Tootsie Rolls: The Sweet Lifeline That Helped Save the Marines at Chosin Reservoir

During the Korean War, the First Marine Division found themselves in a desperate situation, battling the enemy in freezing temperatures near the Chosin Reservoir. Critically low on ammunition, they used a unique code name in their supply request: "Tootsie Rolls." However, the radio operator handling the call didn’t have the code sheets to decode the message, but he understood the urgency and placed the order. Soon, pallets of actual Tootsie Roll candies began falling from the sky. While not the intended ammunition, the candy became a valuable source of nourishment for the Marines.  In the sub-zero temperatures, most other rations were frozen solid, but the Tootsie Rolls remained edible after being warmed in the Marines’ mouths or close to their bodies. These sugary treats provided much-needed nourishment, helping sustain the troops through the harsh conditions. For the next few days, with everything else frozen, they relied on Tootsie Rolls for sustenance, helping them survive in the harsh, freezing conditions.

In an unexpected turn, the resourceful troops also discovered another use for the Tootsie Rolls—by warming and softening the candy, they were able to use it as makeshift plugs to seal bullet holes in equipment, which would refreeze and hold in the cold. This remarkable event showcased the adaptability and creativity of the Marines in a time of crisis. 

But is this story completely true... 

While the influx of Tootsie Rolls is indeed factual, serving as both a nutritional substitute and a means to repair equipment, one source suggests they originated from an abandoned PX project at Hagaru, which General O.P. Smith ordered to be donated to the Marines at Chosin. So, while there was a significant supply of Tootsie Rolls, they were not delivered by airdrop.

Regardless of how it happened, Tootsie Rolls played a crucial role in helping to sustain the Marines at the Chosin Reservoir, a fact supported by the vivid memories and accounts of survivors.

Candies have long held a special place in the military, offering soldiers a comforting connection to home during difficult times. Beyond their practical value, these treats carried emotional significance, serving as reminders of loved ones and providing a momentary escape from the harsh realities of war. In the midst of danger and hardship, a simple piece of candy not only offered nourishment but also a fleeting taste of home. And in some cases, these sweets even became ingenious solutions for unexpected problems on the battlefield.