(7) After 28 March 1973, as a result of military operations, while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force. (6) After 28 March 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the department concerned, or jointly by the Secretaries of the departments concerned if persons from more than one department are wounded in the attack or, (5) As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force (4) As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces (3) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party (2) In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged (1) In any action against an enemy of the United States Armed Services after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force who, while serving with the U.S. He received a Naval Board Commendation for his service from the RAN.Ĭurran 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. When it was later found that he was not an American citizen the award was cancelled. Upon arrival over the area, Curran provided accurate suppressing fire, which allowed the downed crew to be rescued by another nearby helicopter.ĭuring February 1971 he was presented with the American Purple Heart for wounds received in action.
The crew of the helicopter were surrounded by Viet Cong forces and the pilot of Curran's helicopter flew to assist. 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. It was with this flight that Curran served as a crew chief/ gunner and held the American rank of sergeant.
The 135th AHC consisted of two troop carrying flights and a gunship flight known as the 'Taipans'. 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. 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.Ĭurran's second operational deployment was to Vietnam on 9 September 1970. Curran was born in Perth, Western Australia on 27 July 1933.
Associated with the service of R39867 Naval Air Mechanic (Weapons) Andrew John Roper Curran, RAN.
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