Yes , can opener, but I wouldn't call it dangerous: The P-38 can opener. As Troy knew there was also a P38 pistol and plane during WWII.
"During the WWII, Korean and Vietnam Wars when hungry GI's were ready to dive into their delicious meals of K or C-Rations they used their trusty P-38s to open the cans. No it wasn't the famous WWII fighter plane or a German pistol, it was an amazingly simple little piece of 1-1/2 inch stamped metal that was developed in just 30 days during the Summer of 1942 by the Subsistence Research Laboratory in Chicago.
It's official designation is 'US ARMY POCKET CAN OPENER' or 'OPENER, CAN, HAND, FOLDING, TYPE I', but it is more commonly know by its nickname the P-38 which it supposedly acquired from the 38 Punctures required to open a C-Ration can.* It is also known by many as a "John Wayne" by those in the Navy and Marines because he was shown opening a can of C-Rations using a P-38 in a WWII training film. From then on Sailors and Marines referred to them as a "John Wayne".
Originally P-38s came wrapped in brown Kraft paper packets with a diagram and directions how to use printed on it. About a dozen P-38s came packed in a case of C-Rations but eventually because everyone was hoarding them only 3 were included in a case (read Rations in Korea note). These handy gadgets have adorned the dog tag chains and key rings of WWII, Korean and Vietnam war vets ever since opening their first can of C-rats with one.
I have heard that GIs held C-Ration can opening races using P-38s which were usually won by a GI who could open a C-rat can in less time than it takes to read this sentence.
In an article for 'The Pentagram' Army Public Affairs' Officer Maj. Renita Foster wrote that the P-38 could be the Army's greatest invention ever and most WWII, Korean and Vietnam era GIs would hardily agree." from: http://www.georgia-outfitters.com/page52.shtml
*At wikepedia another theory about the origin of the name is put forth: "The most likely origin of the name is much more pedestrian; the P-38 is 38 mm (1.5 in) long. This explanation also holds for the P-51, which measures 51 mm (2.0 in) in length."
Also from georgia outfitters: The P-51 is the larger version of the P-38 used by mess hall cooks to open the big trays and large cans of chow. Easier to use than the smaller P-38, the P-51 is a full 2" long, the added length affords more leverage and doesn't require as much thumb pressure to use. They are especially good for smaller or arthritic hands (like mine). I prefer them over the P-38s because a P-51 will open cans much easier and faster and will last much longer than the P-38. I have them in every car, on every key-ring and in my 72 Hour Kit. Great for families, friends or sending them to our guy's in Iraq & Afghanistan."
Keep us updated on your intentions emailing me at: indianaglenn@gmail.com , Or by posting on the Facebook IWP group page. You can always change your response.
![Independence Weekend Picnic [IWP]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MPDfGQc-ANg37iWwaF7Ikj0fGE8F5A8IWdKO0dYe-uTU_syyNaktEhIdBw8PZujYdQn9QMr4OWzZFO48ortbnxiKR7Nq8PnF4ltEOk0xJkhjWLs6kPIe1oEhQ7noOuOpEK8YvQB1lOU/s1308/2020+announcement.jpg)
7 comments:
pistol?
Airplane?
a dangerous can opener?
Yes , can opener, but I wouldn't call it dangerous: The P-38 can opener. As Troy knew there was also a P38 pistol and plane during WWII.
"During the WWII, Korean and Vietnam Wars when hungry GI's were ready to dive into their delicious meals of K or C-Rations they used their trusty P-38s to open the cans. No it wasn't the famous WWII fighter plane or a German pistol, it was an amazingly simple little piece of 1-1/2 inch stamped metal that was developed in just 30 days during the Summer of 1942 by the Subsistence Research Laboratory in Chicago.
It's official designation is 'US ARMY POCKET CAN OPENER' or 'OPENER, CAN, HAND, FOLDING, TYPE I', but it is more commonly know by its nickname the P-38 which it supposedly acquired from the 38 Punctures required to open a C-Ration can.* It is also known by many as a "John Wayne" by those in the Navy and Marines because he was shown opening a can of C-Rations using a P-38 in a WWII training film. From then on Sailors and Marines referred to them as a "John Wayne".
Originally P-38s came wrapped in brown Kraft paper packets with a diagram and directions how to use printed on it. About a dozen P-38s came packed in a case of C-Rations but eventually because everyone was hoarding them only 3 were included in a case (read Rations in Korea note). These handy gadgets have adorned the dog tag chains and key rings of WWII, Korean and Vietnam war vets ever since opening their first can of C-rats with one.
I have heard that GIs held C-Ration can opening races using P-38s which were usually won by a GI who could open a C-rat can in less time than it takes to read this sentence.
In an article for 'The Pentagram' Army Public Affairs' Officer Maj. Renita Foster wrote that the P-38 could be the Army's greatest invention ever and most WWII, Korean and Vietnam era GIs would hardily agree."
from: http://www.georgia-outfitters.com/page52.shtml
*At wikepedia another theory about the origin of the name is put forth: "The most likely origin of the name is much more pedestrian; the P-38 is 38 mm (1.5 in) long. This explanation also holds for the P-51, which measures 51 mm (2.0 in) in length."
Also from georgia outfitters: The P-51 is the larger version of the P-38 used by mess hall cooks to open the big trays and large cans of chow. Easier to use than the smaller P-38, the P-51 is a full 2" long, the added length affords more leverage and doesn't require as much thumb pressure to use. They are especially good for smaller or arthritic hands (like mine). I prefer them over the P-38s because a P-51 will open cans much easier and faster and will last much longer than the P-38. I have them in every car, on every key-ring and in my 72 Hour Kit. Great for families, friends or sending them to our guy's in Iraq & Afghanistan."
GlennDL
you can get the P-51 at
the army surplus store
across the street from
naval avionics on the
north side of the street
It is a can opener. I think I have onr in th basement
Thanks everyone for guessing.
Post a Comment