> > Of course, if I were to comment about a "John Wayne" would anyone here
> know
> > of what I speak?
>
> Not me, but I know what a "Mae West" is.
>
A "John Wayne" is a military reference to the little stamped can opener
which accompanied C-Rations from WWII through Grenada... It is also referred
to as a P-38 opener. Construction is simple- about a 1" by 1/2" piece of
flat metal with a 1/2x1/2" folding "wing". The large piece had a little cut
out which would hook on the side of the can, and the "wing" was crescent
shaped at one edge, and sharpened, so that when the large piece pivoted on
the lip, it would cut into the can. A rocking motion was used to cut into
the can, retract, and reposition, then make the next cut. With practice, a
tin could be opened rather quickly. The wing folded flat against the large
piece for storage, and most GI's would use the little hole at one end to run
their dog tag chain through- thus keeping one well at hand whenever needed.
I usually had one on my gear, although I usually had MRE's for dinner, but
just in case...
A "Mae West" was the (usually) bright yellow life vest issued to aircrew in
WWII and after- reference was made due to the normally collapsed and flat
horshoe collar style device, as, when inflated(by tugging down on two
toggles- one each side) it would graphically represent every man's dream...
albeit more an impressionist view than true divine inspiration. The name
was accorded due to the star's popularity at the time, and, well, you get
the idea...
Next- What are a peep, a wimpy(wimpey) and a deuce?
Scott
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