Pash Cracken

Pash Cracken (c. 25 BBY - ?) was a starfighter pilot and military officer in the Rebel Alliance and New Republic. He was a handsome, tall human with dark eyes and vibrant red hair that held its color into his fifties. Cracken spoke Basic, Bothese and Huttese.

Born into the Cracken family on Contruum, Cracken was raised with his father Airen Cracken's deep sense of morality. Even at a young age, Cracken knew he wanted to follow his father’s example and aid the resistance against Emperor Palpatine. When he was old enough, Cracken entered an Imperial Academy with falsified identification provided by his father to keep Imperial interest off Cracken.

Cracken proved to be an exceptional pilot, skilled but unconventional tactician and natural leader. Upon graduation at the top of his class, Cracken was offered an immediate commission as a wing commander. Shortly thereafter, Cracken led his wing of TIE Fighters in a defection to the Rebel Alliance, destroying their home Imperial-class Star Destroyer in the process.

The pilots became known as Cracken Flight Group in the Alliance fleet, earned a reputation for hit-and-fade raids, and included one of the first A-Wing squadrons. When his unit was forced to abandon their base at Xyquine, Cracken developed the Cracken Twist to fool the Imperial assault force. Cracken had high personal success in his interceptor, but his reckless methods proved too inspiring to his pilots, and many perished trying to replicate their leader's luck. Frustrated, Cracken requested and received a transfer to Wedge Antilles' Rogue Squadron, where he flew as Rogue 4. While in Rogue Squadron, Cracken participated in operations at Nar Shaddaa, Kessel and Coruscant.

Cracken returned to his flight group and led them in during Grand Admiral Thrawn's campaign and subsequent military operations. By the Yuuzhan Vong invasion, Cracken held the rank of major in the New Republic Defense Force but was promoted to acting-general under Antilles' battle group as a result of combat attrition and given command of Memory of Ithor. When his command was destroyed following Operation Trinity, Cracken was held prisoner on Selvaris until Galactic Alliance forces rescued him. His liberation was short lived after he was captured a second time while defending Calulla Station.

Cracken was brought to Coruscant to be offered in sacrifice, but was rescued by a group of Shamed Ones. Seizing the opportunity, Cracken organized the Shamed Ones into a guerilla unit and helped sow confusion during the Galactic Alliance's counter-attack against Coruscant.

Behind the Scenes
The Wizards of the Coast article detailing the New Jedi Order series era Pash Cracken indicates that the Imperial Academy he attended was on Carida, while the Starwars.com Databank entry indicates that it was on Vensenor.