C Rations

 C Rations were an individual field ration used in the US military during the 1940s, 50s, and 60s.  The Army was still using the when I went through basic in 1973. Simultaneously beloved and loathed by the troops, it was what you had to eat in the field. Twelve meals to a box, a mixed carton of joy and loathing.

The worst meal in most troops opinion was the Ham and Limas.  It came with a dessert of fruitcake. Both were inedible, but this guy liked it. Each C Ration came with an accessory pack that contained toilet paper, a heat tab, paper matches, cigarettes, and a toothpick.

My favorite C was Poork Patties in gravy. One day on a break I was hungry, so I took out the Pork Patty can, lit a heat tab and was merrily heating the tin when the Drill Sergeant wandered by.

Him: "Private, what are you eating?"

Me:  "Pork Patties in gravy."

Him:  "When was that packed?  Look on the bottom of the can."

I lifted the can to look at the bottom. "Drill Sergeant, this says 1948."

Him: "Damn, Private, that pig has been dead longer than you have been alive.  I'm going to watch you close te rest of the day."

The Army later came out with LRRP rations, which were totally inedible, then followed those with MRE rations, which are still used today.  If I had my choice, I'd pick C Rations every time.