Of all the battalions in the Grand Army of the Republic, Anakin Skywalker’s 501st Legion is no doubt Star Wars’ most iconic. Part of this comes from the name, as the “501st Legion” originates from the cosplay organization created by Star Wars fans in 1997, one that began with screen-accurate stormtroopers 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 stormtrooper legion as well.
It’s the clones in the 501st Legion that have helped to make the battalion so memorable and beloved, particularly because of their reputation for following in their Jedi general’s reckless footsteps. In addition to Anakin serving as the 501st’s general was Ahsoka Tano, Anakin’s Padawan, who served as a commander. Here are the other 31 named members of the 501st Legion, from those who only appeared 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
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Commander Appo, though first seen in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, was known mostly as Sergeant Appo, particularly during the Battle of Umbara. Appo was, unfortunately, forced to remain close to the 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. Following the revelation of Krell’s ties to the Separatists, however, Appo helped Rex lead their men against the former Jedi general.
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Later on, when Rex was promoted to commander of the 332nd Company to provide reinforcement 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 officially promoted to commander as well, just as he began helping General Skywalker to lead the attack on the Coruscant Jedi Temple. Appo’s fate is still unknown, but he is mostly associated with the tragedy that is Order 66 and the destruction of the Temple.
30 Sergeant Fox (CT-0000/1010)
First Appearance: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Image via Disney+
Sergeant Fox, not to be confused with Commander Fox of the Coruscant Guard, was a member of Commander Appo’s unit who moved in on Senator Bail Organa and the Jedi Padawan Zett Jukassa at the Coruscant Jedi Temple during Order 66. Fox was the one who killed Zett Jukassa and gave the command to let Senator Organa escape, as his fellow troops focused on ensuring the area was secure. Though Fox wasn’t named during the movie, he was later identified in a sourcebook, and this was the last he was seen.
29 Captain Rex (CT-7567)
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Movie)
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There is no 501st without Captain Rex, who’s no doubt the most famous clone of them all. Rex was General Skywalker’s right-hand throughout the Clone Wars, renowned for his strength, bravery, and sense of honor. Rex was a 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 go on to help General Skywalker lead the 501st until the war ended, though Rex’s story certainly didn’t end there.
Rex led the 501st in many different battles and campaigns, all of which culminated at 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. Thankfully, Ahsoka managed to remove his chip, and they escaped with their lives.
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Rex didn’t stop there. He quickly moved to form a clone rebellion in the earliest days of the Empire, enlisting 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’s unknown how long this went on, but eventually, Rex gave up on the fight and remained on the planet Sealos 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 (Movie)
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Lieutenant Hawk was a loyal clone pilot who completed 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 while they were approaching Teth. Hawk would go on to assist General Skywalker, Commander Tano, and their men throughout the war, with him notably being present at the Battle of Christophsis, the Battle of Umbara, and the Battle of Scipio.
27 Sergeant Coric
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Movie)
Image via Disney+
Sergeant Coric is known for his service at the Battles of Christophsis and Teth, particularly the latter, during which he reported to Captain Rex with reassurances of no droids being spotted in the area. Though little is known about Coric in Star Wars canon, his story in Star Wars Legends dictates that he was one of the only survivors of the 501st’s Torrent Company to make it off Teth, alongside Rex, Attie, Nax, Zeer, and Del. His fate is otherwise unknown, though this is perhaps the best case scenario for the clones during this treacherous war.
26 Matchstick
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Movie)
Image via Disney+
Matchstick was a clone pilot in Shadow Squadron, operating under the callsign “Shadow Two.” The pilot is known for his contribution to the mission to protect the Kaliida Shoals Medical Center from General Grievous’ Malevolence, though Matchstick’s participation had an unfortunate end. After his fighter’s left stabilizer was damaged while passing through the dangerous Balmorra Run, his ship lost control, and it collided with another one of his brother’s fighters. Both he and his brother, Tag, lost their lives to the explosions.
25 Broadside
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Movie)
Image via Disney+
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’ Malevolence, though Matchstick would sadly meet his fate during this conflict. Broadside, however, survived, and he even went on to fly under General Skywalker’s command once again during the Battle of Kamino, which saw Broadside flying fiercely to protect his homeworld.
24 Ridge
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Movie)
Image via Disney+
Ridge has perhaps one of the more tragic life stories among the lesser-known named clones, having been with General Skywalker and the 501st Legion ever 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. Sadly, however, this also meant that he was a 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”
Image via Disney+
Contrail was another pilot in Shadow Squadron, operating under the callsign “Shadow Eleven.” Contrail participated in and survived the Battle of the Kaliida Nebula, and he went on to be a part of the Battle of Coruscant as well. In Star Wars Legends, Contrail has even more depth to his story, as he saved Darth Vader’s life on one occasion as an Imperial pilot. In canon, however, Contrail’s skills as a pilot shine solely 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”
Image via Disney+
Tag was a clone pilot in Shadow Squadron who was tragically killed in combat during the Battle of the Kaliida Nebula. While executing evasive maneuvers to escape a blast from General Grievous’ ion cannon, Tag’s Y-wing was struck by Matchstick’s. Both pilots, and their unnamed gunners, lost their lives in the collision, though victory was eventually earned – honoring both their fates.
21 ARC Trooper Echo (CT-1409)
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1E5 “Rookies”
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Easily one of the most famous of the entire 501st Legion, Echo has a storied history in Star Wars. As a member of the Domino Squad, which also included Fives, Hevy, Cutup, and Droidbait, Echo nearly failed the test that all clone cadets needed 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 surprise-attacked by the Separatists, where Echo and Fives were the only survivors from their squad. This ordeal 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 handprint remained on his armor for his entire tenure in the 501st. Echo was also very close to Fives as the sole survivors of Domino Squad. The pair both became ARC troopers following their heroics at the Battle of Kamino, and they would continue serving together in various battles. During the mission to the Separatist “Citadel” prison, however, Echo was caught up in an explosion and thought to be dead, though he was instead sent to Wat Tambor.
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Echo was brought to Skako Minor and was turned into a cyborg algorithm used to predict the 501st’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 afterward, he chose to remain with Clone Force 99 instead. Echo stayed with the Bad Batch during Order 66 and for many months after, until he left to assist Rex with his fledgling clone rebellion. Echo’s fate is as yet unknown, but will hopefully be shown.
20 ARC Trooper Fives (CT-27-5555)
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1E5 “Rookies”
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Like Echo, Fives was another major player in The Clone Wars, though his story is arguably the most tragic of them all. Fives showcased his knack for leadership on Rishi Moon, though he and Echo were the only survivors of the dangerous ordeal. Fives grew fiercely protective of Echo after losing the rest of their squad, and this carried on through their lives as ARC troopers. Fives was there when Echo “died” at the Citadel, which, for a long time, left many to believe that Fives was the last surviving member of the Domino Squad.
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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 quickly went awry. Krell pulled his lightsaber on Fives on one occasion, as the ARC trooper wasn’t shy about making his displeasure 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 to the Republic was eventually unveiled, but Fives’ troubles didn’t stop there. When the clone trooper Tup killed the Jedi General Tiplar at the Battle of Ringo Vinda, Fives dedicated himself to figuring out what had actually happened. This led to Fives discovering the truth about the inhibitor chips, though 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”
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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 former, he served alongside Hardcase and Jesse, two well-known members of the 501st Legion. Denal also assisted in the mission to infiltrate Skytop Station, where he helped to 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 Axe
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1E19 “Storm Over Ryloth”
Image via Disney+
Axe was a clone pilot in Blue Squadron, with his callsign being “Blue Two.” Axe 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 battles, and unfortunately, her decision to disobey the general’s order to fall back in their battle over Ryloth led to Blue Squadron losing several men, including Axe. His ship was destroyed by vulture droids after his power converters failed, just before he could make it back to the safety of the Resolute.
17 Slammer
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1E19 “Storm Over Ryloth”
Image via Disney+
Slammer was “Blue Three” in Blue Squadron, deployed with his brothers during the Battle of Ryloth to charge the Separatist blockade. Unfortunately, like Axe, Slammer died during this battle, with his fighter being overrun by vulture droids. Slammer’s death, however, was not in vain, as his brothers were able to avenge him and honor his legacy by making good on their second attempt to defeat the blockade.
16 Kickback
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1E19 “Storm Over Ryloth”
Image via Disney+
Kickback was another clone pilot in Blue Squadron, operating under the callsign “Blue Four.” He also participated in the Battle of Ryloth under Commander Tano’s command, but unlike Axe and Slammer, Kickback lived to tell the tale. Kickback then went on to fly in the second attack Commander Tano led on the Separatist blockade, which ended up being a success.
15 Swoop
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1E19 “Storm Over Ryloth”
Image via Disney+
Swoop operated under the callsign “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 Leader when they initiated their second attack against the blockade, a title he would no doubt continue to hold throughout the war.
14 Tucker
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1E19 “Storm Over Ryloth”
Image via Disney+
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, though he made a valiant effort. His memory lived on through his brothers, who would continue to fly a successful attempt after this one, in addition to other missions on behalf of the Republic.
13 Koho
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S2E2 “Cargo of Doom”
Image via Disney+
Koho was known for his service during the Battle of Devaron, where he was commanded by Captain Rex to help find Commander Tano and stop the bounty hunter Cad Bane. Koho and Denal did end up crossing paths with Cad Bane, but their attempt to stop the famed bounty hunter was unsuccessful. Koho sadly lost his life along with Denal, though the lore of his life would continue with a Star Wars sourcebook posthumously giving him a name.
12 Hardcase
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars S2E10 “The Deserter”
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Though Hardcase is now most well-known for his contributions to the Battle of Umbara, his story started long before then. Hardcase was with the 501st Legion for a long time, having participated in the mission to Benglor with General Skywalker and Captain Rex just after the beginning of the Clone Wars. Hardcase also participated in both the Siege of Hisseen and the Battle of Mimban. Hardcase, a lover of his heavy weaponry, learned how to tame himself enough to follow orders during these experiences, though his most memorable moments were still to follow.
Hardcase was known for his energetic demeanor, even once describing himself as “hyperactive.”
Hardcase was first seen on Saleucami with Captain Rex and fellow clone troopers Kix 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 bonded with ARC trooper Fives. He was set on helping Fives execute a plan to take out a nearby droid supply ship, even learning how to pilot an Umbaran starfighter to do so. Hardcase sacrificed his life to ensure that this mission succeeded, telling his brothers to “Live to fight another day.”