Zachary Pelling

Zachary Rodgers Pelling was a Captain in the UNSC Army, and commander of Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 513th Infantry Regiment (Air Assault) during several conflicts in the post Human-Covenant War era. Captain Pelling was a highly decorated combat leader, and is noted for developing a close friendship with Lieutenant Commander Thomas-077. 
== Early Life ==
Born on Luna in May of 2529, Zachary Rodgers Pelling was destined for military service. Zachary's father, Colonel Erik Pelling, was an intelligence analyst for the UNSC Army. His mother, Alexandria Pelling, was a Major and Pelican pilot for the UNSC Marine Corps. The two had met on a joint exercise some years prior and quickly wed.
In 2547, now 18 year-old Zachary was accepted to the UNSC Military Academy - most likely thanks to his father's connections. Zachary quickly decided that the infantry was where he belonged. 
In 2551, Zachary was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the UNSC Army. While he enjoyed his time at the academy, it wasn't without struggle. Zachary's mother was killed in action in late 2549 in combat against the Covenant. 
== Military Service ==
In 2551, now 2nd Lieutenant Pelling found himself at his first posting: a platoon leader with 2nd platoon, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment. The 109th and its assigned division, the 28th Infantry Division, found themselves stationed on Mars. As a result, Zachary had no prospects of seeing combat any time soon. 
The 28th Division, while an active-duty formation, was permanently assigned to the Sol System. Much of 2551 was filled with Zachary and the men of 2nd Platoon spending their days performing maneuver drills. Echo Company's commanding officer, Captain Orlando Wright, was a short tempered and sometimes abrasive man. Zachary often found himself at odds with and disagreeing with his CO's style of leadership. Despite his frustrations with Captain Wright, the company commander thought highly of Zachary's performance as a young officer.
In November of 2551, Zachary applied for Air Assault School. To his surprise, Captain Wright submitted an endorsement of the young 2nd Lieutenant, and Zachary was accepted. Arriving at Camp Hal Moore on Earth in December, Zachary spent 12 days learning the craft of being an Air Assault Infantryman.
Upon graduation, Zachary found himself reassigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 513th Infantry Regiment (Air Assault). A formation of the 17th Air Assault Division, the unit had seen heavy casualties over the course of the Human-Covenant War. Zachary arrived on the planet Reach as a replacement platoon leader in Delta Company. 
Category:UNSC Personnel