If one were to ask a Star Wars fan what their favorite era of the universe is to enjoy media from, there’s a high chance they would say the Clone Wars era. One of the most action-packed and well-represented parts of Star Wars, shows like Star Wars: The Clone Wars, as well as numerous books, comics, and games, have given fans plenty of content to enjoy from the time period. With plenty of new faces and names to get attached to, the Clone Wars have brought characters into the Star Wars mythos that are now household names in the franchise.
At the heart of this three-year conflict, however, are the clones themselves. Donning what many would argue to be the coolest armor designs in Star Wars, and distinguishing themselves by division with unique paint designs, the clones are made to be loved by fans. One of the most undoubtedly iconic clone divisions is the 212th Attack Battalion. Debuting in the Star Wars universe back in 2005’s Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith, the 212th Battalion and their leader Commander Cody have become instantly recognizable by their orange armor markings. Having been expanded upon in expanded material since their first appearance, there is more than meets the eye with the 212th Attack Battalion.
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The Clone Wars
The 212th Attack Battalion was a subdivision of the larger 7th Sky Corps led by Commander Cody and Jedi General Obi-Wan Kenobi during the days of the Clone Wars. Due to Obi-Wan Kenobi’s brotherly relationship with fellow Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, the 212th would often engage in operations and battles with Skywalker’s clone division, the 501st Legion. Commander Cody and the high-ranking 501st soldier Captain Rex would occasionally find themselves on solo scouting missions together, strengthening their friendship and creating a bond between the two clone divisions.
Not long after the Battle of Geonosis, which started the Clone Wars, the 212th was deployed to many important early battles of the conflict, including the Battle of Christophsis. Not long afterward, the 212th participated in the liberation of the Twi’Lek people and their home planet of Ryloth from the Separatist occupation. Two clone troopers in the 212th’s Ghost Company, Waxer and Boil, befriended a young Twi’Lek named Numa during this time. After a series of operations, the 212th’s efforts were successful, and Ryloth was free once again.
The 212th would also serve in one of the most violent offensives of the Clone Wars: the Second Battle of Geonosis. A large force of clones, including the 212th Attack Battalion, the 501st Legion, and the 41st Elite Corps participated in the assault, in which numerous casualties occurred. Regardless, after putting up a strong fight, the Republic forces were successful in the destruction of a key droid factory and the capture of Poggle the Lesser, in large part due to the forces provided by the 212th.
Conflict on Umbara
One of the darkest moments for the 212th Attack Battalion came during their participation in the Battle of Umbara. While trying to claim the planet from the local Separatist-aligned militias that controlled a major city on the planet, the 212th and 501st were left under the command of Jedi General Pong Krell. The general quickly became divisive for his strict and unusual leadership methods compared to what the troops were used to under Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker.
Despite his supposed alignment with the Grand Army of the Republic, Pong Krell was in reality a turncoat who was secretly acting against the clones all along. In a malicious scheme, Krell tricked the troops of the 501st and 212th into firing upon one another, resulting in heavy losses due to friendly fire. Among these casualties was the aforementioned clone trooper Waxer, who had served in the 212th since the beginning of the war. Despite this devastating blow, the clone forces eventually defeated Jedi General Krell.
End Of The War & Legacy
The last mission the 212th Attack Battalion went on while serving under the Grand Army of the Republic was the operation to capture General Grievous on Utapau. Led by Obi-Wan Kenobi, the 212th carried out an ambush that allowed Kenobi to engage Grievous and defeat him once and for all. This important moment in the war allowed the Battalion one last act of heroism before tragedy struck. In the wake of Grievous’ defeat, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine activated Order 66. The clones on Utapau, led by Commander Cody and under the influence of their inhibitor chips, fired upon General Kenobi, seemingly killing him. Kenobi escaped, however, and as the Galactic Empire rose, the 212th were remade into a part of the new Imperial military.
In the years following the war, Commander Cody continued to go on important operations for the Galactic Empire. On a mission to eliminate remaining Separatist-aligned forces on the planet of Desix, Cody began to become aware of the wrongdoings of the Empire and questioned his place in carrying them out. After a discussion with fellow clone Crosshair, Cody made the decision to go AWOL from the Galactic Empire, making his last move as a soldier one of heroism, something Star Wars' 212th company had stood for many years ago under the Republic.