Merrick Simms

"Stay clear of their front batteries."

- Merrick Simms, as Blue Leader

Merrick Simms was a Rebel pilot and leader of the Blue Squadron.

History
Simms led the squadron in a highly-acclaimed victory near Dantooine and was quickly promoted to Captain despite his young age.

After the destruction of the Anchorhead Base during the Battle of Tatooine a year later, Simms Joined Rookie One and Harris to Mos Eisley where the Empire was deploying ground forces and engaged All Terrain Scout Transports and Imperial landing craft. After causing as much damage to the Imperial forces as they could, and with TIE fighters incoming, the group was forced to withdraw. Pursued by TIE fighters and interceptors, the Rebels fled through the nearby asteroid field, losing their pursuers before rendezvousing with the fleet and proceeding to Gamma Base on the ice-world of Hoth.

He led his Squadron to the Battle of Yavin soon after. Once through the perimeter of the Death Star I, Simms instructed Rookie One and Ru Murleen to commence strafing runs on the Death Star. Simms attempted to hit a blow to the exhaust port during the Trench Run, failed.

Simms later served as Blue Leader during the Battle of Endor, in which he was killed in a collision with an Imperial ship.

Behind the scenes
Merrick Simms was created for Star Wars: Rebel Assault. He was later retconned by A Guide to the Star Wars Universe, Third Edition as being Blue Leader as depicted in the Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi novel. He later also featured in the Star Wars PocketModel TCG.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Rebel Assault
 * Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (novel)