Everard Hestus was a highly decorated Imperial Rear Admiral who served in Death Squadron, the personal unit of Darth Vader, during the Galactic Civil War. Hestus was also a veteran of the Clone Wars and a former Republic Navy officer. He was killed during the Battle of Endor, when his flagship was destroyed.
Hestus was a recipient of the Order of Palpatine, the highest award in the Empire, given for extreme bravery and outstanding military leadership. During his Republic service, he was awarded that government's highest honor as well, the Cross of Glory.
Biography[]
A Human male from Naboo, Everard Hestus joined the Republic Navy at the age of seventeen, when the Clone Wars broke out. He harbored resentment for the Trade Federation for invading his homeworld, and wanted to help fight against the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Hestus initially served aboard an Acclamator-class assault ship as an enlisted crewman, but after showing great tactical ability during a battle, he was promoted to ensign. He would go on to fight in several battles over the course of the Clone Wars, including the Battle of Christophsis. In 19 BBY, during the Battle of Coruscant, Hestus held the rank of lieutenant commander and commanded a gunboat. He used it to destroy two Providence-class carrier/destroyers during the battle, a deed for which he was awarded the Cross of Glory.
When the Republic was reformed into the Galactic Empire, Hestus continued to serve in its Imperial Navy. He sided against the coup attempted by Headmaster Gentis of the Imperial Academy, who attempted to overthrow Galactic Emperor Palpatine several months into his reign. Hestus helped fight against the revolutionaries, in support of the Emperor, by gathering loyalist naval personnel and holding out at the Imperial Admiralty until reinforcements arrived. For his loyalty and leadership, he was promoted to commander and awarded the highest medal in the Empire, the Commander's Order of the Order of Palpatine. By the time of the Battle of Yavin, he became a commodore and was assigned to Darth Vader's personal unit, the Death Squadron. Hestus later took part in the Battle of Hoth, after which he was promoted to Rear Admiral.
The following year, Rear Admiral Hestus took part in the Battle of Endor. He commanded an Imperial-class Star Destroyer during the battle, but it was destroyed by concentrated artillery fire from some Rebel vessels.
Awards[]
Galactic Republic:
Galactic Empire:
- Commander's Order of the Order of Palpatine
- Clone Wars Victory Medal
- Core Worlds Service Medal
- Outer Rim Service Medal