501st Legion

This article is about the Star Wars fan organization. For the fictional Legion in the Star Wars universe named after it, see 501st Legion (Star Wars).
The 501st Legion
FoundedAugust 1997
FounderAlbin Johnson and Tom Crews
Type501(c)(7) non-profit organization
Area served
Worldwide
Members
14,100+[1]
Key people
Justin Sonfield, Legion Commanding Officer
Websitehttp://www.501st.com/
Members of the 501st Legion with George Lucas at the 2007 Tournament of Roses Parade

The 501st Legion is an international fan-based organization dedicated to the construction and wearing of screen-accurate replicas of Imperial stormtrooper armor, Sith Lords, clone troopers, bounty hunters, and other villains from the Star Wars universe. The 501st Legion, called by its nickname Vader's Fist, is made up entirely of volunteers.[2]

Formed in South Carolina by residents Albin Johnson and Tom Crews in August 1997, the Legion now has over 14,000 active members worldwide, with over 26,000 approved costumes. The Legion is active on 6 continents, with local units known as "Garrisons" and "Outposts" in over 60 countries.[3] Legion members make appearances at casual, promotional, and charitable events, often at the request of Lucasfilm's Fan Events department. Although not officially affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or Lucasfilm LLC., the 501st Legion is Lucasfilm's preferred Imperial costuming organization,[4] and its members were featured as extras in the official series The Mandalorian.[5]

  1. ^ "Newest Recruits". 501st Legion: Vader's Fist. Retrieved 2020-06-15.
  2. ^ "Our Mission". 501st.com. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
  3. ^ "501st Legion: Master List of Units: Garrisons, Squads, Outposts and Detachments". 501st.com. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
  4. ^ "501st Legion: Vader's Fist". 501st.com. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference space was invoked but never defined (see the help page).