Ridiculous History CLASSIC: War and Candy: The Infamous Tootsie Roll Air Drop
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Apr 26, 2025 Discover how a peculiar airdrop of Tootsie Rolls transformed the fortunes of U.S. Marines during the Korean War at Chosin Reservoir. Instead of ammunition, they received candy that surprisingly lifted spirits and provided sustenance. The show delves into the historical significance of Tootsie Rolls in wartime, showcasing their role in boosting morale. With a mix of humor and serious reflection, the anecdotes reveal the absurdity of war and highlight unexpected sources of resilience amid chaos.
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Marines' Unexpected Candy Airdrop
- During the Korean War's Battle of Chosin Reservoir, Marines requested ammo but received pallets of Tootsie Rolls instead.
- They initially saw it as a mistake but adapted to use the candy creatively for survival.
The Korean War's Proxy and Ongoing Status
- The Korean War was a hot, proxy war with U.S. backing South Korea and Soviet Union backing North Korea.
- Fighting ended in an armistice with no peace treaty, leaving Korea technically still at war today.
"Tootsie Rolls" as Ammo Codeword
- The code word "Tootsie Rolls" was used by Marines to request mortar shells during the Korean War.
- A miscommunication led to actual Tootsie Rolls being airdropped instead of ammunition in a life-or-death scenario.