The Greatest Army Invention Ever by Maj R Foster

Army Public Affairs

Friday, August 19 1985 / Pentagram

'It was developed in just 30 days in the summer of 1942 by the Subsistence Research Laboratory in Chigago. And never in its 55 year old history has ever been known to break, rust, need sharpening or polishing. Which is why many soldiers past and present, have come to regard the P-38 C-Ration can opener as one of the greatest Army inventions ever.

C-Rations have long been replaced with the more convenient Meals Ready to Eat, but the phenomenon of the P-38 continue to sire due to the 1,000 and others uses atemming from the unique blend of ingenuity and creativity all soldiers seem to have.

"The P-38 is one of those tools you keep and never want to get rid of" said Sgt Scott Kiraly of Port Monmouth N.J "I've have my P-38 since joining the Army 11 years ago and kept it because I can use it for a screwdriver, knife, anything!"