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Willem Hechter

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Willem Hendrik Hechter

Born (1942-05-26) 26 May 1942 (age 82)
Allegiance South Africa
Service / branch South African Air Force
Years of service1965–2000
RankLieutenant General
Commands
AwardsStar of South Africa SSAS Southern Cross Decoration SD Southern Cross Medal SM Military Merit Medal MMM Pro Patria Medal ' Southern Africa Medal ' General Service Medal (South Africa) ' Good Service Medal ' Good Service Medal ' Good Service Medal '

Lieutenant General Willem Hendrik Hechter SSAS SD SM MMM (born 26 May 1942, in East London) is a former Chief of the South African Air Force.

Military career

[edit]

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

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Hechter flew the following aircraft:[1]

Awards and decorations

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Lt Gen Hechter was awarded the following:[1]

Pilots Wings
(Qualification)
2500 plus hrs
Black on Thatch beige, Embossed
National Coat of Arms with large wings enclosed by two black rectangles


References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e "Witness Statements - W Hechter" (PDF). The Arms Procurement Commission. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
  2. ^ Lötter, Francois (6 August 1992). "Simpson-Anderson word nuwe Hoof van die Vloot". Beeld. Retrieved 6 October 2014.
  3. ^ "Fact file: Chiefs of the SA Air Force". DefenceWeb.co.za. 21 January 2010. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
Military offices
Preceded by Chief of the South African Air Force
1996–2000
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Unknown
Chief of Air Staff South African Air Force
1995–1996
Succeeded by
Preceded by Chief of Air Staff Operations South African Air Force
1994–1994
Succeeded by
Preceded by Deputy Chief of Staff Operations
1992–1993
Succeeded by
Unknown