Place of Birth: Vorzel, Lyran Commonwealth
Kurdt Vanderhoff has commanded the Blackhawks since 3055. Having had a long and distinguished military career, Lt. Gen. Vanderhoff's leadership has guided the Blackhawks through a period of rapid technological development and poitical upheaval.
Kurdt's career began in the prestigious Nagelring Academy on Tharkad where he excelled both in academic and military studies. Upon gradutation in the top of his class, he was assigned to the 7th Donegal Guards of the LCAF. His tour with the 7th was short but distinguished. Although an excellent officer, young Kurdt was not one to join in the political backbiting so prevalent in the Lyran officer Corps. Completing his term of service he sought a better alternative.
With the eruption of the 4th Succession War in 3028, Kurdt saw his first combat action as a member of the Blackhawks. In July 3028 the 89th Dragoons relieved the 90th Dragoons on Kansu and joind up with the 38th Dragoons anf the 321st Hussars for an assault against the Calellan world of Liao. During an attack against a determined Capellan defense, both the commander of Charlile Company and the senior lieutenant were killed during a brutal artillery bombardment. Quickly assuming command, Kurdt rallied his troops and was able to gain a victory in a critical sector of the front. Due to his actions during the Liao campaign Lt. Vanderhoff was decorated with the Blackhawks' Warrior's Cross and promoted to captain given permanent command of Charlie Company where he served for the duration of the 4th Succession War.
Following the the 4th Succesion War and the subsequent retirement and promotions of several veteran officers, Capt. Vanderhoff was promoted to the rank of Major and given command of Bravo Company of BattleGroup Hatchet. It was in this position during the War of '39 that Kurdt Vanderhoff's life was most profoundly affected.
In response to the invasion by the Federated Commonwealth, Theodore Kurita himself led the Combine counter-offensive which struck the Blackhawks homeworld of Exeter. During intense combat with Kurita forces, the commander of BattleGroup Hatchet, Lt. Col. Gordon Tyler was mortally wounded while leading an assault to capture a Kurita landing zone and supply depot. Assuming command of the BattleGroup, Maj. Vanderhoff continued the mission and after beating back a ferocious counter-attack
succeeded in capturing the LZ along with the supply depot, eight DropShips, twenty-four operational BattleMechs as well as several high ranking Kurita officers. Following this battle he was promoted to Lt. Col. and given command of BattleGroup Hatchet as well as being decorated with the Blackhawk's highest honor, the Order of the Star League.
Although severe, his injuries were treatable. Attempts to save his right arm met with failure requiring a bionic prosthesis to be fitted. His right eye was also lost due to severe damage. Following his rehabilitation, Lt. Col. Vanderhoff was the senior officer in the 89th Dragoons able to return to duty after the War of '39 and was promoted to Colonel and given command of the 89th.
Col. Vanderhoff received command of the Blackhawks in 3055 following the Peace of Tukayyid and the subsequent retirement of Lt. Gen. John Robertson. Since assuming command. Gen Vanderhoff has continued the modernization and upgrade programs begun by Gen. Robertson as well has led the Blackhawks against the renewed Clan threat with success during Operation Bulldog and others.
during the Exeter Campaign: War of '39
