Editing Fall of Reach

{{Status|Canon}}
{{Disambig header|the battle|other uses|Fall of Reach (disambiguation)}}
{{Battle infobox
|name=Fall of Reach
|image=[[File:Fall of Reach compilation.png|300px]]
|caption=Clockwise from top left: The [[Devoted Sentries]] and [[NOBLE Team]] battle one another at [[Visegrád Relay]]; [[Order of battle (Viery, Reach)|dozens of UNSC deployments]] across the [[Viery Territory]]; [[UNSC Army]] personnel in [[M12 Warthog]]s engage {{Pattern|Is'belox|Banshee}}s; [[Jun-A266]] and [[Emile-A239]] at [[SWORD Base]] during [[Operation: WHITE GLOVE]]; Sgt. [[Avery Johnson]] fighting a [[Kig-Yar]] on [[Gamma Station]]; the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} escaping Reach.
|prev=*[[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]]
*[[Battle of Beta Eridani]]
|conc=*[[Battle for Tribute]]
*[[Battle of Line Installation 1-4]]
*[[Raid on Mount Haven]]
*[[Battle of Beta Gabriel]]
|next=[[Battle of Installation 04]]
|conflict=*[[Human-Covenant War]]
**[[Siege of the Inner Colonies]]
|date=[[2552#July|July 23, 2552]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=43}} – [[2552#August|August 30, 2552]]<ref name="H3R">[[:File:ONI Plaque Right.jpg|''Halo 3: ODST'', Reference of Reach event]]</ref>{{Ref/Note|While the time stamps in ''Halo Reach'' use Reach's local time, the dates given are based on the UNSC military calendar. This is supported by the entries in [[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]].}} <br>
*[[#Timeline|See below]]
|place=[[Reach]], [[Epsilon Eridani system]]
|result='''Covenant victory'''
*Reach [[Glassing|glassed]]{{Ref/Reuse|h2aheretic}}{{Ref/Reuse|actual}}
*All major military sites and population centers destroyed{{Ref/Book|OSFM|Page=94}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|side1=
*{{Icon|UNSC HCW}} [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]]
**{{Icon|Navy}} [[UNSC Navy|Navy]]
**{{Icon|Marine Corps}} [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine Corps]]
**{{Icon|Army}} [[UNSC Army|Army]]
**{{Icon|Air Force}} [[UNSC Air Force|Air Force]]
*[[Reach militia]]
|side2=
*{{Icon|Covenant FB}} [[Covenant]]
**[[Ministry of Fervent Intercession]]
**[[Ministry of Resolution]]
|commanders1=
*[[Admiral|ADM]] [[Roland Freemont]]†
*[[Vice Admiral|VADM]] [[Michael Stanforth]]†
*[[Vice Admiral|VADM]] [[Danforth Whitcomb]]
*[[Colonel|COL]] [[Urban Holland]]
*[[Captain|CAPT]] [[Jacob Keyes]]
|commanders2=
*[[Supreme Commander]] [[Rho 'Barutamee]]†
*[[Supreme Commander]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee
*[[Field Marshal]] [[Orsu Lar 'Ahtalee]]†
*[[Shipmaster]] [[Kantar 'Utaralee]]
|forces1=
See [[Participants in the Fall of Reach|here for details on participating forces]]
*385,421,100 available military manpower<ref name="factbook">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=intel ''Bungie.net'': CAA Factbook on Reach's military power]</ref>
**[[Epsilon Eridani Fleet]]
***152 [[warship]]s {{C|August 30}}{{Ref/Reuse|FOR33}}
****[[UNSC Trafalgar|1]] [[Punic-class supercarrier|supercarrier]] 
****Several [[Marathon-class heavy cruiser|heavy cruisers]]
****2+ [[Halcyon-class light cruiser|light cruisers]]
****95+ [[UNSC frigate|frigates]] and [[UNSC destroyer|destroyers]]{{Ref/Novel|Novel=Halo: The Fall of Reach|Chapter=33|Quote=Twenty thousand kilometers from the planet, a cluster of a hundred UNSC ships collected at rally point Zulu: destroyers, frigates, three cruisers, two carriers—and three refit and repair stations hovering over them. . . waiting to be used as sacrificial shields. “Fifty-two additional UNSC warships inbound to rally point Zulu,” Cortana reported.|Detail=Frigates and destroyers comprised 95% of the initial force (95/100).}}
****Numerous [[UNSC corvette|corvettes]]<ref name="FS">'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 207''</ref>
****18 [[refit station|refit and repair stations]]
**20 [[orbital defense platform]]s
**58,485 land assets{{Ref/Reuse|factbook}}
***26 [[Spartan-IIs]]{{Ref/Reuse|drop5}}<ref name="Wars">[http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/Timeline.aspx ''Official Halo Wars Community Site'': Timeline] (defunct, [[Archive:Halowars.com/Timeline|Archived]])</ref><ref name="FS Adjunct">''Halo: First Strike'' (2010), Adjunct</ref><ref name="DttE">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh7Q3fjIIwc ''Youtube'': Defiant to the End]</ref><ref name="Library">''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'', [[Library (feature)|Library]] - Pelican</ref><!-- This figure includes the 25 NAVSPECWEAP Spartan-IIs recalled to Reach (as stated in the listed sources) as well as Jorge.-->
***Numerous [[Spartan-III]]s
***Multiple [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers|ODSTs]]
**11,050 air assets{{Ref/Reuse|factbook}}
|forces2=
See [[Participants in the Fall of Reach|here for details on participating forces]]
*[[Fleet of Valiant Prudence]]
**[[Long Night of Solace|1]] {{Pattern|Sh'wada|supercarrier}}{{Ref/Reuse|lnos}}
**3+ {{Pattern|Varric|heavy cruiser}}s{{Ref/Game|Id=SC|Halo: Fleet Battles|Detail=Scenario Two to Eight campaigns}}
**11+ {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}s{{Ref/Reuse|SC}}
**29+ {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}}s{{Ref/Reuse|SC}}{{Ref/Reuse|sword}}{{Ref/Reuse|lnos}}
*[[Ministry of Resolution]]'s fleet
**A large number of ships
***At least 3 {{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}s{{Ref/Reuse|lnos}}
***At least 10 {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}s{{Ref/Reuse|lnos}}
***At least 4 {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}}s{{Ref/Reuse|exodus}}
*Around 315 ships {{C|August 30}}{{Ref/Reuse|FOR33}}{{Ref/Note|In Chapter 33, it is stated that 314 Covenant ships are in the system. Given the ''Pillar of Autumn'' moments earlier had destroyed one, this brings a total of 315}}{{Ref/Note|During the opening cutscene of the '''[[Halo 2]]''' level ''[[Cairo Station]]'', [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood]] states that the fleet that destroyed Reach was "fifty times" larger than the [[Fleet of Sacred Consecration|fifteen ship fleet]] attacking Earth; taken at face value, it would seem that Hood is speaking in hyperbole. The 2010 reissue of ''Halo: The Fall of Reach'' took this statement literally and changed the number of ships at Reach from around 300 to "over 750"; however, this change was made in only one instance, with all other statements regarding the fleet's size remaining consistent with prior versions of the novel. While the 2011 ''Definitive Edition'' removed this change, it is repeated in the comic book adaption, ''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion]]''.}}
**[[Combined Fleet of Righteous Purpose]]{{Ref/Novel|Id=GOO27|GoO|Chapter=27}}
**[[Fleet of Particular Justice]]{{Ref/Level|Id=Heretic|H2|The Heretic}}
**[[Fleet of Holy Respite]]{{Ref/Novel|Id=Priority|HTF|Adjunct|Detail=[[Priority Broadcast Log/Eleventh Cycle, Third Unit]]}}
**[[Fleet of Righteous Vigilance]]{{Ref/Anthology|Id=Return|Evo|The Return}}
*Numerous ground forces
|casual1=Catastrophic
*650,000,000 - 1,000,000,000+ casualties{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
**Over 130 [[UNSC starship|ships]]
**20 orbital defense platforms
**All refit and repair stations
**Majority of ground forces
***Eight Spartan-IIs and at least seventeen Spartan-IIIs{{Ref/Site|Id=CFFeetFall|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-feet-first-into-fall|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Feet First Into Fall|D=29|M=09|Y=2025}}
|casual2=Massive
*Heavy terrestrial and exoatmospheric losses
*Over 145 [[Covenant starship|ships]]{{Ref/Reuse|FOR33}}{{Ref/Note|In Chapter 33, it is stated that 314 Covenant ships are in the system. Given the ''Pillar of Autumn'' moments earlier had destroyed one, this brings a total of 315. Then, it is stated that ''"the surviving Covenant vessels advanced in-system—a third of their number were left behind... burning radioactive hulks or utterly destroyed by the Super MAC rounds"''. One-third of 315 is 105. Following that, ''"sixteen Covenant ships were blasted into flame and glittering fragments"'', the orbital guns' super-heavy rounds ''"impacted eighteen incoming Covenant ships"'', and ''"six Covenant ships cleared the interfering cloud of vapor"'' before being destroyed. <nowiki>105+16+18+6=145</nowiki> total destroyed Covenant ships in this particular battle.}}
*Majority of the Fleet of Valiant Prudence
}}
{{Series/Battle/Fall of Reach}}
{{Quote|We knew this day would come. They have found our fortress among the stars. The [[Covenant]] are on Reach. They will burn this planet, kill millions, and when Reach falls—and fall it will—there will be nothing left to stand between them - and [[Earth]].|[[Dr. Catherine Halsey]]<ref>[[Halo: Reach ViDoc: A Spartan Will Rise|''Halo: Reach'': "A Spartan Will Rise" ViDoc]]</ref>}}

The '''Fall of Reach''' was one of the largest and bloodiest [[battle|engagements]] in the [[Human-Covenant War|Human-Covenant]] [[War]]. It was fought on and around the [[human]] [[Human colonies|colony]] [[planet|world]] of [[Reach]] in the [[Epsilon Eridani system]], between the [[United Nations Space Command]] and the [[Covenant]] from [[2552|July 25 to August 30, 2552]].{{Ref/Reuse|H3R}}

Initial skirmishes began on July 23, 2552, when a [[Fleet of Valiant Prudence|small Covenant task force]] led by the {{Pattern|Sh'wada|supercarrier}} ''[[Long Night of Solace]]'' covertly established a foothold on Reach. The Covenant began to solidify their hold and began searching for Forerunner relics as the UNSC counter-attacked, attempting to drive the Covenant off the surface before reinforcements arrived. Ultimately, the UNSC was unsuccessful, and substantial Covenant reinforcements under [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee arrived in the system. After hard fighting, the Covenant breached the orbital defense grid and overran the UNSC's planetside forces. After overwhelming the defenders, the Covenant [[Glassing|glassed]] the planet. Isolated skirmishes between UNSC remnants and the Covenant forces continued until their recovery by a small rescue party led by [[John-117]].

Though the battle was a clear defeat for the UNSC, [[NOBLE Team]] preventing the Cortana fragment from falling into enemy hands subsequently led the ''Pillar of Autumn'' to [[Halo Array|Halo]] [[Installation 04]], where they [[Battle of Installation 04|engaged the Covenant in a decisive battle]]. The experience gleaned on Installation 04, and the [[Great Schism|subsequent political schism]] within the Covenant while [[Battle for Earth|attacking]] [[Earth]], would be invaluable to the [[Battle of Installation 00|ultimate defeat]] of the Covenant.

==Nomenclature==
The battle for the planet Reach is most frequently named the '''Fall of Reach''',<ref>''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]'', p. 198</ref><ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/abouthalo/timeline ''Waypoint'': Halo Official Timeline]</ref> but it also has been known as the '''Battle of Reach'''<ref name="BnetDefiant">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=30646 ''Bungie.net:'' Defiant Map Pack]</ref> and the '''Reach Campaign'''.<ref>''[[Halo 2]]'', [[Conversations from the Universe]] - Grunt Conversation</ref> Officially, the UNSC refers to the battle as the '''Defense of Reach'''.{{Ref/Generic|Id=lootcrate2|Heading=[[Halo Legendary Crate]]|Subheading=[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #2]]}}

==Background==
[[File:Reach "The Battle Begins"-Elite.png|thumb|left|250px|The communications cutoff between Reach and other UEG colonies was originally attributed to localized [[Insurrectionist]]s. However, upon investigating, NOBLE Team discovered that the Covenant's [[Devoted Sentries]] were responsible.]]
At some point before July 19, 2552, the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] ran a series of calculations that predicted the future movement of the Covenant force sweeping throughout [[Milky Way|the galaxy]]. Based on these calculations, ONI determined that there was an 87.2% probability that the Epsilon Eridani system would be discovered by the Covenant within five months. [[Admiral]] [[Margaret Parangosky]], the [[Commander-in-Chief of the Office of Naval Intelligence|head of ONI]], debated with [[Vice Admiral]] [[Michael Stanforth]] about using Reach as the stage for the planned [[Operation: RED FLAG]]; the pair considered that the presence of large-scale [[Forerunner]] artifacts on the planet would be a source of Covenant interest in the planet. The rest of the UNSC, however, was given no warning of the predicted attack.{{Ref/Generic|Id=drop4|[[Data Drop]]s|Detail=Data Drop #4}} Other worlds considered to be used as bait for RED FLAG included [[Arcadia]], [[Harvest]], and [[Meridian]].{{Ref/Generic|Id=drop5|[[Data Drop]]s|Detail=Data Drop #5}} The goal of RED FLAG would be to use Reach as bait to draw in a "Class-5" [[Covenant carrier]] with which a team of [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-II]] supersoldiers could capture it and then proceed to capture a Covenant [[Hierarchs|High Prophet]], and try to negotiate an end to the ongoing war.{{Ref/Reuse|drop4}} 

ONI's prediction came true less than a week after Admiral Parangosky sent her message. Following a [[Battle of Beta Eridani|victory]] against the humans in the [[Beta Eridani system]], Supreme Commander [[Rho 'Barutamee]] of the Covenant's [[Fleet of Valiant Prudence]] was able to secure a [[Luminary]] that informed him of Reach's location. 'Barutamee cared little of the humans in the Epsilon Eridani system, and did not know the significance of Reach to the UNSC.{{Ref/Tabletop|Id=flight|HFB|Scenario One: Flight!}}{{Ref/Tabletop|Id=contact|HFB|Scenario Two: Contact}} On July 23, the Fleet of Valiant Prudence arrived at Reach.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} The recovered Luminary marked the presence of the Forerunner [[Rate]] of [[Builder]]s across the system.{{Ref/Reuse|contact}} After arriving at Reach, the fleet clandestinely deployed a large ground force to the [[Viery Territory]]. This invasion force was cloaked from UNSC sensors by sophisticated [[stealth pylon]]s deployed around it. The Covenant also sent a small [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]] strike team, the [[Devoted Sentries]], to disable vital communications infrastructure in the [[Visegrád Relay]]. The strike force disabled the communications array at [[Visegrád]], cutting off communications from the northern parts of [[Alföld]] to the larger communications hubs further south, leaving a large portion of Reach isolated from the rest of the UNSC.{{Ref/Game|Id=OverlookRadio|HR|Halo: Reach radio conversations|Radio conversations|Detail=Overlook}}

ONI informants on [[Verge]] led to the belief that this may be [[Insurrectionist]] activity from a local cell of the [[People's Occupation]], though Admiral Parangosky suspected it may be the start of their long-awaited Covenant attack. As such, she recalled [[Battle Group Leviathan]], under Vice Admiral Stanforth, from [[Sigma Octanus IV]].{{Ref/Generic|Id=drop3|[[Data Drop]]s|Detail=Data Drop #3}} ONI relayed this information to [[Unified Special Warfare Command]], who in turn deployed [[Special Warfare Group Three]] into the [[Visegrád]] region to conduct general counterinsurgency operations.{{Ref/Novel|Id=entry19021024|HTFoR|Adjunct|Detail=Entry 19-021/024}} In response, the [[UNSC Army|Army]] was deployed into [[Pálháza]],{{Ref/Reuse|OverlookRadio}} with several fireteams including [[3 Charlie]] sent to investigate the matter.{{Ref/Marketing|Id=patrol|HR|Remember Reach|Patrol}} Contact with these fireteams was lost shortly thereafter.{{Ref/Reuse|actual}}

{{Article quote|ONI thinks it might be the local Insurrection. Five months ago, they pulled a similar job on Harmony. Hit a relay to take out our eyes and ears, then stole two freighters from dry dock. That cannot happen here. Reach is too damn important. I want that relay back online, NOBLE One.{{Ref/Level|Id=actual|HR|Noble Actual}}}}

===Winter Contingency===
{{Main|Battle of Visegrád}}
{{Quote|Colonel, this is NOBLE One. There are no rebels. The Covenant are on Reach.|[[Carter-A259]]{{Ref/Level|Id=winter|HR|Winter Contingency}}}}

On July 24, the day after the [[Visegrád Relay]] was disabled, [[Spartan]] [[NOBLE Team]] was sent to investigate the disturbance in lieu of the missing Army fireteams.{{Ref/Reuse|actual}} The group had been conducting anti-insurrection operations in the region in conjunction with SpecWar Three, and were thus on-hand to assist.{{Ref/Reuse|patrol}}{{Ref/Reuse|entry19021024}} Upon landing in Visegrád and scouting the surrounding countryside, NOBLE Team quickly discovered that insurrectionists were not responsible for the attack; a small Covenant advance force had found Reach and landed at Visegrád, with the intent of disabling Reach's communications with other UNSC colonies. After wiping out the advance force, NOBLE Team proceeded to the relay station, where they were ambushed by the Devoted Sentries. [[WINTER CONTINGENCY (protocol)|WINTER CONTINGENCY]] was then declared on Reach.{{Ref/Reuse|winter}}<ref name="EDGE">[http://www.edge-online.com/ ''EDGE Magazine'', February 2010]</ref><ref name="GI">[http://gameinformer.com/mag/haloreach.aspx ''GameInformer'', February 2010]</ref>

Following the declaration of the WINTER CONTINGENCY, several ONI field agents were given [[WINTER CONTINGENCY Declaration Supplemental Orders|supplemental orders]] to secure or - if necessary - terminate UNSC astronavigation personnel to ensure their knowledge would not fall into the hands of the Covenant.{{Ref/Novel|Id=supplemental|HTFoR|Adjunct|Detail=[[WINTER CONTINGENCY Declaration Supplemental Orders]]}}

==Battle==
===Opening battles===
{{Quote|We are now under attack across the Viery territory, including orbital defenses. As per the WINTER CONTINGENCY, we are countering on every front.|[[Auntie Dot]]{{Ref/Level|Id=tots|HR|Tip of the Spear}}}}
Operating using cloaking technology and stealth tactics, the Covenant had created a fortified landing zone on Reach, with anti-air guns around the perimeter of their staging area in the [[Viery Territory]] where they had covertly inserted a large amount of forces, including several stealth-capable {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}}s.{{Ref/Level|Id=hrnightfall|HR|Nightfall}} On July 26, two days after the skirmish at Visegrád, the Covenant [[Battle of Sword Base|launched an attack]] on [[SWORD Base]] in an attempt to overrun the ONI facility and access the [[Babd Catha Forerunner complex|Forerunner structures]] there. However, these forces were repulsed after NOBLE Team reinforced the base and brought its [[M71 Scythe|air defences]] and communications back online. The Covenant corvette attacking it was forced to retreat and was destroyed by an [[orbital defense platform]]'s [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]].{{Ref/Level|Id=sword|HR|ONI: Sword Base}}

On August 1, half of Vice Admiral Stanforth's Battle Group Leviathan arrived in the Epsilon Eridani system, the other half having been left at Sigma Octanus to defend it in case of a potential followup Covenant attack there.{{Ref/Reuse|drop4}} Over the next two weeks Leviathan began to engage the Fleet of Valiant Prudence in space across the system. While the battle began on the ground, Rho's forces in space began to enagage UNSC Naval forces across the system, engaging light battlegroups composed mainly of {{Class|Paris|heavy frigate}}s and a {{Class|Marathon|heavy cruiser}} in space.{{Ref/Reuse|contact}} Following the declaration of WINTER CONTINGENCY on Reach, the personnel of [[Teller Station]] - a research laboratory working at [[Site 17]] in the system's [[Oort cloud]] - prepared to evacuate after being ordered to condense their last dig into barely a fortnight. These activities awakened the senescent Forerunner systems there, alerting the Fleet of Valiant Prudence to the site. Rho deployed a "significant portion of his fleet"{{Ref/Reuse|run}} there consisting of 4 ''Ceudar''-pattern corvettes and 2 ''Ket''-pattern battlecruisers, only to be engaged by Battle Group Leviathan.{{Ref/Tabletop|Id=evacuate|HFB|Scenario=Scenario Three: Evacuate}} The Covenant forces were able to overrun the defences there, though the humans were able to successfully extract Site 17's artifact. The Covenant attempted to board the {{Class|Epoch|heavy carrier}} leading the battle group to retrieve it, though Stanforth intended to use the artifact to lure the Covenant into a trap near Reach itself{{Ref/Tabletop|Id=run|HFB|Scenario=Scenario Four: Run!}} - likely an attempt to draw in ''Long Night of Solace'' for RED FLAG. The battle group fought off their pursuers, and Stanforth was able to vector in reinforcements from Reach itself to stop the pursuing Covenant squadrons.{{Ref/Tabletop|Id=intothefire|HFB|Scenario=Scenario Five: Into the fire}}

[[File:UNSC Attack.jpg|thumb|left|250px|UNSC ground forces charge a Covenant formation in the [[Battle at Szurdok Ridge]].{{Ref/Reuse|tots}}]]
{{Main|Mission to Szurdok Ridge|Battle at Szurdok Ridge|Order of battle (Viery, Reach)}}
On August 12, over two weeks after the defense of SWORD Base, the UNSC [[Mission to Szurdok Ridge|sent reconnaissance teams into Covenant-controlled territory]] in preparation for a counterattack and to investigate the enemy positions and forces they would be facing.{{Ref/Reuse|hrnightfall}} With a Covenant staging ground on Reach, the [[UNSC Army]], [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine Corps]], and [[UNSC Navy|Navy]] launched a joint offensive in an attempt to defeat the Covenant forces before reinforcements could arrive.{{Ref/Reuse|tots}} The assault was spearheaded by the Army and NOBLE Team, who attacked Covenant [[Cheru-pattern Tyrant|anti-air weapons]] to make way for [[GA-TL1 Longsword]]s and {{Class|Paris|heavy frigate}}s to make bombing runs. The attack, though initially successful, was thwarted when a cloaked {{Pattern|Sh'wada|supercarrier}}, ''[[Long Night of Solace]]'', appeared over the area, attacking the UNSC frigates and reinforcing the Covenant troops.{{Ref/Reuse|tots}} Meanwhile, Covenant forces made another strike on SWORD Base, this time with much greater success. Around this time, sixty percent of the Fleet was recalled to Reach from existing deployments; these reinforcements were scheduled to arrive by August 15.{{Ref/Reuse|lnos}} The same day as the battles at Szurdok Ridge, {{UNSCShip|Iroquois}} and presumably the rest of Battle Group Leviathan returned from Sigma Octanus IV.{{Ref/Book|Id=leviathan12|Dr. Halsey's personal journal|Page=August 12, 2552}}{{Ref/Novel|HTFoR|Chapter=24}} Unbeknownst to the UNSC, ''Iroquios'' was carrying a [[Relay mite]] that had been discretely attached to the ship during the previous battle at Sigma Octanus IV. This probe communicated back to the Covenant at large outside of the Fleet of Valiant Prudence, alerting them to the location of Reach.{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR23|HTFoR|Chapter=23}}

===The battle begins===
{{Main|Operation: UPPER CUT|Operation: LEFT JAB}}
[[File:LNoS ends.jpg|thumb|250px|''Long Night of Solace'' being destroyed.{{Ref/Reuse|lnos}}]]
{{Quote|no=five|Air Control (COM)|AI Auntie Dot (COM)|ATC 2 (COM)|Colonel Holland (COM)|AI Auntie Dot (COM)|q1=They're everywhere!|q2=Slipspace rupture detected.|q3=Oh no, this can't be happening!|q4=Must be the whole damn Covenant fleet!|q5=Slipspace rupture detected.|The UNSC panics in horror followed by screams on the communications channel as a massive combined Covenant fleet arrives{{Ref/Reuse|lnos}}}}
The reveal of the supercarrier led to the UNSC devising a plan to destroy it, involving two simultaneous operations by [[UNSC Naval Command|NAVCOM]] in space and [[Unified Ground Command|UNICOM]] on the ground. The former, [[Operation: LEFT JAB]], involved harassing and stretching the Fleet of Valiant Prudence's escort as much as possible in order to leave ''Long Night of Solace'' in a vulnerable position.{{Ref/Tabletop|Id=leftjab|HFB|Scenario=Scenario Six: Left Jab}} Stanforth hoped to use ''Long Night of Solace'' as a target for capture as per Operation: RED FLAG.{{Ref/Reuse|drop5}} However, the UNICOM operation, [[Operation: UPPER CUT]], was set on destroying the carrier. UPPER CUT was designed to use experimental [[FSS-1000 Sabre|YSS-1000 Sabre]] starfighters to capture the Covenant corvette ''[[Ardent Prayer]]'' and deliver an improvised [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine#Atypical uses|slipspace drive "bomb"]] to the supercarrier and destroy it. NOBLE Team were deployed to fend off an attack at the Sabre [[Sabre Program Launch/Research Range|research site]] at [[Farkas Lake]], before deploying to refit station [[Anchor 9]] in the fighters to prepare for the operation.{{Ref/Level|Id=lnos|HR|Long Night of Solace (level)|Long Night of Solace}} [[Spartan-B312]], [[Jorge-052]], and a team of [[UNSC Army|Army]] pilots, with the aid of the frigate ''Savannah'', boarded the ''Ardent Prayer'' and took control of it.{{Ref/Reuse|lnos}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Warfleet76|HWF|Page=76-77}}

[[File:Reach AssaultCarriers.jpg|thumb|260px|left|A larger Covenant fleet sent by the [[Ministry of Resolution]] enters the system, escalating the siege of the planet.]]
By this time, Supreme Commander 'Barutamee now realised the threat of the human presence on the surface and the importance of the planet he was attacking. If this wasn't enough, the [[Ministry of Resolution]] had deployed a much larger fleet to the planet (presumably alerted by the Relay mite attached to ''Iroquois''), and his artefact-hunting teams were still bogged down on the surface. If the commander wasn't able to produce something of value soon, he might be forced to retreat or face the wrath of the [[Hierarch]]s for his ineptitude. Stanforth had managed to spread his fleet thin, probing his defences from all sides. The UNSC fleet at large initiated a massive attack known as [[Operation: LEFT JAB]] to distract the supercarrier,{{Ref/Reuse|leftjab}} allowing NOBLE Team's operation to go unnoticed following the jamming of their target corvette's communications.{{Ref/Reuse|lnos}} With the Covenant fleet stretched thin, UNSC [[task force]]s were able to pounce on cut-off Covenant scout fleets.{{Ref/Tabletop|Id=finishingblow|HFB|Scenario=Scenario Seven: Finishing Blow}}

Noble Five then sacrificed himself to destroy ''Long Night of Solace''. However, just as the supercarrier was destroyed, the Ministry of Resolution's massive fleet of warships exited slipspace in orbit over the planet, consisting of at least [[Unidentified Covenant assault carrier class|3 assault carriers]], 10 battlecruisers, and a number of heavy corvettes.{{Ref/Reuse|lnos}} The supercarrier's wreckage landed near [[New Alexandria (location)|New Alexandria]], killing Barutamee in the process. Shipmaster [[Kantar 'Utaralee]] assumed command of what remained of the now-splintered Fleet of Valiant Prudence, leading them once again to recover the Site 17 artifact, now relocated to a station near [[Turul]].{{Ref/Tabletop|Id=zulu|HFB|Scenario=Scenario Eight: Rally Point Zulu}}

Despite the mission's success, the destruction of the supercarrier was an inadvertent setback for [[Operation: RED FLAG]]. The Operation called for a "Class-Five" Covenant vessel such as a {{Pattern|Kerel|assault carrier}} or a ''Sh'wada''-pattern supercarrier to be boarded by the Spartan-IIs. Colonel Holland informed Admiral Stanforth of the destruction of the supercarrier around August 27, several days following its destruction. The Admiral expressed his frustrations regarding the "trigger happiness" of the [[Unified Special Warfare Command]], as the operation would now need to find a new target vessel.{{Ref/Reuse|drop5}} 

===Further engagements===
[[File:Noble Six City.jpg|thumb|250px|Noble Six arrives at [[New Alexandria (location)|New Alexandria]] as it is invaded by Covenant forces.{{Ref/Reuse|exodus}}]]
{{Main|Siege of New Alexandria}}
{{Quote|Your report will have to wait, Lieutenant. The Covenant are jamming all comms to Command. [[Catherine-B320|Kat]] needs your help running a counter-op.|Commander [[Carter-A259]]{{Ref/Level|Id=alexandria|HR|New Alexandria}}}}
Over the next week, Covenant ground forces landed on the planet and Covenant ships began [[glassing]] targeted areas. A major siege lasting between August 18–23 broke out in the [[city]] of [[New Alexandria (location)|New Alexandria]], with large numbers of civilian evacuation transports being shot down by Covenant air and ground forces. A major component of the new Ministry of Resolution's fleet involved the deployment of [[Jiralhanae]] shock troopers into New Alexandria.{{Ref/Level|Id=exodus|HR|Exodus}}{{Ref/Reuse|alexandria}} Members of NOBLE Team assisted UNSC forces in clearing evacuation zones, succeeding in damaging a [[Covenant corvette]] in the process. Though the UNSC succeeded in clearing the city of Covenant troops, Covenant naval assets began to glass the city, and while retreating [[Catherine-B320]] of NOBLE Team was killed by sniper fire.{{Ref/Reuse|alexandria}} Elsewhere, the evacuation stations in [[Manassas]] and [[Esztergom]] were attacked and eventually stopped responding.{{Ref/Level|Id=BeachheadRadio|HR|Halo: Reach radio conversations|Radio conversations|Detail=Beachhead}}

However, most of the planet's population, both civilian and military, (particularly those assigned to Operation: RED FLAG), were kept unaware of the invasion, as the Army repeatedly insisted they had the ground battle under control.{{Ref/Reuse|drop5}}{{Ref/Reuse|entry19021024}} HIGHCOM withheld major counteroffensives on the far side of the planet in the hope that a Class-5 Covenant vessel, which was needed for the operation, would be drawn in and make itself vulnerable for capture. Millions perished as a result of this relative inaction.{{Ref/Reuse|drop5}} 

Due to his tendency to jump head-first into the action, Captain [[Jacob Keyes]] was left in the dark about the Covenant attack, as to ensure that he wouldn't engage before a target could make itself known.{{Ref/Reuse|drop5}} At some point following August 27, the Captain was informed of the ongoing battle, though under strict orders to keep the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}'s crew in the dark. Keyes felt these blackout orders to be ineffective due to the ability to look out of the window to see the battle raging on the surface, and wished to tell the crew to ensure they knew that Reach would likely no longer exist when their mission was complete.{{Ref/Novel|Id=34670J|HTFoR|Adjunct|Detail=UNSC Transmission 34670J-17}} As the battle went on to August 30, the ship was stationed over [[Lábatlan]], with the [[R. Abiad]] noticing an explosion over [[Eposz]] and [[William Lovell]] noticing strange electromagnetic readings coming from Turul. ONI used the downed Visegrad relay as an excuse to keep the ''Pillar of Autumn'' parked on the side of the planet not currently hit by the Covenant.{{Ref/Generic|Id=drop6|[[Data Drop]]s|Detail=Drop #6}}

As the situation on the ground deteriorated, NOBLE Team and a small force of [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] were ordered to destroy the Covenant-occupied SWORD Base in a "torch-and-burn" operation known as [[Operation: WHITE GLOVE]]. Proceeding into the base, the team encountered [[Dr. Catherine Halsey]], who enlisted their help in defending her laboratory amid the ruins of a Forerunner [[Babd Catha Forerunner complex|complex]] from advancing Covenant forces. Halsey ordered Noble Six, Carter, and Emile to transport a fragment of the AI [[Cortana]] to the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}, while [[Jun-A266]] escorted her to [[CASTLE Base]] elsewhere on Reach.{{Ref/Level|Id=thepackage|HR|[[The Package]]}}

===Final space battle===
{{Main|Space engagements over Reach}}
{{Quote|multi=more|q1=[[Gamma Station]], this is [[Fermion]] RSO. Unconfirmed reports of an in-system [[slipspace]] rupture.|Fermion Remote Sensing Outpost|q2=Impossible. Check your source.|Reach Station Gamma|q3=There's no mistake. It's them.|Fermion RSO|Conversation between Fermion and Gamma on the arrival of the Covenant armada{{Ref/Marketing|Id=announce|HR|Halo: Reach announcement trailer}}}}
As August 30 dawned, the ''Pillar of Autumn'' began making its way out-system to begin RED FLAG{{Ref/Novel|HTFoR|Chapter=30}} when a massive Covenant combined fleet was detected exiting [[slipspace]] on the edge of the system.{{Ref/Marketing|Id=THC|Halo Waypoint|The Halo Conflict|Detail=Strange New World}} The fleet was first detected in slipspace by [[remote scanning outpost]] ''[[Fermion]]'', who initially mistook the tightly knit formation as a large planetoid that had somehow entered slipspace. The station's commander, [[Chief Petty Officer]] [[McRobb]], sent an emergency message to [[UNSC Fleet Command|FLEETCOM]] and ordered [[self-destruct]] to prevent the station's data from falling into enemy hands.{{Ref/Reuse|announce}}{{Ref/Novel|TFoR|Chapter=31}} This fleet included the [[Combined Fleet of Righteous Purpose]] and its supercarrier ''[[Sublime Transcendence]]'',{{Ref/Reuse|GOO27}} the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]],{{Ref/Reuse|Heretic}} the [[Fleet of Holy Respite]],{{Ref/Reuse|Priority}} and [[Fleet of Righteous Vigilance]].{{Ref/Reuse|Return}}

[[File:FoR.png|thumb|left|250px|The outnumbered Epsilon Eridani Fleet engages the Covenant fleet in orbit over Reach.]]
A few minutes later, 315 Covenant ships exited slipspace at the edge of the [[Epsilon Eridani system]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR33|TFoR|Chapter=33}} [[Admiral]] [[Roland Freemont]] issued [[UNSC Alpha Priority Transmission 04592Z-83]], ordering all ships in the Epsilon Eridani system to rendezvous at [[Rally Point Zulu]] near Reach in preparation for the coming assault.{{Ref/Reuse|zulu}} The Covenant moved in on the orbital defenses before the UNSC fleet fully consolidated. Fifty-three belated UNSC ships, including the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}, ran a gauntlet of screening Covenant warships as they attempted to link up with the main fleet. At this time, only about a hundred UNSC ships were readily available to defend Reach.{{Ref/Reuse|FOR33}} Spartan [[John-117]] recognised the battle as a potential opportunity to board a Covenant warship, and ordered the preparation of a Pelican dropship to potentially blast their way into a hull if needs be.{{Ref/Novel|TFoR|Chapter=32}} The ''Autumn'' was able to fend off the encroaching [[Seraph]]s with its [[point-defense gun]]s, before managing to destroy a [[Covenant carrier]]. Meanwhile, a hundred ships were already gathered at Rally Point Zulu; [[UNSC destroyer|destroyers]], [[UNSC frigate|frigates]], three [[cruiser]]s, two [[UNSC carrier|carrier]]s and three [[refit station]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|FOR33}}

The main Covenant force moved in on the orbital defenses. The initial salvo of [[plasma turret|plasma torpedoes]] was mostly absorbed by the sacrifice of three refit and repair stations, allowing the defenders to return fire. The {{Class|Erod|orbital weapon platform}}s and four [[Space mine|nuclear mines]] combined to take down a full third of the Covenant fleet. The vaporized [[Titanium-A armor]] of the refit stations also served to block incoming plasma torpedoes. The UNSC force began to scatter, with fifty more ships falling to the trailing plasma torpedoes, while the MAC platforms were able to secure a further sixteen Covenant kills. The Covenant maneuvered for clear shots around the titanium dust cloud and moved in for the kill, with a further eighteen falling to the MAC guns, followed by yet another six. The final six were able to let loose a salvo of plasma rounds before their destruction, which were able to destroy five orbital guns. A [[Kewu-pattern battleship|previously unknown warship type]], armed with a powerful [[Plasma lance|flensing lance]], revealed itself and destroyed five vessels including the [[Unidentified UNSC carrier class|carrier]] {{UNSCShip|Minotaur}} before withdrawing temporarily.{{Ref/Reuse|FOR33}}

[[File:Invasion - Covenant sniper warship.png|250px|thumb|The previously unknown Covenant "sniper" [[Kewu-pattern battleship|battleship]] that surprisely destroyed many UNSC vessels.]]
The rest of the Covenant fleet withdrew to regroup after deploying hundreds of dropships to the surface. The opening attack had shattered the UNSC defenders, taking almost a hundred ships out and leaving only twenty ships left. Despite their surprise retreat, Captain Keyes ordered scans of the planet, realising that the Covenant had instead deployed [[dropship]]s to Reach's poles to begin invading the planet. The Super MACs and remaining fleet split into two groups - one for each pole -and fired upon the smallcraft, each MAC shot managing to destroy dozens of transports. Hundreds of dropships were able to get through and disgorged thousands of troops. The [[Fleet Command Headquarters]] was quickly attacked and destroyed by the renewed ground attack, while the Covenant fleet began another assault.{{Ref/Reuse|FOR33}} In this time, the Fleet of Righteous Purpose was able to destroy three further orbital guns.{{Ref/Reuse|Return}}

Some ships made pinpoint slipspace jumps, putting them within the UNSC formation. This left them vulnerable for a short time but allowed them to strike the ODPs directly. Almost immediately following the departure of the Spartans aboard their Pelicans, a [[Covenant frigate]] jumped in behind the ''Pillar of Autumn'', prompting the cruiser to turn around to face the ship. Two more frigates exited slipspace to flank the first, before the first was taken out by a Super MAC round. The ''Pillar of Autumn'' then engaged the starboard vessel, while the other was taken down by a second Super MAC. The two frigates were able to loose a salvo of plasma bolts, taking down a further two platforms and reducing the total number of MACs to thirteen. The remaining [[Archer missile]]s were used to take out a number of boarding craft heading to stop John-117 on Gamma Station.{{Ref/Reuse|FOR36}}

Meanwhile, the ''Kewu''-pattern battleship returned and destroyed the {{UNSCShip|Herodotus}} and {{UNSCShip|Musashi}} from beyond ODP range. The {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} engaged the warship, firing a salvo of missiles followed by MACs to impact at the same time and take down the vessel's shielding. The Covenant battleship fired back, hitting the ''Autumn'' and causing severe damage. The ''Autumn'' launched a ''Shiva'' nuclear device timed to explode on impact, and began to back away, with the nuclear weapon detonating inside the warship's now-recharged shielding and reverberating off the shields and disintegrating the vessel. The ''Pillar of Autumn'' withdrew to [[Beta Gabriel]] to slingshot back into the system while more Covenant ships exited slipspace. By this point, the orbital defense generators were being overrun.{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR36|TFoR|Chapter=36}} Following this engagement, the ''Pillar of Autumn'' managed to execute a [[Class-L flash-dock]] and land at the [[Asźod ship breaking yards]], the last-remaining off-world extraction point, as it awaited the arrival of NOBLE Team.{{Ref/Reuse|hrpoa}}

As the situation stabilised, the Fleets of Particular Justice and Holy Respite moved to form a perimeter around Reach in an attempt to prevent any ships from escaping the carnage.{{Ref/Reuse|Priority}}

===Attack on the orbital defense generators===
[[File:Slip.jpg|200px|thumb|200px|A ''Ket''-pattern battlecruiser initiates a pinpoint slipspace jump over Reach.]]
{{Quote|There are thousands of them. Grunts, Jackals and their warrior Elites. They have [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|tanks]] and [[Banshee|fliers]]. Christ, they've breached the perimeter. Fall back! Fall back! If anyone can hear this: the Covenant is ground-side. Massing near the armory!|UNSC Marine{{Ref/Reuse|FOR33}}}}
On the final day of the battle for Reach, thousands of Covenant ground forces landed on Reach in an attempt to destroy the [[orbital defense generator]]s, and were intercepted by Marine forces who were able to defend against the first few waves of Covenant forces while sustaining heavy casualties. While three Spartans (led by John-117) deployed to Gamma Station, the remaining supersoldiers were designated [[Red Team]], and deployed to [[Orbital Defense Generator Facility A-331]] to assist in the defense of the station. Their Pelican transport, ''[[Bravo 001]]'', was escorted by several [[GA-TL1 Longsword]] strikecraft, with three of the four eventually peeling off to hold off some pursuing Seraphs.{{Ref/Novel|Id=FS1|FS|Chapter=1}} The Pelican was advised by "[[Golden Arrow]]" to head for [[Mount Törött]], though the now badly-damaged Pelican was unlikely to be able to make its way back to the shipyard where the ''Autumn'' was docked. Bravo 001 had to explain that the Pelican was carrying Spartans, which consequently changed Golden Arrow's tone.{{Ref/Level|Id=BreakpointRadio|HR|Halo: Reach radio conversations|Radio conversations|Detail=Breakpoint}} The Pelican was eventually shot down, however, crash-landing in the [[Military Wilderness Training Preserve]] in the [[Highland Mountains]].{{Ref/Reuse|DttE}}{{Ref/Reuse|BnetDefiant}}{{Ref/Map|HR|Highlands}} The Spartans were forced to jump out of the doomed Pelican,{{Ref/Reuse|DttE}}{{Ref/Reuse|FS1}} resulting in the deaths of four Spartans (including [[Malcolm-059]], [[Kirk-018]], [[Joseph-122]], and [[Carris-137]]), and some others were wounded as well. Due to their familiarity with the terrain, the Spartans were able to put up a meaningful resistance against the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|DttE}}{{Ref/Reuse|BnetDefiant}}{{Ref/Site|Id=CF165|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-feet-first-into-fall|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Feet First Into Fall|D=29|M=09|Y=2025}}

[[File:Invasion - Red Team.jpg|thumb|left|280px|The Spartans defend the generators from a swarm of Covenant.]]
Near their crash site, the surviving Spartans discovered the shell-shocked remnants of [[Charlie Company]]'s [[Gamma 1]]. Charlie Company had been assigned by [[Vice Admiral]] [[Danforth Whitcomb]] to recover prototype [[NOVA bomb]]s from a base in the region. They were forced to help defend the orbital defense facilities on their way to their objective with Gamma 1 at Generator A-331. Unfortunately, as the Covenant neared the orbital defense generators, someone at [[UNSC High Command|HIGHCOM]] panicked and ordered Longswords to [[Carpet bombing|bomb everything]] within {{Convert|500|m|ft}}, resulting in the destruction of the Covenant ground forces in that location, but also catastrophic friendly fire: Charlie Company was reduced to four men, and its leaders: [[Lieutenant]]s [[Jake Chapman]] and [[Buckman]] were cut off from their subordinates. 

The Spartans, after being briefed on the situation by Charlie Company, responded to a distress call from Whitcomb, who requested immediate evacuation. [[Frederic-104]], commander of the Spartans, split the remains of [[Red Team]] into four groups: [[Alpha-Red]] ([[Frederic-104]], [[Kelly-087]], and [[Joshua-029]]), which was tasked with eliminating an encampment of 10,000 Covenant and their hovering [[Covenant cruiser at Longhorn Valley|cruiser]] (without doing anything that could damage the orbital defense generators as the EMP from a nuclear weapon would render them inoperative and accomplish the Covenant's objective for them), [[Beta-Red]], tasked with defense of the orbital defense generators, [[Gamma-Red]] ([[Li-008]], [[Anton-044]], and [[Grace-093]]), ordered to retrieve Whitcomb, and [[Delta-Red]] (the [[Charlie Company]] Marines and  six wounded Spartans which included [[William-043]], [[Isaac-039]], [[Vinh-030]], [[Kai-125]], [[Riz-028]], and [[Vannak-134]]),{{Ref/Reuse|CF165}} ordered to secure the Spartans' fallback point at [[CASTLE Base]].
Alpha-Red hijacked three Banshees and approached the Covenant encampment (they were ignored by the Grunt [[Zawaz]], who assumed they were Elites on a secret mission) and used [[Fury Tactical Nuclear Weapon]]s within the shields of the Covenant ship, destroying the encampment and negating the EMP effect that would have disabled the orbital defense generators. Joshua was killed in the process by mass light weapons salvos from the 10,000 Covenant ground forces encamped around the Cruiser. The remaining Spartans of Alpha-Red then fell back to CASTLE Base, blasting their way through the remaining Covenant in the area with two commandeered [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraiths]]. Gamma-Red accomplished its mission and fell back to [[Camp Independence]] with Whitcomb, where they survived the partial [[glassing]] of the planet.

Team [[Beta-Red]] ([[Naomi-010]], [[Keiichi-047]], [[Maria-062]], [[Leon-011]], [[Robert-025]], and [[August-099]]),{{Ref/Reuse|CF165}} were left to defend Generator A-331 alone, while [[Gamma 5]] were holed up at [[Orbital Defense Generator Facility A-412|Generator A-412]]. A-412 was attacked by two [[division]]s of Covenant, who eventually managed to destroy the facility leaving only fourteen survivors. The remnants of Gamma 5 proceeded to mount up in two Warthogs and a radio van to rendezvous with Gamma 1.{{Ref/Level|Id=PowerhouseRadio|HR|Halo: Reach radio conversations|Radio conversations|Detail=Powerhouse}} [[Recon 43]] provided scouting for Gamma 1, initially spotting three [[Ghost]]s and twenty-four infantry. They were warned not to engage, but did so anyway upon realising that the small Covenant force was merely the advance of a massive armour convoy.{{Ref/Level|Id=SpireRadio|HR|Halo: Reach radio conversations|Radio conversations|Detail=Spire}} 

With a gargantuan ground force now closing on Facility A-331, Naomi-010, AKA Beta-Romeo Actual, ordered her team and the remnants of Charlie Company to leave once the Covenant was distracted. The team set up automated turrets, while thirty-two [[Wraith]] tanks and six-hundred infantry began to close in. Gamma 5 observed the action through the lens of a drone as the fight started. The Spartans of Beta-Red went "hand to hand" with the enemy lines, and Delta-Red and Charlie Company departed the site.{{Ref/Level|Id=CountdownRadio|HR|Halo: Reach radio conversations|Radio conversations|Detail=Countdown}}

With Delta-Red retreating alongside the remnants of Charlie Company, they contacted an operator with callsign "[[Iron Fist]]". Iron First informed the group that they were en route the extract Beta-Red, even as three [[Covenant cruiser]]s dropped out of the sky and prepared to glass the area.{{Ref/Level|Id=BoardwalkRadio|HR|Halo: Reach radio conversations|Radio conversations|Detail=Boardwalk}} Beta-Red was unable to stop the Covenant, who attacked in swarms of thousands. The orbital defense generators were compromised, and the Covenant, after eliminating the powerless, immobile ODPs in geosynchronous orbit around the planet, began the glassing of Reach. A member of Beta-Red was able to get off one last communication to Fred-104 that the generators were overrun.{{Ref/Novel|Id=FS4|FS|Chapter=4}} Eventually, the destroyer {{UNSCShip|Majestic}} was brought in by [[Alpha 20]] and authorised to fire on the Covenant cruisers at Generator A-331, resulting in the death of Keiichi-047.{{Ref/Level|Id=ReflectionRadio|HR|Halo: Reach radio conversations|Radio conversations|Detail=Reflection}}{{Ref/Level|Id=LNOSRadio|HR|Halo: Reach radio conversations|Radio conversations|Detail=Long Night of Solace}} The blast of the orbital strike was felt by Charlie Company and the rest of Beta-Red, who had narrowly managed to escape the blast.{{Ref/Level|Id=BoneyardRadio|HR|Halo: Reach radio conversations|Radio conversations|Detail=Boneyard}}{{Ref/Reuse|CF165}} Delta-Red fell back to CASTLE Base, but in the process lost the remaining Charlie Company marines and every Spartan save for Vinh, Isaac, and William. When the remnants of Alpha-Red and Delta-Red arrived at CASTLE Base, they found [[Catherine Halsey]] there.

Elsewhere, the Covenant attacked a [[Unidentified BXR titanium mine|BXR titanium mine]].{{Ref/Reuse|BnetDefiant}}

The planet, having been steadily weakened during the invasion throughout the prior weeks, had fallen with relative ease to the might of the Covenant invaders.{{Ref/Reuse|THC}}

===Mission to ''Gamma Station''===
[[File:Halo Legends - Reach Assault.png|thumb|250px|The Covenant fleet bearing down on Reach.]]
{{Main|Mission to Gamma Station}}
During the space battle, the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] [[Doppler]], controller of [[Gamma Station|Reach Station Gamma]], was unable to destroy the vital information on board the {{UNSCShip|Circumference}}, an [[Office of Naval Intelligence|ONI]] [[UNSC prowler|Prowler]] involved in [[Operation: HYPODERMIC]]. As the Covenant deployed [[Ranger|troops]] to the station, Doppler reported this violation of the [[United Nations Space Command Emergency Priority Order 098831A-1|Cole Protocol]] to the ''Pillar of Autumn'' before self-destructing himself to keep from further violation. In response, [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Jacob Keyes]] sent [[John-117]], [[James-005]], and [[Linda-058]] to the station. They accomplished their task and destroyed the NAV database on board Reach Station Gamma, but at the cost of James and Linda. While on board, they rescued some Marines on board the station: [[Staff Sergeant]] [[Avery Junior Johnson]] and [[Private]]s [[Wallace A. Jenkins|Wallace Jenkins]], [[Bisenti]], and [[O'Brien (Marine)|O'Brien]]. They were then evacuated by Pelican back to the ''Pillar of Autumn''. Linda-058 was clinically dead, but there was still a chance of saving her, so she was placed in a [[cryo chamber]]. John-117 asked [[Lieutenant]] [[Hall]] to scan for James (who had been blown into space) but they were unable to find him.

===Battle at Asźod===
[[File:HM-PoA-escape.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The ''Pillar of Autumn'' escapes as the Fleet of Particular Justice attempt to purse the ship.]]
{{Main|Battle of Asźod}}
With the battle for Reach now nearing its conclusion, the ''Pillar of Autumn'' set down at the [[Asźod ship breaking yards]] for repairs as well as to receive the fragment of [[Cortana]] that Halsey had tasked [[NOBLE Team]] with delivering to Keyes. Covenant forces soon descended on the shipyards and began landing troops. Although the docked ''Autumn'' managed to hold off the Covenant attackers, most of the facility and the surrounding area was occupied.

The remnants of NOBLE Team, consisting of [[Carter-A259]], [[Emile-A239]], and [[Spartan-B312]], arrived on the outskirts of the facility. Carter sent Noble Six and Emile to deliver the package to Keyes. He then sacrificed himself to destroy a [[Deutoros-pattern Scarab|Scarab]]. Six and Emile fought their way to the shipyards, where they linked up with some surviving UNSC ground troops. Keyes then contacted the Spartans and ordered them to clear Landing Platform Delta so that he could pick up the package. Upon arriving at the platform, Emile took charge of a [[Mark 2488 Onager|mass driver]] and used it to provide cover fire for the ''Autumn''. Six, meanwhile, cleared the platform of Covenant troops.
With the platform cleared, Captain Keyes arrived in a Pelican and personally took possession of the package from Noble Six. Just then a {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}} appeared and started heading toward the ''Autumn''. Keyes ordered Emile to take out the cruiser before it destroyed the ''Autumn.'' Emile, however, was attacked by a pair of [[Sangheili]] [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealots]]. The Spartan killed the Zealots but was also killed, leaving the mass driver cannon unmanned. With the cruiser closing in on the ''Autumn'', Noble Six volunteered to stay behind to take charge of the gun.{{Ref/Level|Id=hrpoa|HR|The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn}}

Keyes returned to the ''Autumn'' with the package and prepared the ship for take off. Meanwhile, Noble Six took control of the mass driver and destroyed several Phantoms and Banshees before the Covenant cruiser came within range. As the cruiser prepared to destroy the ''Autumn'' with its [[energy projector]], Six fired directly into the ship's exposed glassing port. The resulting explosion crippled the cruiser.{{Ref/Reuse|hrpoa}}

With the skies cleared of hostiles, the ''Autumn'' took off and escaped Reach.{{Ref/Reuse|hrpoa}} Once in space, it made a slipspace jump away from the planet. A dozen Covenant ships pursued, while the remaining vessels stayed behind to finish glassing Reach. Back at the shipyards, the stranded Noble Six continued fighting against the Covenant invaders. Eventually, the lone Spartan was overwhelmed and killed by a swarm of Sangheili warriors.{{Ref/Level|Id=lonewolf|HR|[[Lone Wolf]]}}{{clear}}

==Aftermath==
{{Main|Aftermath of the Fall of Reach}}
[[File:Glassed Reach.png|thumb|300px|Reach after its glassing.{{Ref/Level|Id=h2aheretic|H2A|The Heretic}}]]
{{Quote|We are not wasting a single UNSC ship to confirm what we have already seen a dozen times before: Reach is gone. Everything on it is blasted to bits, burned, glassed over, and vaporized. Everyone on Reach is dead. Dead. Dead. Dead.|[[Colonel]] [[James Ackerson]]{{Ref/Novel|Halo: First Strike|Page=104-105}}}}

The Fall of Reach was devastating for both sides as millions died and hundreds of starships were destroyed or rendered irreparably damaged. Many forces fled during the battle, ending up in various parts of space.

While Reach was the Covenant armada's main target, the other colonies in [[Epsilon Eridani]] would also come under attack. [[Tribute]] was [[Battle of Tribute|besieged]] by Covenant forces for several months, ending only when the [[Great Schism]] caused the Jiralhanae and Sangheili to turn on each other. The small colony on [[Beta Gabriel]] was [[Battle of Beta Gabriel|destroyed]] when ''Valorous Salvation'' deserted the Covenant fleet at Reach and fled there; ODSTs arrived shortly thereafter and killed all the Covenant deserters without incurring losses.

As for Reach itself, the planet would be glassed heavily, to the point that the burning could be seen from orbit.{{Ref/Reuse|h2aheretic}}{{Ref/Map|HR|Condemned}}{{Ref/Reuse|actual}} After this burning ceased, several missions took place on the planet, including a pioneer mission in [[2553]]{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/catalog-interaction/4c3e1c6f-6519-4ee0-83a4-4bac13bf07a3/posts?page=43|Site=Halo Waypoint Forums|Page=Catalog Interaction|D=13|M=04|Y=2016|LocalArchive=Catalog/Archive/2014#Post_.2311}} and [[Operation]]: [[Operation: WOLFE|WOLFE]] in [[2559]].{{Ref/Novel|HSoR|Chapter=1}} However, the damage to the surface and atmosphere caused by the initial glassing would stay for nearly 30 years with the planet only really becoming green again in [[2589]].{{Ref/Reuse|lonewolf}}

The ''Pillar of Autumn'' would actually arrive at [[Installation 04]], a [[Halo Array|Halo ring]]. The ''Autumn'' would also confront its pursuers, devolving into [[Battle of Installation 04|a protracted battle]] on and around the ring.{{Ref/Game|HCE|Campaign}} The survivors of that battle would eventually come back to Reach searching for survivors from the fall of the planet.{{Ref/Novel|FS}}

==Engagements==
[[File:HR-TipOfTheSpear-Viery.png|thumb|200px|The [[Order of battle (Viery, Reach)|order of battle]] following the declaration of WINTER CONTINGENCY. The UNSC was required to engage the Covenant wherever they were.{{Ref/Reuse|tots}}]]
The UNSC engaged the Covenant across Reach over a long period of time. Battles were fought across the Vierry Territory.{{Ref/Reuse|tots}} Other engagements included fighting at [[Manassas]], [[Siófok]], and [[Quezon]].{{Ref/Comic|HFoRInv}}
{{Engagements in the Fall of Reach}}

==Timeline==
{{Main|Timeline of the Fall of Reach}}
Officially, the Fall of Reach took place between July 25 and August 30, 2552.{{Ref/Reuse|H3R}} However, UNSC forces actually engaged Covenant forces as early as July 24, with Noble Team's deployment to the Visegrad area.{{Ref/Reuse|winter}} UNSC fleet actions in the [[Reach Defense Coordination Zone]] also ceased several days after August 30, on September 5.<ref name="loot2">''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]'', [[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #2]]</ref> Covenant glassing operations ended on September 27.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

==Participants==
{{Main|Participants in the Fall of Reach}}
The Fall of Reach had some of the largest deployments of personnel and materiel in the Human-Covenant war. By August 30, there were 315 Covenant ships and 152 UNSC ships at Reach.{{Ref/Reuse|FOR33}} Numerous Spartans of multiple generations, Marines, Army soldiers and Navy personnel also took part in the battle.

Several notable figures that participated include Dr. [[Catherine Halsey]], Captain [[Jacob Keyes]], [[John-117]], [[Rho 'Barutamee]], and [[Thel 'Vadam]].

==Non-canon and dubious canon appearances==
[[File:HTV-S2ReachCityattacked.jpg|200px|thumb|Reach City being destroyed in the Silver Timeline.]]
===Silver Timeline===
{{Main|Fall of Reach/Silver}}
Reach was attacked by and fell to the Covenant in April of [[2553]].{{Ref/Film|Id=Aleria|TV|Aleria (TV Series)|Aleria}} The Arbiter [[Var 'Gatanai]] would be one of the primary Covenant commanders in the battle.{{Ref/Film|TV|Episode=[[Reach (TV Series)|Reach]]}}
===''Halo Interactive Strategy Game''===
Reach was attacked by the Covenant, with some forces under the command of the [[Prophet of Candor]] attacking [[CASTLE Base]]. On the ground command was given to an Arbiter. Their goal was to hunt for data to locate Earth. The UNSC AI [[Kusanagi]] led the defense of the base with Blue Team led under the command of John-117, and Marines.{{Ref/Tabletop|ISG|Scenario=Defense of Castle Base}}

While the rest of the planet would fall and become glassed, CASTLE Base would continue to stand. Another wave of Covenant would attempt to breach the base to retreive the [[Forerunner Crystal]] inside.{{Ref/Tabletop|ISG|Scenario=The Hidden Artifact of Reach}}

==Trivia==
At the time of the invasion, at least one hurricane was raging on the surface of Reach.{{Ref/Reuse|lnos}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:HR SpaceDebris Concept.jpg|Debris of human spacecraft in orbit above the planet.
File:Winter Contingency.JPG|Noble Team on their way to investigate the communications disruption at [[Visegrád]].
File:REACHcartercorvette.PNG|Carter watching a [[Covenant corvette]] from a [[UH-144 Falcon]].
File:Fall of Reach Ground Battle.jpg|UNSC ground forces engage a Covenant Banshee formation.
File:Reach 5016770 Full.jpg|The {{UNSCShip|Grafton}} and {{UNSCShip|Saratoga}} engaging Covenant ground targets.
File:Noble Team Reach.jpg|Jorge-052, Jun-A266, Emile-A239 and Spartan-B312 watch as Kat-320 formulates a plan.
File:Fall of Reach 2.jpg|A space battle over Reach during [[Operation: UPPER CUT]].
File:Reach E310 Campaign10.jpg|A battle raging around Anchor 9.
File:Reach-UNSC Savannah.png|The {{UNSCShip|Savannah}} being escorted by a formation of [[FSS-1000 Sabre|Sabres]].
File:HaloReach - Space Battle.jpg|The ''Savannah'' and a [[FSS-1000 Sabre|Sabre]] engage a [[Covenant corvette]] over Reach.
File:HaloReach - FrigateWreck.png|A destroyed UNSC frigate above Reach.
File:Exodus Intro.jpg|Noble Six looks on as the ''[[Long Night of Solace]]'' burns.
File:NA Glassed.jpg|The surviving members of Noble Team scan the glassed ruins of New Alexandria. 
File:H2A Terminals - Human city.png|The Covenant fleet glasses a major city on Reach. 
File:HR Highlands Glassing.png|The [[Military Wilderness Training Preserve]] is glassed.
File:HaloReach - Package Intro.jpg|The ONI facilities at [[SWORD Base]] are destroyed. 
File:HaloReach - MACrusher.jpg|A [[Mark 2488 Onager]] fires upon a Covenant cruiser descending upon [[Asźod]] as surviving UNSC forces mount their escape. 
File:H2A - Autumn.jpg|The ''Pillar of Autumn'' escapes as Reach is glassed.
File:UltraMythos.jpg|A [[Sangheili Ultra]] leading troops in the battle in ''[[Halo Mythos]]''.
File:HR CovenantArmy_Concept_2.jpg|Concept art for a Covenant armoured column.
File:Fall_of_Reach_1.jpg|A {{Class|Paris|heavy frigate}} and an {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}} fighting over a glassed reach.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{C|Flashback}}
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Dirt]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[The Return]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Infinity Briefing Packet]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]'' {{Im}}
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' {{C|Flashback}}
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition dossiers|Limited Edition dossiers]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
**''[[Breaking Strain]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Retribution]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Halo: Lone Wolf]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Season 02: Lone Wolves]]'' {{Im}}
**''[[Winter Update]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Season 05: Reckoning]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon]]'' {{Im}}
*''[[Halo: Empty Throne]]''
*''[[Halo: 'Ghosts & Glass' by B. Giraud]]''
{{Col-2}}
{{Col-end}}

==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources|2}}

{{Human-Covenant War}}
[[Category:Engagements in the Fall of Reach| ]]
[[Category:Covenant victories]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Reach}}