At some point in late 2005 / early 2006 a blue clone trooper figure appeared in Japan stores featuring the title "Vader's Legion." This may seem a coincidence, but the bottom of the package left no room for doubt: amid the Japanese lettering, it read "501" in the description. I can only guess they had not secured permission from us yet to use our name and found this description a good compromise.

In July of 2006 Hasbro released a limited edition action figure featuring the 501st Legion stormtrooper! The figure was an exclusive buy at Comicon in San Diego. But Hasbro arranged for 501st members to get their hands on copies of the figure that didn't include the Comicon signage.

In August 2006 Hasbro released another 501st figure, this time the blue-striped clone troopers seen in Episode III. This was part of their Greatest Battles of Episode III collection. This was a nice touch, because not only did it tie the 501st with the scene in the movie with which we were credited, but it completed the connection between the clone troopers and the stormtroopers - the 501st covered it all! Much thanks to Mr. Depriest from Hasbro who helped make this a reality.

Legion Memorabilia The Legion archives contains pins, medals, buttons, and assorted 501st collectibles from all over the world. Here is the first in a series of shadow boxes showcasing such items.

Pandemic Studios presented the 501st with an award given to all the members of the game's development team. The award recognized the 501st as a part of the team and saluted all the 501st Legion has done for the Star Wars community. The official letter read:

"Dear Albin, Included is a signed copy of Battlefront 2 and a trophy we made for members of the team. We wanted you and the entire 501st to share in the success of the game. We really appreciate the dedication and effort you guys put in every day to make a difference in people's lives.

While in Edmonton Canada last week I ran into some members of the 501st in full gear while at a mall. They exhibited the same good-natured attitude I've found from everyone in the organization that I have met. Just wanted to let you know.

Hope you enjoy the game and that you all enjoy the trophy. You deserve it. (let me know how I might go about getting my hands on some TK armor if you get a chance!)
Thanks again,
Eric Giz Gewirtz and the Battlefront 2 Team"

More items in the Legion Archives
(1998) The original 501st Squad sign created in 1998 when the unit was finally taking shape and a meeting was planned for the first time at Dragoncon in Atlanta, GA. Albin hoped the sign would make it easier to rally the members and give the group a sense of identity. At the time it was the only thing he could afford to make, using Scott MacArthur's original design and blowing it up far larger than its resolution was designed for. The sign measures 24" x 24" and is mounted on foam board. It was also designed for use when posing with celebrities, to give the group some endorsement. The only time it was used was at Dragoncon in 1998 when Albin stood in line to meet Anthony Daniels. Anthony was less than interested in the request to hold the sign for a picture, so he half-heartedly held one corner before moving on, just as the shutter snapped and captured a clueless Albin holding one corner of a sign and Anthony moving on.

(circa 2001-2004) The original award for the Trooper of the Month. The trophy was made by Rick Stough in North Carolina, using the Riddell mini-helmets and mounting them on simple posts and plaques. Later designs simply cast the front of the helmet and mounted the face onto a vertically-aligned plaque.

Mardi Gras beads (2005) - Legion members in the Louisiana area commissioned to have these beads made up for their first appearance at Mardi Gras in armor. As this was soon after the destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina, the Legion's presence there was a welcome addition and added to the fun. Who knows what developed from handing these excellent beads out but it was likely fun for everyone.

(circa 2001) Field Operations Manual - This unpublished manuscript was an attempt by a member in Florida to create a comprehensive manual on trooping. The document was created and submitted to then-Legion Commander Albin Johnson for review. At the time such a manual might well have been instrumental in standardizing practices, but it was sidelined for fear of competing with the then-fledgling Legion Charter and creating confusion. Since that time it has remained in the archives.

(2008) Flier for Science of Myth and Imagination event at the Roper Mountain Science Center October 11, 2008 in Traveller's Rest, SC.

(2008) Fan created by the Japanese Garrison as a giveaway at Celebration Japan.

(circa 2003) Leather bracelet created by Ashton Synn of Nightcraft Designs (http://www.ashtonomicon.com). Asthon created a slew of Legion artifacts, most notably a complete recreation of the 501st logo on a sandtrooper pauldron in exquisite detail. Unfortunately the archives could not afford to buy one but we will be on the lookout for one.

(2008) Flier for the 501st Legion Mixer held at Dragoncon in Atlanta, GA.

(circa 2004) Japanese Garrison button.

(circa 2004) personalized button designed as a giveaway by Trooper "Sonny" from the Japanese Garrison.

(circa 2003) Button created by the Carolina Garrison as a giveaway for kids at their events.