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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
→Origins
====Origins====
[[File:DeathwingSymbolHH.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Heresy]]-era Deathwing Symbol{{Fn|11}}]]
Formed from the shattered remains of the [[Host of Crowns]], the formation once famed for its line breaker squadrons and marksmen. Those of the inner circle who survived that infamous incident swore mighty oaths that no member of the Wing would ever leave the field of battle in the hands of the enemy, accepting death over dishonour or retreat. The Deathwing excels in special operations alongside other units of the Legion, especially as a counterpart to the more numerous [[Stormwing]], with a multitude of sub-disciplines within its ranks. Most renowned among its specialists are those dedicated to the role of line breakers, elite veteran infantry that serve to shatter the enemy's formations and create openings for other units or Wings, and the lifeguard cadre deployed to protect officers during battle. {{Fn|11}} These lifeguard cadre are especially prominent, with few high ranking officers in the Legion lacking a small force of Deathwing veterans sworn to give their lives to ensure their safety. Indeed, it is a detachment of the Deathwing that provides a garrison force for the inner citadels on both [[Caliban]] and [[Gramarye]], charged with the safety of the Primarch himself. Given the stringent requirements for entry into even the outer circles of this Wing, its membership remains small but garners much respect within the Legion, often acting as force commanders in situations where the authority of other factions within the Legion is unclear. As the Horus Heresy wore on and casualties began to take a toll on the Dark Angels' officer corps, the veterans of the Deathwing came to assume a greater responsibility over their brethren, slowly taking a dominant position within the Legion and on the Council of Masters.{{Fn|11}}
The Deathwing is one of the two current incarnations of the original [[Hexagrammaton]] formations of the Dark Angels [[Space Marine Legion|Legion]] that continues into the [[41st Millennium]].{{Fn|6a}}