Physician Dr. Charles McNider was asked by police to treat an important witness against mobster "Killer" Maroni. While McNider was treating the dying man, a thug threw a hand grenade at them. McNider was blinded by the explosion. McNider learned that he could now see in the dark, but was blinded by light, much like an owl. He developed special "infrared glasses" that would enable him to see in daylight as well. McNider then adopted the costumed identity of Doctor Mid-Nite and used it to capture Maroni. Doctor Mid-Nite was a member of the All-Star Squadron and spent many years as a member of the Justice Society of America.