Of all the battalions in the Grand Army of the Republic, Anakin Skywalker’s 501st Legion is without a doubt Star Wars Most iconic. Part of this comes from the name, as the “501 Legion” originates from the cosplay organization created by Star Wars Fans in 1997, one that began with screen-accurate storm outfits and has since expanded into a number of other characters and categories. Now, the 501st is primarily known for the battalion led by Anakin during the Clone Wars, which would go on to become Darth Vader’s elite Storm Legion as well.
It’s the clones in the 501st Legion that have helped make the battalion so memorable and beloved, especially given their reputation for following in their Jedi general’s reckless footsteps. In addition to Anakin serving as the general of the 501st, there was Ahsoka Tanu, Anakin’s Padawan, who served as the commander. Here are the other 31 named members of the 501st Legion, from those who were only briefly in Star Wars: The Clone Wars to some of Star Wars Best characters, listed in order of their first Star Wars Appearances.
31
Commander Appo (CC-1119)
First Appearance: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Commander Appo, although first seen in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the SithIs mostly known as Sergeant Appo, especially during the Battle of Umbara. Apo was, unfortunately, forced to stay close to interim Jedi General Pong Krell’s side on Umbara, with Krell often holding the sergeant and his forces back as Captain Rex’s men took heavy casualties on the battlefield. After the revelation of Krell’s ties to the Separatists, however, Appo helped Rex lead his men against the former Jedi general.
Related
Later, when Rex was promoted to commander of the 332nd Company to provide reinforcements to Ahsoka Tano during the Siege of Mandalore, Appo took command of the latter half of the 501st that remained on Coruscant with General Skywalker. During order 66, Appo was also officially promoted to Commander, just as he began helping General Skywalker lead the attack on the Coruscant Jedi Temple.. The fate of Apo is still unknown, but he is mostly connected with the tragedy that is Seder 66 and the destruction of the Temple.
30
Sergeant Fox (CT-0000/1010)
First Appearance: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Sergeant Fox, not to be confused with Commander Fox of the Coruscant Guard, was a member of Commander Appo’s unit who moved into Senator Bail Organa and the Jedi Padawan Zet Jukasa at the Coruscant Jedi Temple during Order 66. Fox was the one who killed Zet Jukasa and gave the order to let Senator Organa escape as his fellow troops focused on making sure the area was safe. Although Fox was not named during the movie, he was later identified in a sourcebook, and that was the last he was seen.
29
Captain Rex (CT-7567)
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (film)
There is no 501st without Captain Rex, who is no doubt the most famous clone of them all. Rex was General Skywalker’s right-hand man throughout the Clone Wars, renowned for his strength, bravery and sense of honor. Rex was the first generation clone, meaning that He was one of the clones trained and ready for deployment when the Clone Wars began at the First Battle of Geonosis. Rex would continue to help General Skywalker lead the 501st until the war ended, although Rex’s story certainly didn’t end there.
Rex led the 501st in many different battles and campaigns, all of which culminated in the end of the Clone Wars. Rex was technically promoted to the rank of Commander in order to take the 332nd Company, a group broken off from the rest of the 501st, to Mandalore, at the request of Ahsoka Tano. After participating in the Siege of Mandalore and successfully capturing Darth Maul, Order 66 was enacted, and Rex succumbed to the effects of the inhibitor chip implanted in all the clones’ brains. Luckily, Ahsoka managed to remove his chip, and they escaped with their lives.
Related
Rex didn’t stop there. He quickly moved to form a clone rebellion in the earliest days of the empireEnlisting the support of Senator Riyo Chuchi of Pantora in the process. Rex and the clones he gathered intended to save clones from the Empire and remove their inhibitor chips. It is unknown how long this went on, but eventually, Rex gave up the fight and remained on the planet Cealos with his friends Commander Wolffe and Gregor. Later, however, he was recruited back to the Rebel Alliance cause, and he even served during the Battle of Endor.
28
Lieutenant Hawk
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (film)
Lieutenant Hawk was a loyal clone pilot who performed drop-offs and extractions for the 501st Legion for much of the war. Hawk was first seen in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie where he warned General Skywalker of heavy enemy fire as they approached Teth. Hawke would continue to assist General Skywalker, Commander Tano, and their men throughout the war, with him notably being present at the Battle of Christophis, the Battle of Umbara, and the Battle of Scipio.
27
Sergeant Corrick
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (film)
Sergeant Korik is known for his service in the battles of Christophis and Teth, especially the latter, during which he reported to Captain Rex with reassurances that no droids had been spotted in the area. Although Little is known about Coric in Star Wars Canon, his history in Star Wars Legend dictates that he was one of the only survivors of the 501st Torrent Company to make it out of Teth.Along with Rex, Attie, Nax, Zeer and Del. His fate is otherwise unknown, although this is perhaps the best case scenario for the clones during this treacherous war.
26
Matchstick
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (film)
Matchstick was a clone pilot in Shadow Squadron, operating under the call sign “Shadow Two.” The pilot is known for his contribution to the mission to protect the Kalida Shoals Medical Center from General Grievance. RoyaltyAlthough Matchstick’s participation had an unfortunate end. After his fighter’s left stabilizer was damaged while passing through the dangerous Balmora Run, his ship lost control and collided with another of his brother’s fighters. Both he and his brother, Tug, lost their lives to the explosions.
25
Broadside
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (film)
Broadside was another member of Shadow Squadron who was close friends with Matchstick. After the two of them served together during the Battle of Teth, they were eager to complete their attack on Grievous. RoyaltyAlthough Matchstick would sadly meet its fate during this conflict. Broadside, however, survived, and He even went to fly under General Skywalker’s command once again during the Battle of KaminoWhich saw Broadside flying with force to protect his home world.
24
Ridge
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (film)
Ridge has perhaps one of the more tragic life stories among the lesser-known clones, having been with General Skywalker and the 501st Legion since the Battle of Teth in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars Movie. Ridge served alongside his fellow brothers in the Torrent Company faithfully, and He made it to see the end of the war. Unfortunately, however, this also meant that he was part of Order 66, at which point he was a member of the 332nd Company under Commander Rex. He was brutally killed by Maul while trying to hunt down Ahsoka Tano.
23
Contrail (CT-4981)
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1E3 “Shadow of Malevolence”
Contrail was another pilot in Shadow Squadron, operating under the call sign “Shadow Eleven.” Contrail participated in and survived the Battle of the Kalida Nebula, and he was also part of the Battle of Coruscant. in Star Wars Legends, Contrail has even more depth to its story, vi He saved Darth Vader’s life on one occasion as an Imperial pilot. In canon, however, Contrail’s skills as a pilot shine only in the battle that protected a key medical station for the Republic.
22
Tag
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1E3 “Shadow of Malevolence”
Thug was a clone pilot in Shadow Squadron who was tragically killed in combat during the Battle of the Kalida Nebula. While executing evasive maneuvers to escape a blast from General Grievous’ ion cannon, Tag’s Y-wing is struck by Matchstick’s. Both pilots, and their unnamed gunners, lost their lives in the collision, although victory was eventually earned – honoring both their fates.
21
ARC Trooper Echo (CT-1409)
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1E5 “Rookies”
Echo is easily one of the most famous of the entire 501st Legion, and has a storied history Star Wars. As a member of the Domino Squad, which also included Fives, Hwy, Cutup, and Droidbait, Echo nearly failed the test that all clone cadets need to pass on Kamino to be deployed. Thankfully, they managed to beat the test, and Domino Squad was soon sent to the outpost on Rishi Moon. There, however, they were ambushed by the separatists, where Echo and Fives are the only survivors of their squad. This arrangement secured them a place in the 501st.
Echo was a very dedicated and loyal member of the 501st with a special fondness for Captain Rex, whose hand print remained on his armor for his entire tenure in the 501st. Echo was also very close to Fives as the only survivors of Domino Squad. The pair both became ARC troopers after their heroics at the Battle of Camino, and they would continue to serve together in various battles. During the mission in the separatist “Zidel” prison, however Echo was caught in an explosion and thought to be deadAlthough he was instead sent to Wat Tambor.
Related
Echo is brought to Skako Miner and is transformed into a cyborg algorithm used to predict the 501’s battle strategies by the Techno Union. He was eventually rescued by Captain Rex, General Skywalker, and Clone Force 99. Echo used his modifications to help the Republic secure a victory at the Battle of Anaxes, but afterwards, he chose to stay with Clone Force 99 instead. Echo stayed with the Bad Batch during Order 66 and for many months afterUntil he left to help Rex with his flying clone rebellion. Echo’s fate is still unknown, but hopefully will be revealed.
20
ARC Trooper Fives (CT-27-5555)
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1E5 “Rookies”
Like Echo, Fives was another major player in The Clone WarsAlthough his story is arguably the most tragic of them all. Fives showed his knack for leadership on Rishi Moon, though he and Echo were the only survivors of the dangerous ordeal. Fives are fiercely protective of Echo after losing the rest of their teamAnd this is carried through their lives as ARC troopers. Fives was there when Echo “died” in the Citadel, which, for a long time, led many to believe that Fives was the last surviving member of the Domino Squad.
Related
Fives was also present at the Battle of Umbara, an experience that changed his outlook forever. When the interim Jedi General Pong Krell took over for General Skywalker, things went fast. Krell drew his lightsaber on fives on one occasion, as the ARC trooper wasn’t shy about making his discomfort with the harsh Jedi general known. Fives inspired his fellow troopers, Jesse and Hardcase, to carry out their own plan to take out a droid supply ship. Despite their success, Fives and Jesse were nearly executed for this, until Fives’ protests got through to their brothers.
Krell’s full betrayal of the Republic was eventually unveiled, but Fives’ troubles did not stop there. When the clone trooper Tup kills the Jedi General Tipler at the Battle of Ringo Winda, Fives dedicates himself to finding out what really happened. This led to Fives discovering the truth about the inhibitor chipsAlthough he was framed for attempting to assassinate Chancellor Palpatine before he could convince anyone of the truth. He tried to tell General Skywalker and Captain Rex before he was shot and killed by Clone Commander Fox, leaving him to die with his secret in Rex’s arms.
19
Denal
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1E7 “Duel of the Droids”
Denal was a loyal clone trooper of the 501st who fought in various battles, including the Battle of Mimban and the Battle of Devaron. in the first, He served alongside Hardcase and JesseTwo known members of the 501st Legion. Denal also assisted in the mission to infiltrate Skytop Station, where he helped free R2-D2 from Separatist captivity. Unfortunately, Denal met his fate during the Battle of Devaron, where he was killed by the bounty hunter Cad Bane while trying to stop him. The bounty hunter would steal his armor to aid his own escape.
18
Ax
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1E19 “Storm Over Ryloth”
Ax was a clone pilot in Blue Squadron, nicknamed “Blue Two.” Ax flew in various space battles under General Skywalker’s command, but his last mission was flown under Commander Tano. The young Jedi Padawan was still new to leading clone squadrons in space combat, and unfortunately her decision to disobey the general’s order to fall back in their battle over Ryloth resulted in Blue Squadron losing several men, including Hawks. His ship was destroyed by Vulture droids after his power converters failed, just before he could make it back to the safety of the firm.
17
Slammer
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1E19 “Storm Over Ryloth”
Slammer was “Blue Three” in Blue Squadron, deployed with his brothers during the Battle of Ryloth to charge the Separatist blockade. Unfortunately, like Ax, Slammer died during the battle, with his fighter overrun by Vulture droids. Slammer’s death was not in vain, however, because his brothers were able to reach him and claim his inheritance through their second attempt to defeat him.
16
Kickback
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1E19 “Storm Over Ryloth”
Kickback was another clone pilot in Blue Squadron, operating under the callsign “Blue Four.” He also took part in the Battle of Ryloth under Commander Tano’s command, but unlike Ax and Slammer, Kickback lived to tell the tale. Kickback then flew into the second attack Commander Tano led on the Separatist blockade, which was a success.
15
Swoop
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1E19 “Storm Over Ryloth”
Swoop operated under the call sign “Blue Six” in Blue Squadron, and he was another member of the Battle of Ryloth. Like Kickback, Swoop also survived their first run against the Separatist blockade, though Swoop was promoted after this survival effort. He became Group Two’s leader when they launched their second attack against the blockade, a title he would undoubtedly hold throughout the war.
14
Tucker
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1E19 “Storm Over Ryloth”
Tucker was the last clone pilot of Blue Squadron to be featured, operating under the callsign “Blue Five.” Unfortunately, Tucker was also lost to the Vulture droids in the first battle against the blockade, even though he made a valiant effort. His memory has survived through his brothers, who will continue to fly a successful attempt after this in addition to other missions in the name of the Republic.
13
Koho
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S2E2 “Cargo of Doom”
Koho was known for his service during the Battle of Devaron, where he was ordered by Captain Rex to help find Commander Tano and stop the bounty hunter Cad Ban. Coho and Denal finally cross paths with Cad Ban, but their attempt to stop the famous bounty hunter is unsuccessful. Coho unfortunately lost his life along with Denal, although the story of his life would continue with a Star Wars Sourcebook posthumously give him a name.
12
Hard case
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S2E10 “The Deserter”
Although Hardcase is now best known for his contributions to the Battle of Umbara, his story began long before that. Hardcase has been with the 501st Legion for a long time, having participated in the mission to Bangalore with General Skywalker and Captain Rex just after the start of the Clone Wars. Hardcase also participated in both the Siege of Hisseen and the Battle of Mimban. Hardcase, a lover of his heavy weapon, learned how to restrain himself enough to follow orders during these experiences, although his most memorable moments are yet to follow.
Hardcase was first seen on Saleukami with Captain Rex and fellow clone troopers Kicks and Jesse, and all three of them helped the captain get to a nearby civilian’s farm after he was shot by a droid. Then, long after, came the Battle of Umbara, where Hardcase was allied with ARC Trooper Fives. He was assigned to help Fives execute a plan to take out a nearby droid supply ship, even learning how to pilot an Umbaran starfighter to do so. Hardcase sacrifices his life to ensure the mission succeedstold his brothers to “Live to fight another day.”