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GI Joe, the world’s first action figure, turns 50

By Chris Carola
Published February 6, 2014 12:20pm ET
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GI Joe, the world’s first action figure, turns 50
This Jan. 31, 2014 photo shows a Gen. George Patton G.I. Joe action figure, right, and other G.I. Joes in a display at the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. A half-century after the 12-inch doll was introduced at a New York City toy fair, the iconic action figure is being celebrated by collectors with a display at the military museum, while the toy's maker plans other anniversary events to be announced later this month. (AP Photo/Mike Groll) | Mike Groll

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — G.I. Joe is turning 50.

The birthday of what’s called the world’s first action figure is being celebrated this month by collectors and the toy maker that introduced it just before the nation plunged into the quagmire that would become the Vietnam War — a storm it seems to have weathered pretty well.

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