Due to the tactical nature of
the tootsie roll it can serve a great many purposes.
Whaddya Have?
- Thread starter Laufen
- Start date
the tootsie roll it can serve a great many purposes.
Tootsie Rolls have a meaning for US Marines.
During the Korean War, the conditions at the Chosin Reservoir were nearly unbearable, with temperatures dropping to nearly -30 degrees below zero F. At some point a call was put out for "Tootsie Rolls," which was the code name for mortar shells. The only way supplies could be delivered was through an airdrop; upon opening the boxes the Marines found that actual Tootsie Rolls were dropped. Yes, candy.
Thousands of Tootsie Rolls filled the crates that were dropped. Someone had taken the request for Tootsie Rolls literally, and did not realize that it was mortars that were needed.
With such extreme cold, it was very difficult to heat their food, which was frozen solid. The Marines quickly realized that they could warm the Tootsie Rolls with their bodies, giving them an edible source of calories. Moreover, they soon found another use for the candy. When it was warmed it became pliable, but would quickly freeze. As a result they were able to use the Tootsie Rolls as a type of weld that was used to patch bullet holes in vehicles, hoses, and other equipment.
The North Korean and Chinese militaries were seeking the complete annihilation of the UN troops, which did not happen. The spirit and ingenuity of the "Chosin Few" allowed the Marines to inflict immense casualties and break through the enemy lines.
Sometimes the best solutions involve using what you have. In the case of these Marines it was simply Tootsie Rolls.
During the Korean War, the conditions at the Chosin Reservoir were nearly unbearable, with temperatures dropping to nearly -30 degrees below zero F. At some point a call was put out for "Tootsie Rolls," which was the code name for mortar shells. The only way supplies could be delivered was through an airdrop; upon opening the boxes the Marines found that actual Tootsie Rolls were dropped. Yes, candy.
Thousands of Tootsie Rolls filled the crates that were dropped. Someone had taken the request for Tootsie Rolls literally, and did not realize that it was mortars that were needed.
With such extreme cold, it was very difficult to heat their food, which was frozen solid. The Marines quickly realized that they could warm the Tootsie Rolls with their bodies, giving them an edible source of calories. Moreover, they soon found another use for the candy. When it was warmed it became pliable, but would quickly freeze. As a result they were able to use the Tootsie Rolls as a type of weld that was used to patch bullet holes in vehicles, hoses, and other equipment.
The North Korean and Chinese militaries were seeking the complete annihilation of the UN troops, which did not happen. The spirit and ingenuity of the "Chosin Few" allowed the Marines to inflict immense casualties and break through the enemy lines.
Sometimes the best solutions involve using what you have. In the case of these Marines it was simply Tootsie Rolls.
