Enjoyed your story, Robert, and I’m surprised to see only two comments. Here are mine on this Monday morning: Actually there is a third season–COLD! Well, it’s really a part of the wet you mentioned. In I Corps, the monsoon season was in the winter and I remember so well the Tet Offensive and how COLD it was. The other comment is the fact that you mentioned lima beans and pork and, so far, no one has corrected you to call them what everyone who opened a can of ham and mf’s! Semper fidelis!
Ah Gary, You attacked to early buddy! Nice try! Bill 0331 RVN 67-69
I think that maybe Gary meant for this to be a comment, not a story submission Bill.
I don’t know how this was submitted as a story for this week . The date, July 31, is inaccurate. It was submitted 13 days ago and printed last week in response to the story about two seasons in RVN and the “lima beans and pork” C Rat.
But who doesn’t enjoy Rats from WWII. Chesterfield Cigarettes were not even made in the 60’s. Tells you alot about how well we were fed.
Sgt T. Golden
An Hoa Nov 69 to Nov 70!!
I actually remember some of the c-rat smokes that were so old and dry that some of the tobacco would fallout the end before you had a chance to light it. I remember the Kents, L&M,Salem, Chesterfields etc.. Harry 1371
Harry I finally got my 100%
Finally! How have you been feeling?
Always thought you should have been 100%. Did you try for back pay? Its worth a shot. Nothing to lose. Harry
Quote from Wikipedia:
“A blend of Turkish and Virginia tobacco, Chesterfields were introduced by the Drummond Tobacco Company of St. Louis, Missouri in 1873. The company was acquired by American Tobacco Company in 1898, who manufactured Chesterfields until 1911. In 1912 the brand was taken over by Liggett & Myers and production moved to Durham, North Carolina.[1] The brand was acquired by Philip Morris (now Altria) in 1999.”
0811 Delta Bat tree 2/11 1st MarDiv 67 Nov 68 Dec before departing peoples said take long johns, sweat shirts of course I did not it’s hot in NAM. Believe me I wish I had listened. C-rats were the greatest, Pall Mals, Looks etc. SGM (ret) Jack Hanson
You right I loved the Pall Malls. I smoked them and everyone in my outfit hated them. We also got Pall Malls in the SP packs. You are right I froze during Monsoon season.
Traded a whole sand bag full of H&M’s to some local kids while on guard duty at North end at ChuLai. Got Pineapples, Bananas, and equivalent of Pears [Tu Do] in return, couldn’t get that stuff at the Mess Hall. Local’s loved that stuff. Go Figure!
Was in Nam in 1965 and I remember someone getting Lucky Strike (green). I thought they were ended long before that,thought they ended in World War II. I could be mistaken. If you know and have proof send a note back.
Trivia question. What’s worst, ham & mf’s or s**t on a shingle?
Doc….Ham & mf’s are the worst! Give me s**t on a shingle any day!!!!! Maybe it was because a North Carolina country boy like me was raised on it. Thick cut pan-toasted light bread, smothered with extra thick peppered sawmill gravy and chipped beef. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it….Bob 1381..Vietnam 1966/1967.
Definitely Ham & MF’s. I got severe headaches from these
Ham and MF the worst C-Rat !! Love SOS. There is a local diner here that makes great SOS . Used to take my Father-Inlaw ( WW-2 Vet) loved SOS Harry 1371
Hammies and Mammies was not really food, just some kind of experiment with our digestive track! If I got a chance to go to the Hill 327 PX I bought Kools, otherwise I learned to “like” every kind” of cigarette that was included in our “C’s”. The monsoon was Cold in I Corps alright, fucking cold, roll down the sleeves of your jungle shirt and wrap your ass in your poncho liner.
Vietnam
Feb 69-Sept 70
For some reason, about all I could find around Dong Ha and Camp Evans were Viceroy cigarettes. And you had to use a ration chit to get them.
Bob 1381 Vietnam 1966/1967
Did not recall having to use my ration card for cigarettes. Smoked most anything in the c-rats even though i hated the menthol, still lit them up. Nick