Wookieepedia:Featured article queue/Week 7, 2012/0

CT-4981, nicknamed "Contrail," was an experienced clone trooper pilot whose service to the Galactic Republic and its successor state, the Galactic Empire, lasted for over two decades. Born and trained as a soldier for the Republic, Contrail became a member of the Republic Navy's Shadow Squadron and flew under the call sign "Shadow Eleven" during the Battle of the Kaliida Nebula of the Clone Wars in 21 BBY. During that battle, Shadow Squadron aimed to take out the Confederate battleship Malevolence, commanded by General Grievous, before it could destroy the Kaliida Shoals Medical Center. Despite heavy losses, the squadron successfully crippled the warship, allowing the Republic fleet to destroy it. At the end of the battle, Contrail was among the surviving members of Shadow Squadron. After the Clone Wars ended in 19 BBY and the Republic transformed into the Empire, Contrail became a pilot in the Imperial Navy, although two years later, he was demoted to the rank of stormtrooper for disobeying and attacking a superior officer.

Stationed on the planet Hockaleg in 3 ABY, Contrail bore witness to the destruction of the Imperial Tarkin superweapon, which had been under construction in the planet's orbit and was sabotaged by Rebel infiltrators. Taking a shuttle in search of survivors, Contrail located and rescued the Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Vader in his damaged TIE Advanced x1 starfighter and brought him to Hockaleg, only to find that the local population had rebelled against the Imperial rule in the aftermath of the superweapon's destruction. As they tried to retreat to their shuttle, Contrail saved Vader's life by shielding him from enemy blaster fire with his body. Before Contrail died, Vader&mdash;who had been known during the Clone Wars as Jedi General Anakin Skywalker, Contrail's commanding officer&mdash;comforted the clone trooper, commending his piloting skills.