Place | Asia: Vietnam |
---|---|
Accession Number | REL35628 |
Collection type | Heraldry |
Object type | Uniform |
Physical description | Cotton, Metal, Nylon, Plastic, Velcro |
Maker |
Rolane Sportswear Inc |
Place made | United States of America |
Date made | c 1968-1970 |
Conflict |
Vietnam, 1962-1975 |
US Army M-1965 field jacket : Naval Air Mechanic (Weapons) A J R Curran, Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam
US Army olive drab nylon and cotton M-1965 field jacket with a loose cotton lining. The jacket has long sleeves shaped at the elbow by loose pleats and adjusted at the cuff with Velcro. Loose pleats on either side of the back allow the wearer to move his arms freely. The shoulder straps are fastened with olive green plastic buttons. There are two patch pockets on the breast with pointed flaps fastened with metal studs, and a further two inset pockets over each hip, with the same style of flaps and studs.
Drawstrings threaded through casings at the waist and the lower edge of the jacket can adjust the fit. The jacket fastens down the front with a concealed heavy duty white metal zipper and metal studs. The stand collar has a white metal zipper running around the back, which opens to release a hood. An olive drab tape woven in black with the text 'U.S. ARMY' is sewn above the left breast pocket. A series of buttons sewn around the inside of the jacket allows an additional lining (not present) to be attached for extra warmth. A black printed label inside the right front gives instructions for use and care. A smaller label inside the back neck gives the manufacturer's details, size and stock number '8405-782-2935'.
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.
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