The Tootsie Roll Incident
How a code word mix-up and a chocolate candy helped save lives at the Chosin Reservoir.
The Code Word Mix-Up
In the brutal cold of the Chosin Reservoir, Marine and Army units used code words to request supplies by radio. Mortar rounds, essential for fighting off Chinese attacks, were called "Tootsie Rolls" in the code book.
When a forward unit desperately radioed for more "Tootsie Rolls," a supply clerk unfamiliar with the code interpreted the request literally. Instead of ammunition, crates of actual Tootsie Roll candies were air-dropped to the freezing troops.
"We asked for Tootsie Rolls. We got Tootsie Rolls."— Chosin Survivor
A Happy Accident
What seemed like a frustrating mistake turned into an unexpected blessing. In the extreme cold—temperatures dropping to -35°F—standard rations froze solid and became inedible. But Tootsie Rolls, with their chewy consistency, could be thawed by body heat and eaten.
The chocolate candies provided desperately needed calories and energy to the exhausted troops. Marines would put the frozen candies in their armpits or mouths to soften them enough to eat.
But the Tootsie Rolls served another purpose: the Marines discovered that when warmed, the candy could be molded like putty. They used it to patch bullet holes in fuel lines, radiator hoses, and other equipment. The Tootsie Rolls would then freeze solid, creating temporary but effective repairs.
The Tootsie Roll Legacy
Symbol of Ingenuity
The Tootsie Roll story became a symbol of Marine Corps resourcefulness and ability to adapt to any situation.
Comfort in Crisis
A simple candy provided both physical sustenance and a morale boost during one of the darkest moments of the war.
Corporate Support
Tootsie Roll Industries has supported Chosin Few events and continues to honor veterans with candy donations.
"To this day, a Tootsie Roll takes me right back to Chosin. That sweet chocolate taste meant you were still alive to taste something."— Chosin Veteran
Tootsie Roll Facts
Tootsie Rolls were included in American military rations during WWII and Korea because they could withstand various weather conditions.
The candy was invented in 1896 by Leo Hirshfield, who named it after his daughter's nickname, "Tootsie."
During the Chosin campaign, the candy's ability to be molded when warm and harden when cold made it unexpectedly useful for field repairs.
Chosin veterans often bring Tootsie Rolls to reunions as a symbol of their shared experience and survival.