501st Legion/Legends

''This article is about the Republic/Imperial organization within the Star Wars universe. You may be looking for the real-life organization known as 501st Legion (organization).''



The 501st Legion (known as Vader's Fist during the Galactic Civil War), was a legion of elite soldiers created by then Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.

Clone Wars
Commissioned in the wake of the Battle of Jabiim, the 501st were raised and trained on Coruscant itself, as opposed to Kamino. In the final days of the wars, the 501st were always on the move, heading from battlefield to battlefield, often split up into special mission groups to supplement other clone missions. Operating outside of the usual command structure, detatchments of the 501st served at Mygeeto, Felucia, Utapau, and Kashyyyk, along with fighting in the defense of Coruscant. At the end of the Clone Wars, the 501st Legion, led by Palpatine/Darth Sidious's apprentice Darth Vader (formerly Anakin Skywalker) marched to the Jedi Temple to execute Order 66&mdash;begin the Great Jedi Purge. Clone Commander Appo was the commanding officer of the 501st, until his death at the hands of Zett Jukassa outside the Temple.

Galactic Civil War
After the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Empire, the legion's members were replaced by the best of the stormtroopers. Due to their early work with Anakin/Vader, the legion became known as Vader's Fist. On one mission early in the Civil War, the 501st were sent to flush out the fugitive Geonosian leader Gizor Dellso from his hiding place on Mustafar. Another mission took them to Naboo to eliminate Queen Apailana. Later, a special detachment was sent to Kamino to eliminate a group of clones that were to be used against the Empire. Their leader for this mission was none other than Boba Fett. The mere mention of the "Fighting 501st" put fear into the hearts of all, especially those hated by the Emperor.

The 501st were among the Stormtroopers squads stationed onboard the Death Star, but were transferred off to assist in the search for the missing Death Star plans. This saved them from death at the Battle of Yavin. They would later be transferred to Blizzard Force, taking part in the Battle of Hoth.

Even after the fall of the Empire, the 501st continued operation, resurrected by the Empire of the Hand, a group of those still loyal to the deceased Grand Admiral Thrawn. The 501st Unit Aurek-Seven was commanded by Baron Soontir Fel's son, Chak Fel. They accompanied Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade Skywalker on a mission to the remains of Outbound Flight.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
 * Star Wars Battlefront II
 * Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
 * Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
 * Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
 * Fool's Bargain
 * Survivor's Quest