Charley Parker lived in the Midway City orphanage and idolized Hawkman. At one point he sent a letter to Hawkman describing his home-made “Hawkman” costume. Hawkman had been ordered back to Thanagar, thus resigning from the JLA.
Golden Eagle then debuted in Justice League of America #116 (December 5, 1974). Parker himself explained that one day he had been wearing his “Hawkman” costume and fantasizing he was the Thanagarian hero when a strange light enveloped him turning his costume into an exact replica of Hawkman’s costume. He also gained the ability to fly due to the replicated wings of his costume. Charley could at will change his street clothes into the Golden Eagle costume.
