American Legion Post 168, Thurmont

November 28, 1952 The Great Tootsie Roll Drop: During the Korean Conflict, everything had a code name to throw off Chinese anti-aircraft units. Marines sent out a frantic call for 60-mm mortar ammunition, code named “Tootsie Rolls.” Somebody didn’t read up on his code book. Fighting for their lives in the frozen wastes of Chosin, that’s what they got. Chocolate candy. By the ton. What at first seemed a screw-up of biblical proportions, soon proved a blessing in disguise.

With no way to build a fire and frozen rations unusable, those Tootsie rolls were all that stood between survival and starvation. Being resourceful, it didn’t take the Marines long to figure out that frozen tootsie rolls make a swell putty too, useful for patching up fractured hoses and vehicles. Tootsie Roll Industries has always sent the candy and continues to do so, to this day.

On Saturday, November 15, the Auxiliary had the honor and privilege to serve 32 Veterans and 20 guests a wonderful meal of pork, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, and gravy, and plenty of delicious homemade desserts. Thank you to the Veterans and the Auxiliary for your service.

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The American Legion Post 168 Auxiliary serves 32 Veterans and 20 guests a wonderful meal to thank Veterans for their service on Saturday, November 15.