Born in the Bronx, Harstein was a chess hustler until September 15, 1946, Wild Card Day, when he was transformed into the Ace, Envoy.
As Envoy, Harstein possessed pheromone control over other people in close proximity to him.
He became one of the Four Aces, working to promote American interests across the globe from 1946 to 1950. The Four Aces were discredited by the House Un-American Activities Committee and disbanded.
After serving his prison sentence, Harstein was drafted under the Special Conscription Act. He never reported for duty and was never seen again.