APH-4 Flight Helmet : Naval Air Mechanic (Weapons) A J R Curran, Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam

APH-4 Flight helmet. The outer shell of the helmet is made of resin and has a separate Styrofoam inner liner, held in place by an adjustable head band assembly. A pair of ear phones are fitted inside the helmet. Mounted to the rear of the helmet is an ear phone lead with a plug at the end
An adjustable boom microphone assembly is attached to the left side of the helmet.

Mounted in front of the left and right earphones are a series of press studs to which an oxygen mask can be attached. The helmet is secured to the wearer's head by an olive green nylon webbing strap and press stud fitting.

The helmet has a slotted visor housing with a clear pull down visor. This is adjusted by a wing nut on the outside of the housing which is connected to the visor.

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.