Original Item: Only One Available. This was a fantastic discovery: an original U.S. Vietnam War Meal, Combat, Individual, commonly known to servicemen as the “C-Ration” or “C-Rat,” packed by Southern Packaging & Storage Co. in November 1968. The original shipping case was still unopened when acquired, and upon inspection all 12 individual meal cartons were found to remain inside.

We opened the box to check the contents, and we found all 12 meals still in their boxes, but do note that most of the meals have degradation and discoloration at the bottom from the food spoiling inside. Therefore we would not recommend purchasing this set if you plan to break it apart and sell the piece individually, as the majority of the contents are likely spoiled or degraded. The box looks good for display with the top open showing the different meals inside.

The twelve meals in this box include Chicken Boned, Beef Slices & Potatoes W/Gravy, Beefsteak, Beans W/Frankfurter Chunks in Tomato Sauce, Chicken and Noodles, Beef W/ Spiced Sauce, Turkey Loaf, Ham Sliced & Cooked, Pork Sliced & Cooked, Spaghetti W/ Ground Meat, Ham and Eggs Chopped, and Beans W/Meat Balls in Tomato Sauce. 

The side of the box still has original packing information present:

SOUTHERN PACKAGING & STORAGE CO.
CONTRACT NO. DSA 130-68-C-Z007
DATE NOV. 68 LOT 33

This denotes a packing date of November 1968. As is to be expected, the contents of this box are over 58 years old and are heavily degraded.

The combination of the November 1968 packing date, Southern Packaging & Storage Co. contract markings, complete assortment of twelve MCI menus, original shipping carton, and surviving individual meal boxes makes this an excellent representative example of the everyday field rations consumed by American servicemen during the Vietnam War. The internal food deterioration and staining are significant condition issues, and the set should be stabilized before being displayed, but the completeness of the case and clearly dated contractor markings give it considerable historical value as a logistics and field-subsistence artifact.

Idiot Clause - the contents of this kit are pre-1968 manufacture and are NOT suitable for consumption. They are being sold as novelty collector pieces only. Even though some people on youtube have tried. Yuk!