While on the trail of a Nazi spy ring, Joe Smith, a United States government agent was shot and wounded by one of its members. However, Smith's life was saved, when a being known as the Spirit of America appeared before him and said, "I have selected you to weild great powers! Use them for good!" Smith vowed to do so, and found himself with superhuman strength and agility and clad in a red, white, and blue costume. The American Shield went on to become a founding member of the United Squadron of America, of which he serves as leader.