Commander Hecht was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 18, 1905. He attended the University of Wyoming and received a degree in civil engineering from Northwestern University. Commander Hecht served as instructor in civil
engineering at Northwestern and was President of the Northwestern University Engineering Society. He was also elected to the honorary science fraternity, Sigma Xi.

He entered the commissioned service of the Coast and Geodetic Survey on July 15, 1929. During the past 25 years he served in many capacities as hydrographic and geodetic engineer. His early field work included hydrographic surveys
along the east coast of the United States. From 1949-1951 Commander Hecht was engaged in surveys of the Arctic Coast of Alaska.

During World War II, he served as Field Artillery Observation Battalion Survey Officer, Executive Officer, Commanding Officer, and Assistant Director of the Observation Department, Field Artillery School, Ft. Sill, Oklahoma with the rank of
Lieutenant Colonel. He received commendations from the Commander of the 9th Corps Artillery and the Director of the Observation Department, Field Artillery School for outstanding service.

Services will be held on Thursday, July 22, at 3:00 p.m. in Arlington Cemetery where Commander Hecht will be interred. Surviving are his widow, Bernice Marvel Hecht, a son, Harry Richard Hecht, both residing in Arlington, and a
daughter, Mrs. Robert W. Godden of Seattle, Washington.

Commander Hecht was greatly devoted to the service in which he was engaged. His death is a personal loss to his many friends in the Bureau and elsewhere. His broad knowledge and sound personal judgment of all sciences relating to the
activities of the Coast and Geodetic Survey, combined with a kind and generous spirit, prompted him to render assistance to all who sought his counsel.