Mountain ration facts for kids

The Mountain Ration, sometimes called the "M-Ration", was a special type of food package made for American soldiers during World War II. It was designed for troops fighting in mountains or very high places, especially in Europe. These areas were tough to fight in, so soldiers needed food that was easy to carry and gave them lots of energy.

What Was the Mountain Ration?

The Mountain Ration was a special kind of United States military ration. A military ration is a pre-packaged meal or set of food items given to soldiers. This particular ration was created during World War II for American troops. These soldiers were fighting in the European theater of operations (ETO), which included many high-altitude and mountainous areas.

Fighting in mountains is very difficult. Soldiers need to carry all their gear, climb steep slopes, and deal with cold weather. The Mountain Ration was made to be light, easy to prepare, and full of energy. It helped soldiers stay strong and healthy in tough conditions.

What Was Inside the Mountain Ration?

The Mountain Ration was packed with foods that could give soldiers lots of energy. Many items were dehydrated, meaning the water was removed. This made the food much lighter and easier to carry. It also helped the food last a long time without going bad.

Here are some of the things soldiers might find in their Mountain Ration:

• Energy-boosting foods:
  • Biscuits and Cereal (often three different kinds)
  • Corned beef and pork luncheon meat
  • Pork sausage meat
  • Precooked rice
• Dehydrated foods (just add water!):
  • Dehydrated baked beans
  • Dehydrated cheese
  • Dehydrated potatoes
  • Dehydrated soup
  • Powdered milk
• Sweet treats and drinks:
  • D ration bars (special chocolate bars for energy)
  • Fruit bars
  • Granulated sugar
  • Hard candy
  • Lemon-juice powder (to make a refreshing drink)
  • Instant coffee and Tea
• Other useful items:
  • Carter's spread (a butter substitute)
  • Chewing gum
  • Salt
  • Toilet paper (important for hygiene!)

Special Additions by Soldiers

Sometimes, soldiers and their leaders would add extra items to their rations. For example, officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) from the 10th Mountain Division were known for this. Many of them had experience with mountain climbing and cooking before the war. They would often bring extra spices and ingredients to make the meals taste even better. This helped keep up the soldiers' spirits and gave them a little taste of home.