Did you know the P38 Can Opener “The little can opener is often called "the Army's best invention".Agree or Disagree?

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 14:30:56 -0400

The tiny, lightweight, P-38 collapsible can opener was developed during World War II, reported to have been a rapid 30 days design project in the summer of 1942 by the U.S. Army Subsistence Research Laboratory in Chicago, IL.

The origin of the name is not clear, like the jeep. Some claim it required exactly 38 punctures around a can to open it. Others say it performed with the speed of a P-38 fighter plane. Whatever the case, it is clear this little device has to be considered one of the most perfect inventions ever designed for use in combat.

According to Gy. Sgt. R. Lee Ermey of the History Channel Mail Call program, Marines in Vietnam called it a "John Wayne" because it was so sturdy and dependable. However, that name may have referred to the P-51, a larger version of the same design, used for larger cans. Whatever the name, the P-38 was a favorite.

Most troops carried it on their dog tags. More than just a can opener, in time the P-38 acquired 1001 uses: all-purpose toothpick, fingernail cleaner, screwdriver, bottle opener, box cutter, letter opener, chisel, scraper, stirrer, etc.

For World War II veterans, and then Korean War and Vietnam vets as well, the P-38 is a souvenir, a bonafide historical artifact worthy of retention. Countless old soldiers still carry a P-38 on their key chain a half century after the fact, or preserve it along with other cherished items from the war.
The P-38 was finally phased out when the C-Rations, last of the canned meals, were replaced by MREs.

The little can opener is often called "the Army's best invention".
A copy of an instruction sheet showing proper use of the P38 from a DoD specification MIL-O-20582A dated 28 November 1956. It gives the official name for the P38: OPENER, CAN, HAND, FOLDING.

Among many other details this specification states in Section 3.3.5 that "Marking for Identification" shall include: "The letters U.S. and the manufacturer's name or trade name..." Packaging is specified as individual envelopes which are then put in boxes of 1000 envelopes (for general use -- special purposes can differ). So if you pick up a P38 that is supposedly "genuine surplus" from the 1950s or so, look for the US and an individual envelope package, such as on the right just below P-38 Can Opener Original package.

Thanks to Sgt. Kenneth Lewis, Texas National Guard, for this reference.

The Versatile P38 Can Opener

39 Uses for the P38
This list of P-38 uses was compiled by Steve Wilson, MSG Proponent NCO, Dept. of the Army Office of the Chief of Chaplains, The Pentagon. It is posted at the Ft. Bliss Air Defense Artillery Museum among other places:
1. Can Opener
2. Seam Ripper
3. Screwdriver
4. Clean Fingernails
5. Cut Fishing Line
6. Open Paint Cans
7. Window Scraper
8. Scrape Around Floor Corners
9. Digging
10. Clean Out Groove on Tupperware lids
11. Reach in and Clean Out Small Cracks
12. Scrape Around Edge of Boots
13. Bottle Opener
14. Gut Fish (in the field)
15. Scale Fish (in the field)
16. Test for 'Doneness' When Baking on a Camp Fire
17. Prying Items
18. Strip Wire
19. Scrape Pans in the Field
20. Lift Key on Flip Top Cans
21. Chisel
22. Barter
23. Marking Tool
24. Deflating Tires
25. Clean Sole of Boot/Shoe
26. Pick Teeth
27. Measurement
28. Striking Flint
29. Stirring Coffee
30. Puncturing Plastic Coating
31. Knocking on Doors
32. Morse Code
33. Box Cutter
34. Opening Letters
35. Write Emergency Messages
36. Scratch an Itch
37. Save as a Souvenir
38. Rip Off Rank for On-the-Spot Promotions
39. Bee sting removal tool (scrape off w/ blade)

The Army's Best Invention
Story by Maj. Renita Foster

It was developed in just 30 days in the summer of 1942 by the Subsistence Research Laboratory in Chicago. And never in its 52-year history has it been known to break, rust, need sharpening or polishing. Perhaps that is why many soldiers, past and present, regard the P-38 C-ration can opener as the Army's best invention.

C-rations have long since been replaced with the more convenient Meals, Ready to Eat, but the fame of the P-38 persists, thanks to the many uses stemming 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, a military policeman. "I've had my P-38 since joining the Army 11 years ago and kept it because I can use it as a screwdriver, knife, anything."

The most vital use of the P-38, however, is the very mission it was designed for, said Fort Monmouth, N.J., garrison commander Col. Paul Baerman.

"When we had C-rations, the P-38 was your access to food; that made it the hierarchy of needs," Baerman said. "Then soldiers discovered it was an extremely simple, lightweight, multipurpose tool. I think in warfare, the simpler something is and the easier access it has, the more you're going to use it. The P-38 had all of those things going for it."

The tool acquired its name from the 38 punctures required to open a C-ration can, and from the boast that it performed with the speed of the World War II P-38 fighter plane.

"Soldiers just took to the P-38 naturally," said World War II veteran John Bandola. "It was our means for eating 90 percent of the time, but we also used it for cleaning boots and fingernails, as a screwdriver, you name it. We all carried it on our dog tags or key rings."

When Bandola attached his first and only P-38 to his key ring a half century ago, it accompanied him to Anzio, Salerno and through northern Italy. It was with him when World War II ended, and it's with him now.

"This P-38 is a symbol of my life then," said Bandola. "The Army, the training, my fellow soldiers, all the times we shared during a world war."

Sgt. Ted Paquet, swing shift supervisor in the Fort Monmouth Provost Marshal's Office, was a 17-year-old seaman serving aboard the amphibious assault ship USS New Orleans during the Vietnam war when he got his first P-38. The ship's mission was to transport Marines off the coast of Da Nang.

On occasional evenings, Marines gathered near Paquet's duty position on the fantail for simple pleasures like "Cokes, cigarettes, conversation and C-rations." It was during one of these nightly sessions that Paquet came in contact with the P-38, or "John Wayne" as it's referred to in the Navy.

Paquet still carries his P-38, and he still finds it useful. While driving with his older brother, Paul, their car's carburetor began to have problems.

"There were no tools in the car and, almost simultaneously, both of us reached for P-38s attached to our key rings," Paquet said with a grin. "We used my P-38 to adjust the flow valve, the car worked perfectly, and we went on our merry way."

Paquet"s P-38 is in a special box with his dog tags, a .50-caliber round from the ship he served on, his Vietnam Service Medal, South Vietnamese money and a surrender leaflet from Operation Desert Storm provided by a nephew.

"It will probably be on my dresser until the day I die," Paquet said.

The feelings veterans have for the P-38 aren't hard to understand, according to 1st Sgt. Steve Wilson of the Chaplain Center and School at Fort Monmouth.

"When you hang on to something for 26 years," he said, "it's very hard to give it up. That's why people keep their P-38 just like they do their dog tags. ... It means a lot. It's become part of you. You remember field problems, jumping at 3 a.m. and moving out. A P-38 has you reliving all the adventures that came with soldiering in the armed forces. Yes, the P-38 opened cans, but it did much more. Any soldier will tell you that."
Courtesy Soldiers Online Magazine

SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" TSgt Hunter Logan CPT Private RallyPoint Member LTC Stephen F. SSG Warren Swan SFC William Swartz Jr SFC A.M. Drake COL Mikel J. Burroughs SSgt Private RallyPoint Member CPT L S SP5 Mark Kuzinski SP5 Michael Rathbun CW5 Private RallyPoint Member CW5 Charlie Poulton 1SG Private RallyPoint Member MSG Floyd Williams CSM Michael J. Uhlig SGM Mikel Dawson CH (MAJ) William Beaver [~305380:CSM Charles Hayden

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2014 2:36 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 14:36:45 -0400

I have three of my own. One in my backpack, one in my bug out bag, and one in the kitchen. Awesome and inexpensive tool. Highly recommend.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2014 2:37 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 14:37:28 -0400

Agree thousand of men ate with that for years.

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Jun 29 at 2014 2:54 PM

TSgt Scott Hurley — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 14:54:01 -0400

I think my father still has his on his key chain. I know he had one. I wish this was still issued along with the trusty K-Bar knife. Which is also WWII vintage.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Jun 29 at 2014 2:58 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 14:58:34 -0400

Great little tool. My first NCO on my first assignment had one around his dog tag chains. I had one at one time until it was lost in one of the PCS moves.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jun 29 at 2014 3:37 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 15:37:47 -0400

Still have my first one from my first c-rat in basic training. Also have several additional ones throughout the house in drawers, boxes, etc. Still a very handy tool to have around!

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jun 29 at 2014 5:04 PM

CMC Robert Young — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 17:04:42 -0400

SFC Davis, my dad (God rest him) carried one on his key ring until the day he died. I have at least two even now; one in the tackle box for fishing trips (my first experience w/ a P38 was as as boy eating C rations in the boat) & another at the house just in case.

Truly one of Uncle Sam's best ever inventions.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Jun 29 at 2014 5:17 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 17:17:36 -0400

I always have one with me or in the car.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jun 29 at 2014 6:20 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 18:20:00 -0400

My Dad would surely agree. He's given the P38 out as tokens of appreciation to many of my friends! Capt Private RallyPoint Member, Capt Private RallyPoint Member, & Maj Private RallyPoint Member will agree.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2014 12:15 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 00:15:15 -0400

I used to have a P-51, and a P-38. Now they are both long since gone having disappeared during one of many moves (possibly stolen, probably lost). The P-38 and P-51 both still can be used for getting to your food - I.E.: You can use it to slice open the MRE bags, cut the tape on the MRE boxes, etc. Good post SFC Joe Davis! Thanks for sharing these facts about the best tool ever made for the military!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2014 12:10 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 00:10:09 -0500

I had one when I first came in in 1974. Fun days!!!

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2014 7:12 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 07:12:35 -0500

I agree, SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL. I remember keeping a P-38 on my dog tag chain back in the day. It was a necessity for C-rations, and it worked on civilian cans just as well.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Nov 13 at 2014 8:02 AM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 08:02:27 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL Greatest invention of all time. I carry one on my keys today since I no longer wear dog tags.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2014 12:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 12:24:56 -0500

My dad would agree, i would also have to add that i have used them in my home because they are more reliable than commercial can openers...there is something weird when it comes to me and commercial can openers, they just explode in mybhands because they cant handle the freedom i provide them

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 20 at 2014 1:09 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 01:09:51 -0500

I have used those before, and I am good for about 3 or 4 regular size cans before my thumb gets sore.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Dec 21 at 2014 1:58 AM

SGT Michael Glenn — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 01:58:33 -0500

I would have to agree, has saved my bacon more than once while out camping and at home.

Response by SPC Charles Griffith made Feb 11 at 2015 2:52 AM

SPC Charles Griffith — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 02:52:00 -0500

I have one that was given me by one of the reserve troops I would go visit with on drill weekends. I lived a block away and I was a typical kid the Army fascinated me, I was lucky to have guys there that didn't mind the kid hanging around. When I joined the first thing I did was add it to my Dog Tags where it is to this day up there in my war chest. I have probably had atleast a dozen of them thru the years I'd guess there are still 3 or 4 around here I always have the one on my key ring so the others move around from the tackle box to a tool box even been known to wind up in a range box or my archery box LOL Great little tool. :)

Response by CPL Roland Newton made Jul 24 at 2015 2:22 AM

CPL Roland Newton — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 02:22:23 -0400

agree I still carry mine

Response by SGT Eric House made Aug 30 at 2015 1:22 AM

SGT Eric House — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 01:22:08 -0400

Agree

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 30 at 2015 1:59 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 01:59:30 -0400

The Bees gave the moniker "John Wayne" to the P-38 can opener sometime after The Fighting Seabees came out.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Aug 30 at 2015 8:15 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 08:15:13 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL It probably wasn't the best but it was a pretty damn good one. I still have one on my key ring.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Dec 4 at 2015 9:17 AM

Sgt John Steinmeier — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 09:17:39 -0500

Agree. Carried one on my key chain for many years even after separating. Took it off my key chain after it somehow opened in my pocket and took a chunk out of my thigh.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 6 at 2015 3:18 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 15:18:25 -0500

I think the P38 is a great invention SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL. One of my P38's was confiscated by the local sheriff's office when we were evicted in 2014 because I handed him my key ring expecting to get back keys that were not part of that house. I learned a lesson that day.
In our county P38's are considered a weapon and are one of the items prohibited from bringing into the courthouse.
Over the decades I used my P38 to open cans, as a flat tip screwdriver and for many other purposes. I still have one original P38 from the 1970s which i keep with a set of my dog tags.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Dec 6 at 2015 4:06 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 16:06:26 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL Used them in the old C-Rations back in 1975 when I was going through Basic Training and had one on my dog tags for the longest time as an enlisted soldier.

Response by SSG Michael Hartsfield made Dec 6 at 2015 4:07 PM

SSG Michael Hartsfield — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 16:07:55 -0500

Back in the day (when things were cool), fist fights would break out over those. I had one for all of a day before it was...redistributed.

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Dec 6 at 2015 4:29 PM

SP5 Michael Rathbun — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 16:29:34 -0500

I discovered this implement on the first occasion of a field deployment in BCT where lunch consisted of a bunch of cases of Cs dumped off more or less in our vicinity. The biggest discoveries were:

1. No, these cans don't come with easily removable tops, like beer and Vienna sausages, e.g.
2. There are a LOT fewer P-38s in the case than there are meals and soldiers who want them.

It only took once for that to sink in. (I had to wait for somebody to finish opening theirs before I could open mine. Unfortunately we had to form up and continue the mission before I even got the first can opened. That never happened again.)

Later on, I developed several cool ways to turn an expended can into a practical coffee cup.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Dec 6 at 2015 5:56 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 17:56:52 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL An exceptional and versatile tool in country in 1968.

Response by SGT Robert Deem made Dec 6 at 2015 6:11 PM

SGT Robert Deem — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 18:11:52 -0500

It really is one of the best pieces of kit I ever carried, and I still have mine, which was passed down to me by my father. The epitome of the marriage of form and function. Easy to use, easy to carry, easy to adapt to just about any task. Why on earth does the Army not still issue these?

Response by SSG Thomas Gallegos made Dec 6 at 2015 7:01 PM

SSG Thomas Gallegos — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 19:01:31 -0500

Agreed

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 6 at 2015 7:07 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 19:07:37 -0500

Disagree... Duct tape and glue, both military inventions, are far more useful...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 6 at 2015 7:15 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 19:15:15 -0500

They made a good case about the utility of the P-38.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2015 7:32 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 19:32:05 -0500

I loved my John Wayne can opener. Unfortunately, I no longer have one of these wonderful tools.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2015 11:08 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 23:08:11 -0500

I have had one on every car key chain since 1970. I wouldn't be without one!!!

Response by SSG Rob Godwin made Dec 7 at 2015 2:29 AM

SSG Rob Godwin — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 02:29:16 -0500

Best device
aka FRED
F* Ridiculous Eating Device
My one at home has the spoon

Response by SSG Rob Godwin made Dec 7 at 2015 2:32 AM

SSG Rob Godwin — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 02:32:25 -0500

This is mine

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Dec 7 at 2015 4:13 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 16:13:12 -0500

AGREED! I had to use an old one many times opening up cans of Spaghetti O's on MANY field exercises

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2018 12:36 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 00:36:14 -0500

Awesome report SFC Davis!

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 7 at 2020 2:54 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Sat, 07 Mar 2020 14:54:15 -0500

I used to think the internet was the best military invention. Then I learned Al Gore invented it. Now I have a *new* best military invention. Thanks for filling the void.

Response by Cpl Tim Szilagyi made May 27 at 2020 10:03 PM

Cpl Tim Szilagyi — Wed, 27 May 2020 22:03:26 -0400

C-rats disappeared before my 1985 visit to Parris Island, but the P38 was still used in CTA and NTA training in Okie. Based at Schwab we enjoyed White Beach and Alongopo after a float on the USS Debuque(DePuke). We used them in the field on White Beach for all kinds of crap.
Once stateside again, its use faded. A couple visits to 29 Palms and a cold weather month in Bridgeport, Ca and didnt use her once.
Gulf War and I got recalled, still no P38 in use.
In the 1st civ.div. I dont camp or hike with out one.
Cpl.Szilagyi