Willem Hechter
Appearance
Willem Hendrik Hechter | |
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Born | 26 May 1942 |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Service/ | ![]() |
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))
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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. 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