Willem Hechter
South African Air Force general
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
Willem Hendrik Hechter | |
|---|---|
| Born | 26 May 1942 |
| Allegiance |  South Africa |
Branch |  South African Air Force |
Service years | 1965–2000 |
Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands |
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| Awards |           |
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 (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 |