BAZOOKA SOLDIER
Code Name: ZAP
File Name: Melendez, Rafael J.
Primary Military Specialty: Engineer
Secondary Military Specialty: Infantry Artillery
Birthplace: New York City, New York
Grade: E-4
Rafael "Zap" Melendez is one of the original 13 members of the G.I. JOE team. He's a specialist in armor-piercing and anti-tank weapons, but he also assists the team as a demolitions expert. From his training in Engineering School, Ordnance School, and Advanced Infantry, he's acquired field skills that he applies with his characteristic coolness under fire and a professional attitude in any situation. He's participated in many battles against COBRA and uses knowledge gleaned from those missions to pinpoint and attack the evil organization's weak points. And just to be absolutely sure of the outcome, he backs up every plan with plenty of weapons and explosives. “The stuff I work on could blow up at any time, so I have to make sure that anytime something explodes, it causes COBRA COMMANDER to have a very bad day.