Battle of Yavin
Profile
The Battle of Yavin is the Rebel Alliance’s decisive victory over the first Death Star. It is year zero of the Star Wars chronology — “BBY” and “ABY” are measured from this battle.
Preparation
The Death Star plans — stolen on Scarif, hidden by Leia in R2-D2, brought to Yavin 4 by Luke and Han — were analyzed in the Rebel base. General Dodonna identified the two-meter exhaust port as the only weakness.
The battle
Three squadrons attacked the Death Star: Red Squadron (X-wings), Gold Squadron (Y-wings) and Blue Squadron (reserve). Most pilots died in the trenches:
- Red Leader (Garven Dreis) — shot down on final approach
- Red Three (Biggs Darklighter) — Luke’s best friend
- Red Six (Porkins) — above the equator
- Gold Leader (Jon “Dutch” Vander) — during the first run
Luke’s shot
On the final approach Luke Skywalker switched off his targeting computer and trusted the Force. His proton torpedo hit the exhaust port. The Death Star exploded in front of Grand Moff Tarkin’s eyes.
Aftermath
The destruction of the Death Star cost the Empire entire Star Destroyer flotillas in gap-filler operations and gave the Rebel Alliance a myth: Luke Skywalker and Red Squadron became legendary overnight.
Why it matters
The Battle of Yavin is the narrative center of the whole saga — every date in Star Wars is measured in BBY/ABY from this moment.