Woody Malden – MechaBay | Mobile Suit Gundam

Woody Malden was a lieutenant in the Earth Federation Forces who served as a military engineer stationed at the Jaburo headquarters during the One Year War. He was engaged to Matilda Ajan and died heroically defending Jaburo during Char Aznable’s assault on the base.

Biography

Woody Malden served as a military engineer at Jaburo, the Earth Federation Forces’ primary headquarters and manufacturing complex hidden in the Amazon basin of South America. He was responsible for maintaining and preparing Federation vessels, including the Pegasus-class assault carriers.

Engagement to Matilda

Woody was engaged to Lieutenant Matilda Ajan, commander of the Medea Supply Unit. The couple had planned to marry following the completion of Operation Odessa, the Federation’s major offensive against Zeon’s mining facilities. Matilda had hoped that the crew of the White Base would attend their wedding, showing her deep affection for the ship and its personnel.

Meeting the White Base crew

When the White Base arrived at Jaburo on 29 November UC 0079, Woody took responsibility for overseeing the assault carrier’s much-needed repairs. He had been curious about Amuro Ray, having heard much about the young pilot from Matilda. When they finally met, Woody was surprised by how young Amuro was, noting that Matilda had told him much about the pilot.

During their conversation, Woody learned that Amuro was unaware of Matilda’s engagement and was consumed with guilt over her death during the battle with the Black Tri-Stars. Woody consoled the distraught pilot, telling him to “knock it off” and explaining that Amuro alone could not have won the war or saved Matilda. He emphasised that what happened was the nature of war, and that Matilda had died doing what she loved most—protecting her friends aboard the White Base.

Woody expressed his deep care for the White Base and its crew because of Matilda’s attachment to them. At the same time, he was also preparing the SCVA-72 Thoroughbred, a sister ship of the same class as the White Base, for departure.

Battle of Jaburo

On 30 November UC 0079, Zeon forces led by Char Aznable launched a major assault on Jaburo in an attempt to destroy the Federation’s headquarters. The attack came from multiple directions, including an underwater infiltration led by Char’s Mad Angler Squadron.

When Char’s MSM-07S Z’Gok Commander Type engaged the RX-78-2 Gundam in combat within Jaburo’s underground facilities, Woody courageously sortied to provide assistance. In the original series, he piloted a Fanfan hovercraft, whilst in some versions he operated an RGM-79 GM mobile suit.

Despite the inadequacy of his vehicle against Char’s mobile suit, Woody pressed his attack in an attempt to support the Gundam and defend the base. His assault managed to damage Char’s main camera, but the Z’Gok retaliated swiftly. Char’s mobile suit crushed Woody’s vehicle with its manipulator claws, killing him instantly.

Woody’s sacrifice was not in vain—his attack provided Amuro Ray with crucial assistance and helped ensure that Char was forced to retreat from Jaburo, ultimately contributing to the Federation’s successful defence of their headquarters.

Personality and traits

Woody demonstrated remarkable compassion and understanding in his brief interactions with the White Base crew. Despite his own grief over Matilda’s death, he took time to console Amuro Ray and help the young pilot overcome his guilt. His words showed both wisdom and acceptance of the harsh realities of war.

He possessed a strong sense of duty and courage, willingly sortying against overwhelming odds to defend Jaburo. Like his fiancée Matilda, Woody was prepared to sacrifice his life to protect others, showing the same selfless dedication that had characterised their relationship.

Woody’s deep love for Matilda was evident in how he spoke of her and his continued care for the White Base crew because of her attachment to them. His understanding and forgiveness of the circumstances surrounding her death showed emotional maturity and genuine love.

Relationships

Matilda Ajan

Woody’s relationship with Matilda Ajan was one of deep love and mutual respect. They had planned to build a life together after the war, with their wedding scheduled to follow Operation Odessa. Despite his grief at her loss, Woody harboured no resentment towards Amuro Ray or the White Base crew, understanding that Matilda had died doing what she believed in.

In some versions of the story, Woody showed slight jealousy over the apparent attraction between Matilda and Amuro, but this did not affect his fundamental understanding and forgiveness of the situation.

Amuro Ray

Though they met only briefly, Woody formed a connection with Amuro Ray through their shared grief over Matilda’s death. Woody’s counsel helped Amuro begin to overcome his guilt, showing the young pilot that individual blame was meaningless in the context of war’s larger tragedy.

Legacy

Woody Malden’s death represented another tragic example of how the One Year War destroyed young lives and promising futures. Together with Matilda Ajan, their story illustrated the human cost of war on those who loved each other and served with dedication.

His heroic last stand during the Battle of Jaburo contributed to the Federation’s successful defence of their most important military facility, helping to ensure that the war would eventually turn in their favour.

Behind the scenes

Woody Malden was voiced by Kirby Morrow in the English dub of Mobile Suit Gundam. The character appeared in multiple versions of the Gundam universe, including Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin, where his role was largely the same but with some variations in his final battle.

In the original anime series, Woody died piloting a Fanfan hovercraft, but in some adaptations, including certain games and manga, he was depicted using an RGM-79 GM mobile suit instead.

In the novelisation of Mobile Suit Gundam, unlike the anime, Woody is presumed to have survived the One Year War, representing one of the differences between the various versions of the story.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam
Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin

External links

Woody Malden on the Gundam Wiki