Unveiling the Legends: Get to Know the Elite Warriors of the 212th Attack Battalion
Discover the legendary 212th Attack Battalion, led by Commander Cody, renowned for their bravery and unwavering loyalty Dive into their triumphs during the Clone Wars, their fierce battle on Umbara, and their enduring legacy after the war
Star Wars fans often consider the Clone Wars era as their favorite period for consuming media. This era, featuring intense action and extensive representation, has provided abundant content through shows like Star Wars: The Clone Wars, books, comics, and games. Within this era, the clones play a central role as beloved characters with their remarkable armor designs and unique paint divisions. Among the iconic clone divisions, the 212th Attack Battalion stands out for its instantly recognizable orange armor markings. Introduced in Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith in 2005, the battalion and their leader Commander Cody have gained popularity and have been further explored in expanded material. The 212th Attack Battalion holds more depth than initially meets the eye.
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The Clone Wars
The 212th Attack Battalion served as a subdivision of the 7th Sky Corps, under the command of Commander Cody and Jedi General Obi-Wan Kenobi in the era of the Clone Wars. As a result of Obi-Wan Kenobi's fraternal connection with Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, the 212th frequently collaborated with Skywalker's clone unit, the 501st Legion, participating in numerous operations and battles together. Commander Cody and the esteemed 501st soldier, Captain Rex, occasionally embarked on individual reconnaissance missions, further solidifying their friendship and fostering a strong bond between the two clone divisions.
Following the Battle of Geonosis, which marked the start of the Clone Wars, the 212th was swiftly deployed to several crucial early conflicts, such as the Battle of Christophsis. Soon after, they played a pivotal role in liberating the Twi’Lek people and their planet, Ryloth, from the grip of the Separatist occupation. It was during this time that two clone troopers from the 212th’s Ghost Company, Waxer and Boil, formed a friendship with a young Twi’Lek named Numa. Through a series of operations, the efforts of the 212th proved successful, resulting in the restoration of freedom to Ryloth.
Additionally, the 212th took part in one of the most brutal offensives of the Clone Wars: the Second Battle of Geonosis. Working alongside the 501st Legion and the 41st Elite Corps, the battalion engaged in a fierce assault that resulted in numerous casualties. Nevertheless, the Republic forces, with significant contributions from the 212th, were able to dismantle a crucial droid factory and capture Poggle the Lesser, achieving victory despite the heavy losses.
Conflict on Umbara
Content: The 212th Attack Battalion faced one of its darkest moments during the Battle of Umbara. Tasked with reclaiming the planet from Separatist-aligned militias, they found themselves under the command of Jedi General Pong Krell. However, Krell's strict and unconventional leadership methods created division among the troops accustomed to the more familiar leadership of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker.
Unbeknownst to the 212th and 501st, Jedi General Pong Krell was a traitor, secretly working against the clones. In a cruel plot, Krell manipulated the troops into turning against each other, resulting in heavy casualties from friendly fire. Among the victims was Waxer, a dedicated clone trooper who had served with the 212th since the start of the war. Despite the devastating loss, the clone forces eventually triumphed over Jedi General Krell.
End Of The War & Legacy
The 212th Attack Battalion's final mission under the Grand Army of the Republic was to capture General Grievous on Utapau. Led by Obi-Wan Kenobi, they executed an ambush that allowed Kenobi to confront and ultimately defeat Grievous. This pivotal moment allowed the Battalion to showcase their bravery before tragedy struck. Following Grievous' demise, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine initiated Order 66, leading the clones on Utapau, commanded by Cody, to fire upon General Kenobi, seemingly ending his life. However, Kenobi managed to escape, and as the Galactic Empire ascended, the 212th underwent a transformation and became part of the new Imperial military.
In the aftermath of the war, Commander Cody undertook crucial missions for the Galactic Empire. During a mission to eliminate remaining Separatist-aligned forces on Desix, Cody began to question the Empire's immoral actions and his role in carrying them out. After discussing his doubts with fellow clone Crosshair, Cody made the bold decision to go AWOL from the Galactic Empire, epitomizing the heroism that the 212th company had once embodied under the Republic.
