G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero#152(1994)

Ace gives Joseph Colton last-minute flight instructions as they prepare to embark on a secret mission to Washington D.C. As they take off, Ace inquires about Colton's last experience in a combat jet, triggering a flashback to a harrowing story from Colton's past. In the midst of the Vietnam War, Colton, along with his team members "Top" Wenzel and Angel Vasquez, devise a plan to blow up an ammo bunker to distract the enemy from their extraction point. Despite making it to the extraction point, they are ambushed by a hidden heavy machine gun outpost, resulting in the destruction of their helicopter and Angel being critically wounded. Colton heroically carries the injured Angel to a backup helicopter that arrives just in time. The helicopter pilot has strict orders to transport Colton to Tonsonhut and then to Washington, but Colton desperately pleads to divert to the nearest base camp to seek medical attention for the dying Angel. The pilot refuses to disobey orders, and Angel ultimately passes away during the flight. Grieving, Colton delays his trip to D.C. to properly handle Angel's remains. Upon finally arriving in Washington, Colton is shocked to learn that President John F. Kennedy himself is waiting for him. JFK, understanding Colton's unwavering loyalty to his men, proposes a new mission for Colton: to form a special army unit called "G.I. Joe" that reports directly to the President. Colton agrees to consider the offer as JFK departs for Texas, expressing admiration for Colton's devotion and trust in him to do the right thing. Ace snaps Colton back to reality as they approach their landing at Arlington National Cemetery, where a crowd of security personnel awaits Colton's arrival. Noticing Colton lost in thought, Ace gives him a moment to collect himself before stepping into the next chapter of his life.