Born in 1924 in North Dakota, Jack Braun earned the rank of U.S. Army Master Sergeant at the end of World War II. Jack Braun was transformed into the Ace Golden boy on September 15, 1946 when the Wild Card Virus was released.

Golden Boy was recruited by politician Archibald Holmes to join the Exotics for Democracy, more commonly known as the Four Aces.

In 1950, Golden Boy co-operated with the House Un-American Activities Committee; he denounced his teammates to save himself. The Four Aces were discredited and disbanded.

Golden Boy spent decades shunned by the Ace community.

Golden Boy has super-human strength, invulnerability, stamina and apparent immortality (at age 60 he still appears to be in his mid-20s). When his power is used a glowing, golden aura surrounds his body which has been theorized to be a personal force field. The greater the effort required, the greater the golden glow. After a few hours of constant effort, Golden Boy's aura will begin to fade and he will require a few hours rest to recharge.