K-ration

K-ration was a portable, individual daily ration pack issued to the United States Armed Forces during World War II. It was designed to feed a single soldier for one full day and was intended as a short-term, emergency or assault ration. The K-ration was composed of three separately boxed meals: breakfast, dinner, and supper.

Development

The development of the K-ration began in 1941 by Dr. Ancel Keys, a physiologist from the University of Minnesota, at the request of the U.S. Army. The goal was to create a ration that was lightweight, compact, and provided sufficient calories and nutrition for soldiers in combat or airborne operations. The name "K-ration" was initially derived from Dr. Keys' last name, but it also came to stand for "Kommando" (commando) ration among troops.

Components

Each K-ration was divided into three meals, each with its own box and contents:

Breakfast

• Canned meat product (such as spam or chopped ham)
• Biscuits or crackers
• A sugar cube
• Instant coffee
• A cigarette pack

Dinner

• A canned cheese product or a meat spread
• Biscuits or crackers
• A chocolate bar or D-ration
• Powdered lemon juice drink
• A cigarette pack

Supper

• A canned meat product (different from breakfast)
• Biscuits or crackers
• A bouillon cube or pre-cooked soup
• A candy bar
• A cigarette pack

Packaging

The packaging of the K-ration was designed for durability and ease of access. Each meal was packed in a cardboard box that was wax-coated to resist water and insects. The boxes were color-coded (brown for breakfast, green for dinner, and red for supper) to help soldiers distinguish between the meals.

Usage

K-rations were widely used by U.S. forces during World War II, especially by paratroopers, tank crews, and other mobile or isolated units. However, they were not intended to replace regular meals and were criticized for their lack of variety and nutritional deficiencies when used over long periods.

Legacy

The K-ration was phased out after World War II and replaced by the C-ration and later the MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat). Despite its limitations, the K-ration represented a significant advancement in military logistics and the concept of individual ration packs.

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  K-ration

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  Replacements pick up their K-rations before being assigned to a combat unit, France, 20 July 1944

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  K-ration Breakfast

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  K-ration Dinner

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  K-ration Supper