Chad Hilse Chad Hilse was an Alderaanian ensign in the Alliance to Restore the Republic during the Galactic Civil War . Strongly dedicated to defeating the Galactic Empire , he was serving aboard the CR90 corvette " Tantive IV " when it was attacked and disabled by the " Imperial I " - class Star Destroyer " Devastator " . While defending Princess Leia Organa and the captured Death Star plans she possessed , Hilse was killed in a gunfight with the 501st Legion stormtrooper unit . Biography . Chad Hilse was a Human male born on Alderaan . During the Galactic Civil War , he became a loyal trooper for the Alliance to Restore the Republic , strongly dedicated to defeating the Galactic Empire . He was assigned the rank of ensign and received training in both starship and ground combat . In 0 BBY , he was stationed aboard the CR90 corvette " Tantive IV " when Princess Leia Organa received a transmission from Rebel spies containing plans for the Death Star , a massive Imperial battlestation and superweapon . Hilse was aboard the " Tantive IV " when it was attacked and disabled over Tatooine by the " Imperial I " - class Star Destroyer " Devastator " , the flagship of the Sith Lord Darth Vader . Hilse was among the detachment led by Lieutenant Pello Scrambas that attempted to repel Imperial boarders expected to storm the ship . After taking defensive positions along the corvette ' s corridors , Hilse and his fellow soldiers engaged the 501st Legion stormtrooper unit . He was among the first to be killed in the ensuing gunfight . Due to false reports issued under Vader ' s orders , it was initially believed that the " Tantive IV " was destroyed and its personnel killed during an asteroid storm . It was only later , when Organa successfully brought the Death Star plans to the Rebel base on Yavin 4 , that the true circumstances of Hilse ' s death became known to the galaxy . Personality and traits . Chad Hilse was , in many ways , typical of the volunteers serving in the Alliance to Restore the Republic during the Galactic Civil War . He was very loyal to the Rebellion and believed strongly in its mission , and was equally fervent in his opposition to the Galactic Empire and dedication to defeating it . This was illustrated by his willingness to stand against the Imperial boarders on the " Tantive IV " , despite being heavily outmanned and outgunned by the " Devastator " forces . Hilse was a well - rounded fighter who received training in both starship and ground combat . He had light skin , brown hair and blue eyes . Equipment . During his service on the " Tantive IV " , Chad Hilse wore the standard uniform for Alliance Fleet troopers . He was armed with a DH - 17 blaster pistol . Hilse wore a cap as part of his uniform , and his equipment also included a bandolier and a scanner . Behind the scenes . Chad Hilse was a bit role played by an as - yet unidentified actor in the first " Star Wars " film , " " ( 1977 ) . The character had no lines and was not identified by the name Chad Hilse until 1995 with the release of Decipher ' s " Star Wars " Customizable Card Game . His name and most of his backstory were featured on the " Rebel trooper " card in the " Premiere Limited " card set .