Jump to content

John Wayne P-38 C Rat Can Opener


Lance0906
 Share

Recommended Posts

Like millions of other I had my P-38 "John Wayne" from a box of C-Rations, 1965. In writing a book about USAF uniforms (Into The Blue, Amazon) I included a discussion about Dog Tags and one of the statements was how the dog tag chain held many personal items from a P-38 to religious or peace symbols. Never did I think of how the can opener received it's name P-38. There is also a larger broth from WW2 called a P-51. Being AF I thought of the P-38 Lightening and the P-51 Mustang and didn't give it any more thought.

 

Today a WW2 friend of mine asked, "You know how they got their names, don't you?" No! He told me that it was because the P-38 took 38 cuts to open the can lid! Then he told me the P-51 was for the 10-N-1 rations which were the larger cans and naturally took 51 actions to peel back the lid. I was dumb struck that I never considered it. I haven't had a chance to try it but plan to experiment on the proper size cans.

 

Question, anybody ever hear of this? How about any other stories you've heard. Let me know if you have. I'm in the middle of vol 2 and it would make a nice follow up.

 

Thanks to all

 

Lance

Link to comment
Share on other sites

DutchInfid3l

I had heard the same explanation.

 

Wikipedia has this to say;

 

One rumored explanation for the origin of the name is that the P-38 is approximately 38 mm (1.5 in) long. This explanation also holds for the P-51, which measures approximately 51 mm (2.0 in) in length. U.S. Army sources, however, indicate that the origin of the name is rooted in the 38 punctures around the circumference of a C-ration can required for opening.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Maybe it refers to the number of puncture wounds the average wearer got on his chest when the things partially opened against your body. :D

 

My wife always made me take off my dog tags because of the puncture issue.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

General Apathy
Maybe it refers to the number of puncture wounds the average wearer got on his chest when the things partially opened against your body. :D

 

My wife always made me take off my dog tags because of the puncture issue.

 

Hi Devious

 

I can follow your wife's point on this issue, gentlemen should always be considerate, women have soft and tender chests :blush::lol::lol:;)

 

lewis

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've heard the "number of punctures to open a can" explanation for the last 35+ years. If it ain't fact, it's at least a very persistent rumor.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I used these 1966-1970.

I have one on my key ring.

 

I never once heard anyone call them "John Wayne" or even "P38."

 

We just said "can opener."

 

An overlooked related item is the indestrucatble and venerable white plastic spoon supplied inside each meal of "C's"

 

A must for every GI shirt pocket in case you run into some chow or need to tunnel oiut of somewhere.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...