Willem Hechter
Willem Hendrik Hechter | |
|---|---|
| Born | 26 May 1942 |
| Allegiance |  South Africa |
| Service/ |  South African Air Force |
| Years of service | 1965-2000 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands held |
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| Awards |
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Lieutenant General Willem Hendrik Hechter SSA SD SM MMM (born 26 May 1942, in East London) is a former Chief of the South African Air Force.
Military career[]
Hechter joined the SAAF in January 1960 and received his wings in December 1960 at Central Flying School, Dunnottar.[1] He served as Officer Commanding Advanced Flying School, Pietersburg and 1 Squadron before serving as Staff Officer Fighters and Senior Staff Officer Fighters at Air Force Headquarters.[1]
Hechter commanded AFB Pietersburg before serving as Director Force Preparation,[2] Chief of Air Staff Operations and Chief of Air Staff.[1] He was appointed Chief of the Air Force from 1 May 1996.[3]
Aircraft flown[]
Hechter flew the following aircraft:[1]
- Harvard
- De Havilland Vampire
- Impala
- Canadair Sabre Mk.6
- Mirage III
- Mirage F1CZ
Awards and decorations[]
Lt Gen Hechter was awarded the following:[1]
Star of South Africa, Silver (SSAS)
Southern Cross Decoration (SD)
Southern Cross Medal (SM)
Military Merit Medal (MMM)
Pilots Wings (2500+ hrs) badge
References[]
- ^ a b c d e "Witness Statements - W Hechter" (PDF). The Arms Procurement Commission. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
- ^ Lötter, Francois (August 6, 1992). "Simpson-Anderson word nuwe Hoof van die Vloot". Beeld. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
- ^ "Fact file: Chiefs of the SA Air Force". DefenceWeb.co.za. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
Categories:
- Chiefs of the South African Air Force
- 1942 births
- People from East London, Eastern Cape
- Living people