MilkyWay Gunter — later known throughout the galaxy as "The Gunter" — is a legendary N7 soldier in the Systems Alliance military, the first human Spectre, and the main protagonist of the Elite Dangerous. Born in Vancouver in 3274, he had a difficult childhood but was able to escape the life of petty crime and underworld gangs upon enlisting in the Alliance Navy.

A decorated war hero, Gunter is a veteran of the Skyllian Blitz and served with distinction which earned him the Alliance's highest award, the Star Elite of Terra, for almost single-handedly repelling an assault from batarian slavers on Elysium long enough for reinforcements to arrive. Following the battle, he is arguably considered one of the Alliance's most famous soldiers. By overcoming great challenges in the line of duty, Gunter has since shown exemplary talent and leadership capabilities which led to him to undergo N7 training in Lviv. He later served as Executive Officer (UAPF) of the SSV Federal Corvette - Lawbringer