United States Air Medal : Naval Air Mechanic (Weapons) A J R Curran, Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam

USA Air medal with 'V' device and palm. The medal features a diving eagle with a lightning bolt in each claw in raised detail as the central design, surrounded by 16 triangular peaks representing the rays of the sun. It has a loose ring suspender and ribbon on a brooch bar that is blue with 1/4 inch orange stripes near each edge. The medal ribbon has a bronze 'V' device beneath which is a white metal palm leaf.

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 heroism while participating in aerial flight in the Republic of Vietnam: Naval Airman (weapons) Curran distinguished himself while serving as a door gunner aboard a helicopter gunship in support of combat troops in the U Minh Forest, An Xuyen Province. Upon notification that another helicopter was shot down in close proximity of enemy troops, his aircraft went to their assistance. Immediately Naval Airman Curran began placing accurate suppressive fire upon the foe surrounding the downed crew members, enabling their successful rescue by an extraction helicopter. Naval Airman (weapons) Curran's heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of Australia.'

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.