The First Line were formed in 1958 after 3 U.S. Agents - The Yankee Clipper (II), Liberty Girl and The Black Fox were on a mission with Special Agent Jake Scott - it was during this mission that Agent Scott become injured. The Yankee Clipper (II) called in a mysterious healer, during the healing process Agent Scott shape-changed several times and used the accident as the perfect cover for using his powers overtly, he took on the name Effigy and the mysterious female healer was given the codename Nightingale (after Florence Nightingale) when she also joined. The first line-up of the First Line ended when The Yankee Clipper (II)'s brother Kid Justice joined the team (initially as an associate member).