Ian Dietrich

Ian Dietrich (イアン・ディートリッヒ) was a member of the Garrison in Trost District.

Appearance
Ian had long brown hair and a tan, and was only ever seen wearing his Garrison uniform.

Personality
Ian was usually strict and brief, but when in less-tense situations, would engage in conversation with the soldiers he worked with. He also had good faith in his allies and was obedient of his superiors, and usually would strategize plans with his comrades in a candor manner. This however didn't stop him from barking orders to soldiers in desperate situations.

Battle of Trost District arc
Ian first appeared after Trost District is breached by the Colossal Titan. He ordered Mikasa Ackerman to support the rear guard before she protested that she will only slow them down. Ian retorted that he didn't ask for her opinion and says she should just obey. He later complimented Mikasa for killing a Titan that was running towards a group of evacuating civilians.

When the plan for Eren to use his Titan powers to seal the breach with a boulder was formed, Dot Pixis placed Ian in charge of the elite squad assigned to protect Eren on his mission.

When Eren lost control of his Titan form, Rico Brzenska advised Ian to abort the mission and retreat. However, Ian ordered his soldiers to continue to defend Eren down to the last man, as Eren is their only hope against the Titans.

Eren regained his senses due to Armin Arlert's intervention, and Ian, seeing the chance, ordered his soldiers to protect him until he reaches the breach, even if it costs them their own lives. Ian used himself as bait to lure Titans away from Eren, sacrificing his life in order to ensure the success of the mission. He died after pulling a squad member out of a Titan's mouth, in a manner similar to how Eren saved Armin, but was eaten when it pushed him into his mouth in such a way that his head was bitten off by it.

The Female Titan arc
After Ian's death, Armin remembers him and Pixis for having the resolve enough to sacrifice something to ensure success.

Abilities
He was a highly capable soldier, and his leadership skills were trusted enough to earn him command of the Trost mission.

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Ian Dietrich