In Berlin, he was the assistant chief of staff for U.S. intelligence operations, before being appointed director of RIAS:Berlin by General Lucius D. Clay in early 1948, a position that he retained until 1949. Heimlich transferred to the Air Force in the mid-1950s, and completed his active duty as a colonel, retiring from the reserve in 1971. In his military career, he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Army and Air Force Commendation medals, as well as awards from the French and Belgian governments.
