G.I. Joe’s Maker Passes Away

His name was Donald Levine and he was known by very few people, although he was instrumental in almost every little boy's life. He was the head of Hasbro's Toy Design and Development Division. Levine passed away last Thursday in his home in Rhode Island, just days away from his 60th wedding anniversary. 

According to a small article in the Quincy Herald Whig, Levine served his nation in the Army and was stationed in Korea. During his time there he came up with an idea for a toy to honor  veterans. This toy had 21 moving parts and stood 11 and 1/2 inches tall. He brought the idea to his office after serving his time and the rest was history.

With some help from designers, Levine was able to market quite successfully a toy most American boys played with for years and some still do. If you haven't figured it out yet, Levine created G.I. Joe complete with designed uniforms of the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force. G.I. Joe came complete with accessories of guns, helmets and vehicles.

Donald Levine was 86.