US Mountain Troop Mess Kit

[Aragorn243]

Never knew these even existed until a little over a week ago when I won it on eBay.

Only information I can find on them.

This was issued to every two mountain troops. The set comprised of three aluminum pieces: the two pans fitted one inside the other, and the cover/pan with folding handles. The M-1942 stove, was designed to fit inside the cook set.

Sometimes referred to as a ranger cook kit. It was developed during World War II for use by mountain troops and patrol units which would be away from formal mess facilities for an extended period of time. The M1942 Cook Set was issued with a single burner stove at a rate on one per fire team(about 3-4 men). The kit consists of two aluminum pots, one of which nests inside the other and a stainless steel lid which doubles as a frying pan. Both pots have wire bails and a usable capacity of about 2 1/2 quarts. As issued, the cook set weighs about 21 ounces, is 8 inches in diameter and 4 1/2 inches tall.

Information

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[BEAR]

We were issued them in Alaska. Not issued to the individual soldier but one to every squad Ahkio. We never carried mess kits. We used to make "Squad meals" on the Arctic stove. Everyone would open a can of whatever they had and contributed to the meal. Banned items: Ham and Lima Beans, Ham and Eggs and if you didn't contribute then you couldn't partake of the delectable "Mulligan Stew.

[browningautorifle]

I've had a smaller version for decades now and used it lots. Ours were similar for field use, just a bit different. One pot with a frying pan lid. We had several different stoves in use at one time, double burners and singles. Winter toboggan had a pressure cooker as well.

[Aragorn243]

I guess the newer ones are four piece with a lid for the pots.

[frenchkat]

Bear, when and where were you in Alaska? From your mention of “cans” and “ham and Lima beans”, it must have in the late 70s or prior.

I was stationed at Richardson from 1975 - 1979. At the time we were the 172nd LIB, and I was in C Co (Abn), 1/60th Inf.

Some of the best times in my 25 year career.

[BEAR]

I was there 73 -75, Charley Airborne 4th/23rd.
I had 2 tours in Alaska, second tour was 85 -89. Spent my time in the HQ because I already had been a platoon sergeant and they had too many SFCs who needed it. Last 2 years up there I worked in as a Joint OPs NCO in Joint Task Force Alaska at Elmendorf AFB. Good duty both times.

[frenchkat]

I didn’t get to Rich until September 75. Young Specialist just up from Ft. Bragg.

Left for Flight School October 79 as a SSG.

I did the Jumpmaster course there in 77 and used to work with your old bunch on jumps, we’d Safety for the, they’d Safety for us.

My Dad was stationed at Ladd, AFB where I was born, my two oldest sons were both born at the Elmendorf AFB hospital.

My Grandparents were old Alaska hands and if I hadn’t got Flight School, I would have homesteader up there.

Good talking with another Alaska hand. Have a good evening.


Ken “Frenchkat” Bowen