Tootsie Rolls at Chosin Reservoir

During the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in December 1950, U.S. Marine mortar sections began running out of ammunition after days of heavy fighting. Radio operators repeatedly requested additional mortar rounds, but the nearby enemy anti-aircraft fire delayed supply drops for two days. When the resupply finally arrived, it contained crates of actual Tootsie Roll candies instead of the expected ammunition due to the use of "Tootsie Roll" as the code word for mortar rounds. This critical mistranslation left the Marines dangerously underpowered until additional rounds eventually arrived, and the delay contributed to heavy casualties in one of the Korean War's bloodiest battles.

Previous Fact Next Fact