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Does anyone know where the actual term GI Joe comes from? I remember vaguely a History Channel show on it, and for some reason I'm thinking about a particular marine at Guadalcanal.. but I have no idea.. anyone?

General Issue.

Not what the acronym stands for, lol.. but the phrase GI Joe

DPDarkPrimus wrote:General Issue.

Infantry.

"G.I. Joe" -

"G.I." - American General Infantryman.

"Joe" - the most common American given name at the time (i.e. "an average Joe").

Put together, "G.I. Joe" means "An American soldier," or as the latter-day figure packaging would say, "A real American hero."

General Issue Joe.

Implying the regular infantry soldier being a gov't "issued" expendable item <== I believe thats the meaning.

YO JOE!!!

*runs in and kicks a few Cobra redshirts asses before deactivating Cobvra Commander's volcano gun and watching him escape in his helicopter*

I'll get you next time Cobra Commander! *shakes fist*

*theme plays*
GI Joe, he's a real American hero; GI Joe, he'll always save the day, GI JOE!

Couldn't help it. GI Joe was my childhood war cartoon.

Hmmm.. I guess you guys don't understand what I'm asking. I know what G.I. Joe stands for, but I'm asking for it's historical roots. How did the term come into such popularity or usage?

WW2.
Supplies were shipped in crates, marked, Contains X each, combat supply X, OD green, Government Issue.
Everything was shipped with the Government Issue label. It was the only thing these supplies had in common. That and comming in a crate off a ship or truck.
"GI" stuff refered American government war supplies. Sometimes supplies and new replacement soldiers came on the same convoy. Crates and bodies stacking up at the depot. Units would fill up their magazines, and their ranks. Here are the Jeeps, here are the bullets, here is the gasoline, and here are the Joes. All refilled to full strenth? Back to the front.
It was already explained how Joe was one of the most common first names used in America at that time. GI Joe, started, as most of these things do, as a joke, but with real meaning behind it. In a wartime situation, people look for jokes and laughs, for escapism. It spread fast, because it was funny and popular.
Hence, "GI" Joe. Government Issue, soldier, one each, OD green.

This is very much like "Kilroy was here."

Trytostaydead wrote:Hmmm.. I guess you guys don't understand what I'm asking. I know what G.I. Joe stands for, but I'm asking for it's historical roots. How did the term come into such popularity or usage?

Well you see, back in the thirties, Mattel wanted to try marketing a doll for boys...

G.I. Joe was created in the late 40s by Hasbro, not by Mattel. Sorry, DP.

You completely missed the humor.