’s story focused on the ongoing struggle between the G.I. Joe Team (a group made up of soldiers hand-picked from the four main branches of the U.S. Armed Forces) and the sinister Cobra organization (who were dedicated to world conquest).
Our write-ups specifically cover the first 56 issues of the 1982-1994 Marvel comics series which took place in its own universe. They thus exclude any events found in any other comics (IDW, Image, etc.) or television/movie series.
Gung-Ho is one of the most recognizable Joes. He’s multi-generational, having appeared in virtually all of the different series and having a staggering 21 different action figure depictions as of this writing.
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Background
- Real Name: Ettienne R. LaFitte.
- Known Relatives: Many unnamed brothers and sisters, unnamed mother and father.
- Group Affiliation: United States Armed Forces; G.I. Joe.
- Base of Operations: Mobile.
- Height: 6’3″ (1.90m). Weight: 240 lbs. (109 Kg.).
- Eyes: Brown. Hair: Brown.
Powers & Abilities
Gung-Ho is a highly trained, highly effective special operations soldier. He has received extensive Recon, Airborne and Marine Ordnance training.
He is proficient with most infantry weapons and a talented knife fighter.
Even for a marine, Gung-ho’s strength is remarkable. He once wrenched a car door off of its frame. He also could hammer wooden beams into place with his bare hands.
When deployed, Gung-Ho usually wields a XM-76 Grenade Launcher, some fragmentation grenades and a combat knife.
(“Gung ho” is 1930s+ US Marines jargon for “exceedingly enthusiastic/energetic”. It is vaguely derived from a Chinese slogan — ed.).
History
Gung-Ho was born into a large Cajun clan on the bayou in Fer-de-Lance, Louisiana sometime in the 1960s.
When he turned 16, he decided to seek his fortune in New Orleans. He made a living by participating in underground fighting arenas. In short order, he earned a reputation as an accomplished brawler and knife fighter.
When he turned 18, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He attended boot camp at Parris Island. From there, he then went on to Recondo, Airborne and Marine Heavy Ordnance school. He graduated at the top of his class in each.
Gung-Ho’s skill, strength and sheer craziness distinguished him from his peers. These qualities eventually brought him to the attention of the G.I. Joe strikeforce.
Yo Joe!
On his very first mission with the Joes, Gung-Ho cemented his position with the team.
It took place in Alaska, where Cobra was trying to poison the Alaskan Pipeline. While defending the pipeline, Gung-ho charged a trio of armed Cobra Vipers, bare-chested in -5°C (23 °F) weather. He defeated them… unarmed.
Afterwards, Gung-Ho participated in several key Joe missions including:
- A failed attempt to capture the Baroness and Dr. Venom from Sierra Gordo.
- A battle in Washington DC, where Cobra attempted to poison the ink at the U.S. Treasury.
- A failed attempt to guard a captured Cobra Commander in the American Rockies. Gung-ho was seriously wounded by Storm Shadow during that operation.
- The successful rescue of Dr. Adele Burkhart from Sierra Gordo.
- The battle of Cobra Island.
After the battle of Cobra Island, Gung-Ho helped stop Zartan from escaping the Pit. He shrewdly determined that Zartan had disguised himself as Duke. He then fought him to a standstill until help could arrive.
Description
Gung-Ho is a large musclebound White male. When he has hair (he often shaves his head), it is jet black.
He has a thin mustache and a large blue USMC symbol tattooed in the center of his thick chest.
Gung-Ho’s uniform consists of a pair of camouflage fatigues and a matching vest. He tops off his uniform with a pair of sturdy combat boots and a tall military cap.
In his earlier appearances, Gung-Ho spoke with a distinctive “cajun” accent. This was dropped as the series progressed.
Personality
Gung-Ho is impetuous and brave… often to the point of stupidity. He’ll do and risk anything to succeed in his mission.
Gung-Ho has a wicked temper. When he loses control, he’ll lash out at anything nearby. From people to car doors. He once totaled an expensive sports car because its model was a “Cobra.”
Finally, Gung-Ho is a proud Joe, and an even prouder marine. He holds the corps in the highest regard and isn’t afraid to let the entire world know it.
Quotes
“Split up ? Not so good. I think better to take out station first, capture tank and then go after main body. No ? I think maybe that Snake-Eyes he agree with me, he nodding like hungry ’gator…”
Rock’n’Roll: “The Joes in that ‘copter don’t have a prayer …”
Gung-Ho: “No. But they got GUNG-HO !”
“You call someone else Gung-Ho, eh, Flash ? Don’t.”
(While pounding a brace into place with his bare hands)
Stalker: “You’re going to need a sledgehammer to –”
Gung-Ho: “Hammer ? I don’t need no stinkin’ hammer !”
DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Gung-Ho
| Dex: 04 | Str: 04 | Bod: 05 |
| Int: 04 | Wil: 04 | Min: 04 |
| Inf: 03 | Aur: 03 | Spi: 04 |
| Init: 013 | HP: 020 |
Powers:
Cold Immunity: 01
Bonuses and Limitations:
Cold Immunity is a Form Function (+1FC).
Skills:
Acrobatics (Climbing): 04, Acrobatics (Dodging): 02, Martial Artist (AV): 05, Medicine (First aid): 03, Military science (Camouflage, Cartography, Danger Recognition, Demolition): 05, Vehicles (Sea, Land): 04, Thief (Stealth): 04, Weaponry (Infantry weapons): 05
Advantages:
Rank (E-7, Gunnery Sergeant), Expertise (Jungle Warfare, Military Equipment and Protocols, Mountaineering, Parachuting, Recon), Languages (Cajun French).
Connections:
GI Joe (High), United States Military (Low).
Drawbacks:
None demonstrated.
Motivation:
Patriot.
Genre:
Action.
Occupation:
Soldier.
Wealth:
002
Equipment:
- Grenade Launcher [BODY 02, Range: 07, Ammo: 01, Drawback: Long Reload].
- Grenade (x2) [BODY 02, EV 07 (Area of Effect), R#03, Grenade Drawback].
- Ka-bar combat knife [BODY 05, Enhance (EV): 01 (Cap is 06), Descriptor: Piercing, Slashing].
Source of Character: Marvel Comics Series – G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, Written by Larry Hama and illustrated by Herb Trimpe.
Helper(s): Ethan Roe, et des haricots salés.
Writeup completed on the 9th of September, 2016.