Willem Hechter

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	Chief of the South African Air Force AFB Pietersburg Advanced Flying School 1 Squadron
Awards	Star of South Africa, Silver (SSAS) Southern Cross Decoration (SD) Southern Cross Medal (SM) Military Merit Medal (MMM)

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 Decoration (SD)

• Southern Cross Medal (SM)

• Military Merit Medal (MMM)

• Pilots Wings (2500+ hrs) badge

References

1. "Witness Statements - W Hechter" (PDF). The Arms Procurement Commission. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
2. Lötter, Francois (August 6, 1992). "Simpson-Anderson word nuwe Hoof van die Vloot". Beeld. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
3. "Fact file: Chiefs of the SA Air Force". DefenceWeb.co.za. Retrieved July 24, 2014.