| Willem Hendrik Hechter SSA SD SM MMM | |
|---|---|
| Born | 26 May 1942 |
| Allegiance |
 South Africa |
| Service/branch |
 South African Air Force |
| Years of service | 1965-2000 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands held |
|
| Awards | |
Lieutenant General Willem Hendrik Hechter SSA SD SM MMM (born 26 May 1942, East London) is a former Chief of the South African Air Force.
Military career[]
He 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]
He 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[]
He 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 Medal (SM)
- Military Merit Medal (MMM)
- Pilots Wings (2500+ hrs) badge
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Witness Statements - W Hechter". The Arms Procurement Commission. http://www.armscomm.org.za/hearings/witness-statements/ws-Genaral-WH-Hechter.pdf. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
- ↑ Lötter, Francois (August 6, 1992). "Simpson-Anderson word nuwe Hoof van die Vloot". Beeld. http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/1992/08/6/6/9.html. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
- ↑ "Fact file: Chiefs of the SA Air Force". DefenceWeb.co.za. http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=724:fact-file-chiefs-of-the-sa-air-force&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
The original article can be found at Willem Hechter and the edit history here.