I served in Co. B, 1/12th, 1st Air Cav I 1967-68. 98 the LEMCO Cha Rang Valley 66 67. During the monsoon season or in areas with rivers and streams, this is a moot point as water is plentiful! C-ration - Wikipedia I remember having to eat my C-Ration meal cold because we were either on the move or rushed to leave in the mornings. It was often supplied by water trailer or inflatable bladders from helicopters (called water buffaloes) because they were black rubber, and placed on a Gerry built wooden stand surrounded by sandbags to prevent shrapnel or small arms fire from penetrating and emptying the water. God bless you all. A whole heat tab had to be used. You, and all veterans have my utmost respect and admiration. I was raised on Spam in South Dakota and Minnesota since Spam is manufactured in Minn. To this day I enjoy Spam sandwiches!! It was a common thing to trade C rations for cigarettes. I have a few fng stories about Cs. I had 2 brothers in the military, one in the marines, one in the army. C-Rations varied considerably through their 20 plus year service. Kindest regards. noviopera From shop noviopera. That was the beginning of the Tet Offensive and the hot meals were few. We learned how to cook rice in an ammo can and that Ham & MFs with greens, heated and served hot over the rice with some kimchee as a condiment was a decent meal. We had c-rats (MCIs) in basic and in Germany on FTX until about 83, then we got MREs over there. A can opener (called both a John Wayne or a P-38) was needed to open the cans. Right? Greg Dearborn says: We have a great picture of my father, brother and i with our pup tent set up in the back yard cooking C-Rations on my dads small portable 1 can cook stove. I mixed the cocoa powder, coffee powder and creamer in hot water for a tolerable beverage. Hot or room temp, either way I always got a major bought of heart burn shortly after consuming the spiced beef. I can't find my links right now, but a little bit of searching should turn them up pretty easily. The small cans included in the meal were ideal for making a stove. Each complete meal contains approximately 1200 calories. Crash fire. I had a couple bites but couldnt get the rest down. https://charliecompany.org/2012/04/20/c-rations/ Reply With []. Four can openers are provided in each case of 12 meals. Going through a box of memorabilia a couple days ago. MCI Rations | Hotel 2/5 Vietnam Marines This stove was satisfactory, but did not allow enough oxygen to enter which caused incomplete burning of the blue Trioxin heat tablet, causing fumes which irritated the eyes and respiratory tract. They came sealed in foil .