K-rations were the Army’s answer to the dilemma of feeding highly mobile troops. Compact, self-contained, easily transportable, and high in calories and nutrients, these field rations were designed for use for a short time in combat situations. The rations included:

Soldiers often traded their rations—cigarettes for candy, or lemon powder for coffee, for instance.

Field kitchens, water tanks, and mess tents traveled with each company at the rear of the line. The field kitchens had stoves and ovens for cooking. When it was chow time, soldiers used their mess kits as dishes for food. For clean-up, the utensils and divided plate were hung on the handle, dipped in large cans of boiling water, and air-dried. Each soldier cleaned his own mess kit.

Go to the Quartermaster Museum’s Web site to learn more about the history of rations in WWII and to see photos of K-rations.