US Army utility coat : Naval Air Mechanic (Weapons) A J R Curran, Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam

US Army issue utility coat or jacket made from olive drab rip stop cotton poplin. The loose fitting coat has a stand and fall collar, long sleeves with a two button adjustment on the cuffs, a back yoke, and is fastened down the front with six concealed olive green plastic buttons. The cuff buttons are made from the same plastic. There are two expanding patch pockets with an inverted pleat and angled flap with two concealed buttons on the breast, and a further two similar pockets on each front hip. The top pockets have a single drainage hole at the bottom; the lower pockets two drainage holes. 'RAN' has been written across the top of the proper left pocket in dark blue ink, and 'CURRAN' across the top of the proper right pocket. A printed manufacturer's label, incorporating care and use instructions, is sewn inside the right front. A smaller label inside the back neck gives size details and the uniform code number '8405-935-4708'.

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.