US Jungle Boots : Naval Air Mechanic Weapons A J R Curran, Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam

US Jungle Boots size 10W. They have vulcanised rubber 'Panama' pattern soles with a wide tread. Encased within the sole is a metal plate to protect the feet of the wearer from spike traps.
The heel and foot portion of the upper boots are made from black leather. The heel pieces are sewn to the front of the foot. In the arch of each boot are two brass eyelets with mesh covering to allowing moisture to drain away during operations in a tropical environment. The immediate front of each boot, either side of the tongue, is made from two pieces of leather sewn together for extra strength. This extends from the front piece of the boot up to the collar of the boot. A series of 9 opposing aluminium eyelets are set into the leather of each boot and black laces have been threaded through.

The uppers are made from olive green coloured canvas with 25 mm nylon tape sewn around the collar of each boot. 50 mm nylon tape is sewn over the ankles on the left and right sides of each boot upper. This is designed to give the wearer's ankles added support. A 25 mm nylon tape is sewn down the back of the boot to the heel join. This gives the boot added durability. Written in permanent marker on the inside ankle of each boot is 'ANDY CURRAN.'

The tongue of each boot is made of one piece canvas reinforced around the rim with 25 mm nylon tape, which has been folded over and sewn. Each tongue is sewn into the boot to protect the wearer's feet from dirt, stones and other ground elements during wear. The tongues are expandable to assist the wearer in putting on and taking off the boots easily. Stamped in black ink onto the fabric at the top of each tongue is 'W GJ 5 68 / SPIKE / PROTECTIVE.'

Associated with the service of R39867 Naval Air Mechanic (Weapons) Andrew John Roper Curran, RAN. Curran was born in Perth, Western Australia on 27 July 1933. During his first operational deployment he served as a Naval Air Mechanic in Korean waters from 27 October 1953 until 2 June 1954 as a member of 805 Squadron serving aboard HMAS Sydney III.

Curran's second operational deployment was to Vietnam on 9 September 1970. He was a part of the fourth and final Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam contingent to serve with the Combined US Army and RAN 135th Assault Helicopter Company. The 135th AHC consisted of two troop carrying flights and a gunship flight known as the 'Taipans'. It was with this flight that Curran served as a crew chief/ gunner and held the American rank of sergeant.

He was awarded a United States Air Medal for his actions in assisting in the rescue of a downed helicopter crew during an operation in the U Minh Forest, An Xuyen Province. The crew of the helicopter were surrounded by Viet Cong forces and the pilot of Curran's helicopter flew to assist. Upon arrival over the area, Curran provided accurate suppressing fire, which allowed the downed crew to be rescued by another nearby helicopter.

During February 1971 he was presented with the American Purple Heart for wounds received in action. When it was later found that he was not an American citizen the award was cancelled. He received a Naval Board Commendation for his service from the RAN.

Curran and the other Australians serving with the 135th AHC ceased combat action on 8 June as part of the withdrawal of Australian troops from the war in Vietnam. They returned to Australia on 16 June. Curran retired from the RAN in 1974.

This style of boot began being issued in 1967 and were the third pattern of this style. The major change from the earlier pattern boots was the addition of the vulcanised rubber 'Panama' pattern soles. The wide tread was designed to stop the build up of mud on the sole of the boot. Encased within the sole is a metal plate to protect the feet of the wearer from spike traps.