Willem Hechter
Appearance
Willem Hendrik Hechter | |
---|---|
Born | 26 May 1942 |
Allegiance | South Africa |
Service | South African Air Force |
Years of service | 1965–2000 |
Rank | Lieutenant General |
Commands |
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Awards |
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
[edit]Hechter flew the following aircraft:[1]
- Harvard
- De Havilland Vampire
- Impala
- Canadair Sabre Mk.6
- Mirage III
- Mirage F1CZ
Awards and decorations
[edit]Lt Gen Hechter was awarded the following:[1]
- Star of South Africa (Silver) (SSAS)
- Southern Cross Decoration (SD)
- Southern Cross Medal (1975) (SM)
- Military Merit Medal (MMM)
- Pro Patria Medal
- Southern Africa Medal
- General Service Medal (South Africa)
- Unitas (Unity) Medal
- Good Service Medal (Gold (30 Years))
- Good Service Medal (Silver (20 Years))
- Good Service Medal (Bronze (10 Years))
2500 plus hrs Black on Thatch beige, Embossed National Coat of Arms with large wings enclosed by two black rectangles |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "Witness Statements - W Hechter" (PDF). The Arms Procurement Commission. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
- ^ Lötter, Francois (6 August 1992). "Simpson-Anderson word nuwe Hoof van die Vloot". Beeld. Retrieved 6 October 2014.
- ^ "Fact file: Chiefs of the SA Air Force". DefenceWeb.co.za. 21 January 2010. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
Categories:
- Recipient of the Order of the Star of South Africa
- Recipients of the Southern Cross Decoration
- Recipients of the Southern Cross Medal
- Recipients of the Military Merit Medal (South Africa)
- Recipients of the Pro Patria Medal (South Africa)
- Chiefs of the South African Air Force
- 1942 births
- People from East London, South Africa
- Military personnel from the Eastern Cape
- Living people