Anakin Skywalker's 501st Legion: Every Named Clone Trooper!
The 501st Legion: Star Wars' Most Iconic Clone Troopers!
The Grand Army of the Republic had tons of battalions. But Anakin Skywalker's 501st Legion is totally iconic! Why? Well, the name itself is cool (it originated from a 1997 fan group!), plus the 501st's reputation for following Anakin's reckless style—it makes for truly legendary Star Wars moments! They also happened to be Darth Vader's elite stormtroopers later!
And it’s not just Anakin and the troopers’ behavior. The clones themselves were awesome. There was also Ahsoka Tano as a commander! Let's dive into those 31 named members; showcasing all these amazing soldiers. We list them in order of their Star Wars debut.
Anakin Skywalker's 501st Legion: A Roster of Heroes (and Some Tragic Stories!)
31. Commander Appo (CC-1119): From Sergeant to Order 66
Commander Appo first appeared in Revenge of the Sith. He's mostly known as Sergeant Appo during Umbara's Battle. He was stuck with Pong Krell (that shady Jedi General), who betrayed them later! Yet this wasn't completely obvious initially, adding that element of uncertainty; Appo helped Rex take out Krell after this betrayal.
When Rex went to Mandalore, Appo took command of those who remained with Anakin on Coruscant; these clones assisted with the Jedi Temple attack in Order 66. What happened to Appo remains uncertain; but his importance around that horrible event is important, making it something significant for anyone familiar with those times in Star Wars canon.
30. Sergeant Fox (CT-0000/1010): A Choice at the Jedi Temple
Sergeant Fox (not to be mistaken for that other Commander Fox from Coruscant Guard) is from Appo’s unit; involved with that insane attack on Coruscant's Jedi Temple! He killed Zett Jukassa and, importantly, gave Bail Organa a chance to flee. It shows some unusual compassion from a trooper! We then never saw Fox again.
29. Captain Rex (CT-7567): The Legendary Leader's Epic Story
Captain Rex is THE 501st icon. That totally honorable and unbelievably brave trooper who had become Skywalker's right hand? Yup, that guy. Rex helped to create many legendary moments. He eventually became Commander Rex, later rescuing and joining that small rebellion. We even see Rex fighting during Endor's Battle! This seriously demonstrates this legend’s impact on various events in Star Wars history. He was legendary! It really impacted several story events, especially the battles he commanded.
28. Lieutenant Hawk: The Loyal Pilot
Lieutenant Hawk was a superb pilot doing drops, extractions for the 501st. First spotted in the Clone Wars movie, warning Skywalker about danger approaching Teth, he helped Skywalker, Tano (Commander Ahsoka) and others throughout various battles such as Umbara and Scipio.
27. Sergeant Coric: A Survivor of Teth
Little’s known about Coric but those small contributions involved intense battles in both Christophsis and Teth. According to Star Wars Legends, he's among a few Torrent Company survivors; alongside Rex, escaping Teth!
26. Matchstick and Tag: A Tragic End in Shadow Squadron
Matchstick (Shadow Squadron “Shadow Two”) helped save that medical station near the Kaliida Shoals; yet this was tragically cut short. A stabilizer failure resulted in him crashing his fighter into Tag’s; they both perished in the ensuing explosions. That shows their contributions are highly valued, showcasing how much a small incident could have large-scale implications.
25. Broadside: Protecting Kamino
Broadside, a close friend of Matchstick, also joined that medical station’s rescue mission. Unlike Matchstick and Tag, he survives; and protected Kamino during its battles, emphasizing the extreme impact that the location had upon this clone. His extreme personal dedication made him truly memorable.
24. Ridge: A Tragic End During Order 66
Ridge, present at the Battle of Teth, and several others served faithfully. Yet Order 66 got him tragically when this dedicated trooper dies after getting involved with those plans of attacking Ahsoka, the impact made is key; killed by Maul! Another memorable moment during this crucial period. The consequences matter.
23. Contrail (CT-4981): Saving Darth Vader?
Contrail (“Shadow Eleven”) participated in saving that medical station near the Kaliida Nebula and Coruscant's Battle! This extremely dedicated pilot gets involved in an interesting plot twist. During Star Wars Legends (a now defunct, yet still important part of the entire history of Star Wars), this is shown, and it also shows Contrail saving Darth Vader’s life later! He was extremely impressive and valuable.
22. ARC Troopers Echo (CT-1409) and Fives (CT-27-5555): The Domino Squad Legacy
Echo and Fives were legends. Part of Domino Squad, they survived Rishi Moon's attack! They were incredibly valuable! These guys become ARC Troopers. They assisted in the war efforts, then Echo gets caught in that explosion–turning into a cyborg who later assisted the Republic and was later present in Order 66. His importance never diminished, creating his importance to a very distinct point that never truly got old, becoming more impressive for every storyline.
Fives was tragically determined about learning the truth after those mysterious, early Jedi deaths caused by a seemingly random act from one specific clone trooper; this leads Fives to uncovering that all-important inhibitor chip issue before ultimately being shot dead. His quest, is critically important for the larger Clone Wars storyline. It becomes a critically important moment that created a chain reaction leading to significant plot changes.
19. Denal: A Fallen Trooper’s Fight Against Cad Bane
Denal participated in both Mimban's and Devaron’s battles, assisting in a mission related to freeing R2-D2. Unfortunately, that encounter with the bounty hunter Cad Bane killed him. It’s sad; another reminder of war's brutal reality, even among soldiers like Denal. It's also critically important to remember how brutal and impactful this battle was and this is why his legacy matters to this entire storyline.
18. Axe, Slammer, and Tucker: Blue Squadron’s Sacrifice
These Blue Squadron pilots (Axe, Slammer, Tucker), under Commander Tano’s command (during the Battle of Ryloth) highlight their extremely dedicated attitudes, that very critical support offered in that extremely necessary and timely rescue that turned out being pivotal for many reasons. They highlight those small-scale incidents, those individual contributions that added towards a much-needed overall strategy which greatly impact those overall events.
17. Kickback and Swoop: Blue Squadron Survivors
Also with Tano during the Battle of Ryloth, Kickback and Swoop lived to tell the tale; Swoop even gets promoted after succeeding to push through those extremely difficult battles!
16. Koho: Another Victim of Cad Bane
Koho, ordered to find Ahsoka and Bane at the Battle of Devaron, ultimately died during that encounter with Cad Bane; it's a sad loss, showcasing how dangerous those bounty hunters truly are! The loss of so many brave individuals, that relatively significant portion of individuals who ended up dying during their mission demonstrates exactly why this specific part of Star Wars canon matters so greatly.
15. Hardcase: The Hyperactive Hero's Sacrifice
Hardcase is most known for Umbara’s Battle, which created a crucial moment demonstrating his abilities, yet that’s not where this incredible character begins or ends. He was with Anakin during numerous encounters! During that crucial point and mission, Hardcase pilots this vehicle through that high-stakes action-sequence; making for this exceptionally intense action that results in an equally memorable moment and also a key addition to a storyline, emphasizing why his sacrifice matters.
Conclusion: Remembering the Brave Troopers of the 501st
This entire roster highlights the incredible scale and detail within the Star Wars universe; a remarkable display of creative storytelling around an easily forgettable storyline regarding Clone Troopers. These stories–ranging from heroism to heartbreaking tragedy– make these characters incredibly memorable, those intense, emotional responses make this section truly gripping. Even those less-known troopers' sacrifice added significance; those individual struggles creating powerful connections and underscoring the incredible emotional depth, that sheer brutal reality found throughout these times! All those amazing troopers in Anakin’s 501st, each story creates impact. Even their names create intense feelings for those who loved Star Wars! Those small stories highlight those bigger-picture events and consequences; that overall narrative significance which is why even relatively small additions and references matter.
