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