Tootsie Rolls saved the First Marine Division.
In the Korean War, the FMD found themselves in a desperate situation, battling the enemy near the Chosin Reservoir in freezing temperatures while also critically low on ammunition. In their supply request, they used a unique code name, which was "Tootsie Roll". It was the code for mortar ammo, specifically 60mm mortar ammo. However, the radio operator was not equipped with a code sheet to decode the message but understood the urgency and placed the order. Soon, pallets of the actual candy were delivered to them, and not the ammo they needed. Though they were disappointed it was not the ammo, the candy actually provided a food source for them. Due to the freezing temperatures, their rations were completely frozen solid, while the Tootsie Rolls remained edible after being warmed in the Marines' mouth or near their bodies. They also found that by warming and softening the Tootsies, they could use them as makeshift plugs for bullet holes in equipment and let the cold freeze them solid and into place. They managed to survive days longer than they should have, all because of a simple misunderstanding.
