Question...

LarryJK
Senior Chief Moderator III
Posts: 106
(6/8/01 5:02:59 am)
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what does the C in C-rats and the K in K-rats stand for ? I don't ever recall knowing or the subject ever coming up while in the Army.

gorourke
V.I.P. Member
Posts: 64
(6/8/01 7:08:49 am)
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Larry,

C- Ration, Combat ration.


K-rations, the field ration for U.S. servicemen in WW II, were
named after The American physiologist who developed them, Ancel
Benjamin Keys.


P. Gary

low2go
*Senior Chief Moderator*
Posts: 392
(6/8/01 7:16:40 am)
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Larry, you know how the military is with acronyms, and on this one you may get a half dozen expert opinions. I thought the C-Rats was short for COMBAT RATIONS, never heard about what the K stood for--in the dim distant past like WWI, it might have been the contractor-provider--I'm anxious to hear all the variations. It's like the P-38--I thought that was named just randomly by some innovative GI--I have this can opener for opening five gallon buckets and cans that was made by AQUA-TAINER of Shorewood, Ill.---guess the name of the device--you're right--a P-38. I'll be watching for the answer. Wilborn

LarryJK
Senior Chief Moderator III
Posts: 109
(6/8/01 3:53:07 pm)
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I posted the question about the C-Rats on the MP BB and there were 3 that said "Combat Rations". One poster thought maybe "Canned" or "Condensed".

Misterstan
Moderator
Posts: 253
(6/8/01 4:50:16 pm)
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I've also heard C-rations referred to as "Canned Food Provisions".

Stan Lambert
St. Clair Shores, Michigan

mt pari
Moderator
Posts: 32
(6/8/01 5:57:53 pm)
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I would like to know what the P-38 stands for..I have two and they mean a lot to me..be nice to be able to define it.

dap22
Senior Chief Moderator II
Posts: 689
(6/8/01 6:37:04 pm)
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ezSupporter
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P-38 answer:

It was named the "P-38" because it took 38 punctures to open a standard sized "C" ration can. Also the name is after the P38 "Lightning" which was a WWII era fighter known for its quickness...............

LarryJK
Senior Chief Moderator III
Posts: 114
(6/8/01 7:07:35 pm)
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Dave...thumbs up on the 38 punctures...I did not know that!


homer4
Moderator
Posts: 844
(6/8/01 8:10:30 pm)
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I always thought "C" stood for..."Carrion",and "K" was for..."Karrion"...

The Minds thought that it was a French sounding name...sort of Caviarish.
...and two hard boiled eggs.