Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2024 will occur on Monday, May 27.
Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.
Having served in the U.S. military starting in the Cold War, I personally know a few fallen American service members. The truth to the matter often is that their stories are simple and not “heroic” in the sense of some larger-than-life accomplishment. That doesn’t diminish their memory in any way—they always are a hero to me.
As a long time Traveller roleplaying game (RPG) player this Memorial Day I also realized that most Classic Traveller RPG characters are military veterans, which in turn made me wonder about all my Traveller characters that died in character creation—while serving in the military—over the years. What is their story?
In tribute to real fallen American heroes I present the story of Zad Axtin built in part using the character generation rules for Traveller 5. Why T5? Traveller 5 has many extra tables of random details that can be used to fill out a backstory, like the one built here:
Zad Axtin was born and raised on Saurus (Jewell 1320) in the Spinward Marches. A rather average Human, Zad entered university at the Blue Faculty of the Saurus Institute but left after two years following a Saurian uprising that was brutally suppressed by the local militia. Seeking fortune in the greater Imperium, Zad enlisted in the Imperial Army and trained as a commando. Assigned to the 61st Admin Battalion, Private Axtin’s unit fought in “The Mistake at Karimissaak” (Vilius 1213). During the battle, which took place on a moon that passes thrice a year through the rings of the gas giant it orbits, Private Axtin was gravely wounded when caught in an ambush that pinned their unit down without cover as a debris storm arrived. With their combat suit compromised, Private Axtin suffered not only traumatic injuries but also severe radiation poisoning. For their heroic service, Private Axtin was posthumously awarded a Campaign Ribbon.
While created for a roleplaying game, the story of Zad Axtin is perhaps more true to reality and much closer to the real story behind many fallen service members than is often realized. Not every sailor, marine, soldier, airman, coast guard, or merchant mariner (I’m not ready to put Space Force guardians in there just yet) is Lieutenant Speirs of Easy Company in World War II. More often than not they are just average Americans who are doing their job and meet unfortunate circumstances. Yet, they are still heroes.
Please join with me in raising a toast today to all of America’s heroes, no matter how humble their story may be.
Feature image “Wreckage on surface of Ganymede” courtesy expanse.fandom.com
The opinions and views expressed in this blog are those of the author alone and are presented in a personal capacity. They do not necessarily represent the views of U.S. Navy or any other U.S. government Department, Agency, Office, or employer.
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Rocky Mountain Navy Gamer 
🥃🍻 A toast to those that have fallen, whoever they may be.