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Acting Ensign/Cadet Wesley Crusher; Son of Starfleet officers Jack Crusher and Beverly Crusher. Wesley was born in 2349 and was raised by his mother following the death of his father, Jack, in 2354 when Wesley was five years old "True Q". Wesley went to live on the Starship Enterprise-D in 2364, when his mother was assigned to that ship as chief medical officer. "Encounter at Farpoint, Parts I and II". Wesley spent little time with his father before his death, but recalled that Jack taught him to play baseball. "Evolution".
Wesley showed a keen interest in science and technology, and had an extraordinary ability to visualize complex mathematical concepts, an ability that the Traveler once urged Captain Picard to nurture. Perhaps in response, Picard commissioned Crusher an acting ensign on Stardate 41263.4 in recognition of Wesley's key role in returning the Enterprise-D to Federation space after it was stranded by Kosinski's failed warp-drive experiments. "Where No One Has Gone Before".
As a member of an away team to planet Rubicun III, Crusher inadvertently broke a local law and was sentenced to death by the planetary government. Crusher was later freed by Enterprise-D Captain Picard, although Picard acknowledged that the act violated the Prime Directive. "Justice". Wesley's first experience with command was when Commander Riker assigned him the task of supervising geological surveys of the planets in the Selcundi Drema sector in 2365. Although Crusher initially found it difficult to supervise people older than himself, he eventually found that the experience built self-confidence, and Crusher's leadership led to scientifically important discoveries. "Pen Pals". Crusher conducted a test using medical nanites in 2366, accidentally resulting in the creation of an enhanced version of the tiny robots, possessing enough intelligence to be considered a legitimate life-form. The nanites were so recognized and granted colonization rights on planet Kavis Alpha IV. "Evolution".
Wesley's
first romantic interest was with the lovely young Salia, leader of
planet Daled IV. Although not human, Salia was a shape-shifting
allasomorphic who appeared as a teenaged human girl whose keen
intelligence and wit captured his interest. "The Dauphin".
Wesley first
attempted to gain entrance to Starfleet Academy in 2364 at age 15.
"Coming of Age". Although he did not win admission at that
time, he continued his studies and gained academic credit for his
work aboard the Enterprise-D. "Evolution", "Samaritan
Snare". Wesley was accepted to Starfleet Academy in 2366, but
missed his transport to the academy because he was participating in a
rescue mission after William Riker, Deanna Troi, and Lwaxana Troi had
been kidnapped by Ferengi DaiMon Tog. In recognition of his
sacrifice, Captain Picard granted Wesley a field promotion to the
rank of ensign shortly after the incident. "Menage a' Troi".
Wesley finally entered Starfleet Academy in 2367 when a position
opened up mid-term in the current class. His final assignment as part
of the 
Enterprise-D
crew was to accompany Captain Picard on a diplomatic mission to
planet Pentarus V. The mission was interrupted with their transport
shuttle, the Nenebek, crashed on Lambda Paz, after which Captain
Picard became critically injured. Crusher cared for Picard until a
rescue party arrived. "Final Mission".
Crusher's first year at the academy went well, and he even gained entry into the academy's elite Nova Squadron flight team. "The First Duty". Wesley returned to the Enterprise-D for a brief visit on Stardate 45208, where he became very fond of Mission Specialist Robin Lefler. "The Game". Crusher's sophomore year was marred by a serious incident in which he and other members of Nova Squadron attempted a prohibited maneuver, and Cadet Joshua Albert died in the resulting accident. Although initial testimony by members of the squadron suggested Albert was responsible for the accident, Crusher later came forward with the truth. A reprimand was entered into Crusher's academic record, and he was forced to repeat his sophomore year. "The First Duty".
Wesley Crusher
became disenchanted with his studies at Starfleet and resigned his
commission to the academy in 2370, choosing instead to live among the
Native American colonists on planet Dorvan V, a world currently under
Cardassian jurisdiction. Crusher's decision to leave Starfleet in
favor of self-exploration was a difficult one, aided by insight
offered by the Traveler. "Journey's
End".
(In an
alternate quantum reality visited by Worf in 2370, Wesley Crusher had
not left the Enterprise-D but had remained, achieved the rank of
Lieutenant, and was assigned to tactical. "Parallels".