As a bomber pilot, he earned the call sign "Hawk" based on his ability to get close to a target without being noticed. His piloting skills along with his ability to work with as well as motivate others earned him multiple and quick promotions until he reached general at a young age.

After leaving the military, General Hawk was amazed at how inefficient society was, and he felt that his adherence to order would make him a suitable leader in a reformed society. Knowing that he would not be elected as a leader because of his views, we went to recruit other individuals to join him in a forceful change in society, and thus a new organization, "G.I. Joe" was created. This new organization symbolized the idea of the ordinary solder and individual standing up to a government that had abandoned them. Little did General Hawk know that the U.S. military was creating a special force to deal with the threat of his organization, an force known as COBRA.

From one of Gen Hawk's recruitment speeches, "America has forsaken her people, and the people cry for order. Together we can bring about a change in society. It will take all of us, no matter your profession, to establish this new order. Do not reveal yourselves until the right time. Continue to maintain your current place in society and keep our strength of numbers a surprise."