Echo Station 3-T-8

"Echo Station 3-T-8. We have spotted Imperial walkers."

- A Rebel officer, shortly before the Battle of Hoth

Echo Station 3-T-8 was a Rebel Alliance scout post outside Echo Base on the icy planet Hoth. Prior to the Battle of Hoth, scouts at Echo Station 3-T-8 were the first to spot approaching Imperial forces. After sighting Imperial AT-ATs on the north ridge, the station officer relayed the message to the rest of Echo Base. The post, which was garrisoned by multiple Rebel troops and turrets, was quickly overwhelmed by the advancing Imperial forces.

Description
Located on the frozen, barren planet Hoth, Echo Station 3-T-8 was composed of trenches dug out along the north ridge near Echo Base. The station was used for scouting purposes, and it was occupied by several Rebel troops and turrets.

History
Early in the Galactic Civil War, the Rebel Alliance base made its home in the Great Temple of Massassi on Yavin 4. The Empire tracked the Rebels to Yavin 4 and attempted to destroy the moon with the Death Star, a superweapon capable of destroying planets. During the ensuing battle, Rebel pilot Luke Skywalker successfully destroyed the space station. Although the Death Star was destroyed, Rebel forces evacuated, as the Empire knew their location.

Following the evacuation of Yavin, General Jan Dodonna initiated a search for a new base, and within three years Echo Base was constructed on Hoth, accompanied by a v-150 ion cannon and several outposts, such as Echo Station 3-T-8.

Three years after the Battle of Yavin, Imperial forces located Echo Base in the Hoth system during Darth Vader's search for Luke Skywalker. Led by General Maximillian Veers, Imperial ground forces consisting of AT-ATs, AT-STs, and snowtroopers were deployed at the Moorsh Moraine and began their approach toward the Rebel base.

Rebel scouts at Station 3-T-8 were the first to spot the oncoming forces, and immediately notified Echo Base. Echo Station 3-T-8's forces stood no match to the firepower of the Imperial walkers, and the Rebel soldiers stationed there became the first victims in the Empire's tremendous victory.

Behind the scenes
Conceived by Ralph McQuarrie, Echo Station 3-T-8 first appeared in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and was inspired by his time spent serving in the Korean War.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Galactic Defense
 * Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back