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37

Medal of Yavin

Location: Yavin 4

Date: 1 ABY

The Imperial regime temporarily faltered following the destruction of the Death Star during the Battle of Yavin, but high-ranking Rebels knew that this pivotal victory was only the start. In order to win the war and overthrow the Empire, they needed to increase their numbers and influence public opinion against the dictators running the government. To help achieve these aims, the Rebel Alliance needed to create some heroes.

In the brief calm after the clash—which saw many brave Rebel pilots killed in the line of duty—two rogues were awarded medals for their heroics: Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. In a ceremony led by Leia Organa, both new recruits became decorated war heroes. Forged from precious metals, their medals were engraved with a rising sun at the heart of a floral motif. This symbol evoked new beginnings, rebirth, and the resilience to continue the struggle. Hanging from a dark brown ribbon, the award was a throwback to the days of the Republic, when great achievements were formally recognized by the Galactic Senate.

This medal belonged to Han Solo, a reluctant rebel who went on to become a general in the later years of the conflict. The rise of the First Order led to Solo’s death at the hands of his son Kylo Ren during the Battle of Starkiller. However, the honor was kept close by Solo’s wife, Leia, the woman who had first hung it around his neck, grateful for his willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater good.

Following her passing on Ajan Kloss, the decoration was gifted to Solo’s closest friend, Chewbacca the Wookiee. Although Wookiees do not set much store in trophies and trinkets, Han Solo’s Yavin medal was a welcome reminder of the special bond the two had shared during their years adventuring around the galaxy.