Excellent time to share this part of that book, thank you norge!
Check this out, no listed procurement numbers for 1951. It also mentions on page 144 it wasn't procured and partly due to the pending standardization, little progress was recorded in the continued development for that year.
This case was packed January 1951. It had a mouse dig in and it destroyed one of the eight rations. Seller tossed all but the beverage packet and instruction sheet due to extensive chewing and soiling on one. Thankfully 4 of 8 were in very good shape, 3 in lesser condition but still not too bad.
The outer material is 3 layers. Vinyl, aluminum, and cloth.
Looks like this one was tested at an Exercise CARRYALL, an Arctic test conducted at Ft. Churchill, Canada.
They said it needed cheese and a breakfast meat. Which was added in 1952. Cigarettes are brought back in 52, and chili powder added.
1952 is really odd the way the case is packed. 5 unit containers inside. Not individual rations. Look at that close up of page 146
Funny how it's barely used in the Korean War. Soldiers said other rations available were of better use. Plastic spoons curl in hot beverages and become unusable. So they're removed completely. I guess you'd need your metal mess spoon.
Attachments
This was one the seller opened and was the worst condition of 7 remaining.
This material is lookin pretty space age. But for 1951, it's amazing and pioneering. Simply vinyl, aluminum, and cloth. But the feel of it - its like pre-LRP by 15 years? Food Carton Abandon Ship uses this material as well.
I'll bet it's not sticking to your fingers while handling it. But then again, this whole ration is designed to be utilized easily enough even with your snow gloves on.