Red Hand Squadron was a group of Rebel Alliance commandos as well as Y-wing pilots (known as Crimson Fury). Bria Tharen formed this team, and its main objective was to free slaves. Tharen established the group as a component of the burgeoning Alliance, prompted by her experiences on Ylesia. Despite not focusing their attacks on Imperial forces, Red Hand Squadron gained notoriety for their effectiveness and a degree of ruthlessness uncommon within the Alliance. Bria Tharen, who commanded Red Hand Squadron, is shown overseeing an operation in person. Tharen demonstrated her skill as a leader, expecting the highest standards from her personnel. Red Hand Squadron launched an assault on and seized the CR90 corvette named Helot's Shackle, which carried slaves addicted to Exultation from Ylesia. The boarding action was intense and brutal, resulting in the deaths of numerous Rebels along with many slavers. Tharen personally executed the captain after he refused to yield. The ship was then renamed Emancipator at Tharen's suggestion.
Red Hand Squadron was also integral to the Battle of Ylesia, an event that ultimately led to the squadron's downfall. The battle proved much more challenging than anticipated, and Tharen's act of betraying the smugglers who were aiding her left a negative impression on many. Even Han Solo, who had once been her lover, developed a strong dislike for her. Solo and Tharen ended their relationship on hostile terms following the battle.
The final stand of Red Hand Squadron occurred on Toprawa. Their mission was to capture and maintain control of an Imperial communications center long enough for the stolen Death Star plans to be transmitted to the corvette Tantive IV, which was conveniently 'passing through the system'. Although the mission was a success, the squadron suffered significant losses, and their positions were eventually overwhelmed by the Imperial counterattack. To avoid capture and torture by the Empire, Tharen and the remaining Rebel survivors ingested poison pills. Following the Toprawa mission, Red Hand Squadron was officially dissolved.
Members of Red Hand Squadron displayed a crimson emblem resembling a blood-dripping hand on their uniforms, helmets, starfighters, and large warships.