Transcript of Proceedings 
Conference on Survival Rations C h » 
— ■ at > 
QMC Subsistence Research & Development Laboratory 
on 
20 August 1945 
Note: All the material in this transcript has 
been approved by the conferees. 
1 ATTBHmnOE LIST 
Conference on Survival Rations 
($10 - SR&LL 
20 August 19^5 
Army Air Forces 
Coast Guard 
Major Charles U, Culmer 
Major J. S, Butts 
Major P, P. Scholander 
Captain Charles Carveth 
Captain H, S, ¥ilgns 
Captain S, A. L1Angelo 
Lt, ¥, Posdick, Liaison Office, SR&LL 
Lt, P, G, Sherman 
Miss Patricia Taylor 
Dr, Paul A, Heal 
Armored Medical Research. Laboratory 
Major William B, Bean 
Office of The Surgeon General 
Major ¥. P, Ashe, Jr. 
Major G, H. Berryman, Medical 
nutrition Laboratory 
Army Ground Borces 
Lt, Col, John J. Dolan 
Lt, Col, Oliver G. Kinney 
Major K, J, Hatke 
Physiologists 
Dr, Herbert B. Longenecker 
Lr, Lavid Schwimmer 
Lr, Austin Henschel 
Lr, A. C. Ivy 
Lr, Edward M, Scott 
Office of The Quartermaster General 
Captain ¥, R, Junk 
Dr, Samuel Lepkovsky 
Mr, James ¥, Boyer 
Mr, Robert G, Biesel 
Miss Alice Egner 
QMC Subsistence Res, & Lev, Laboratory 
Colonel R, A. Isker 
Major V. 0, Ifodicka 
Captain L, M, Richardson 
Captain L, G, Voss 
Lt, R, Couch 
Lt, R, P, HcLevitt 
Dr, Pranklin Love 
Lr. Gertrude Gottschall 
Havy Department 
Lt, Comdr, P, H, Butcher 
Lt, Comdr, C, M, McCay 
Lt, Comdr, R, B. Silver, Liaison Office, 
SR&LL 
Lt, M, C, Shelesnyak 
Ensign James M, Reed, Liaison Office, 
SR&LL 
2 Colonel Isker: 
The survival ration is just as important now as it was during the 
War. The Navy, Coast Guard, and Maritime Services are still on the high 
seas. The Army Air Forces expects to continue operations on a worth- 
while scale while commercial aviation will operate on a much larger scale. 
This Laboratory has been working on the survival ration as set up 
by the Army Air Forces, however, there seems to bo very little difference 
between the requirements for the Air Forces and for the other Services of 
the Army. The requirements as set up for the survival ration are as 
follows: (a) high caloric density, (b) palatable, (c) usable with a 
limited supply of water, (d) usable for survivors who are wounded or 
suf fering tfrom shock, (e) packaged in a manner so that it will be easy 
for a man to carry as well as for life boat and plane stowage. With these 
requirements in mind, an all purpose survival ration can be developed in 
place of the several that are now in existence. 
This Laboratory has taken the following steps in developing such a 
ration; (a) published a survey of needs (copies furnished to conferees) 
(b) called this conference to discuss the problem and possibly get other 
ideas and expend opinions on what the ration will take, (c) and will 
follow up this conference with further research, i.Q._, testing of foods 
to determine acceptability for men that are suffering from dehydration, 
the effects of various foods on men who live on a limited caloric intake 
and limited water supply. Further research of this kind will probably 
affect nany of the present rations. 
What will a man eat under a nervous strain and when he is more 
interested in "looking after his own hide"? Also, which foods are best 
for him? 
The K Ration was to serve as an assault as well as a combat ration. 
(The K Ration did not prove satisfactory as an assault ration). The C 
Ration was to be used as a combat ration. The 10-in-1 Rati on, which is 
actually a D Ration, was to be used in the early stages of invasion. Due 
to pressure on other developments, very little has been done toward a 
survival ration. 
World War I was stable warfare—trench warfare—and it was fairly 
easy to bring cooked foods to front line troops. In World War II—mobile 
warfare—most of the action was away from the kitchens and therefore made 
it extremely difficult to bring food to moving troops. Research must be 
kept up to keep abreast of the developments of warfare and to supply foods 
which will keep the soldier fit under all circumstances of warfare. 
Research is important to keep a nation prepared. The nation best prepared 
is the least likely to be attacked and if that nation is attacked, they 
will be the most likely to win. Now that war is drawing to a close we hope 
you will continue to give us the wholehearted cooperation you have given 
us up to this time. 
Colonel Isker suggested the formation of some sort of organization of 
the group of conferees to keep abreast of new developments and to pattern 
foods for developments and changes that take place. 
3 Captain Wilgus: 
At the present time the AAF uses two survival rations, the Life Raft 
Ration for sea survival and the Parachute Emergency Ration for land 
survival,. Distinction should be made between a survival item and a rescue 
item* 
Survival items are intended to be carried in the airplane at all times 
in case of an emergency* The pay load of bombs, ammunition and personnel 
and the required fuel are at a maximum. Hence space and weight limitations 
restrict the amount of survival items that can be carried. Various survival 
items are now being packed in order of priority in the accessory kits of 
life rafts. First priority is given to signalling devices, such as flares 
and radar reflectors, that will aid in locating survivors after the 
emergency. Second priority is for first aid equipment. Third priority is 
for water and water catchment equipment. Food and food catchment equipment, 
such as fishing tackle, take last priority. There is no provision in 
survival kits for protective clothing and shelter* These are carried as 
separate items or supplied by rescue aircraft. 
Rescue items are intended to be delivered to located survivors, 
ordinarily by means of a rescue airplane. The primary cargo is rescue 
equipment. Hence, limitations are not placed on what may be carried. 
Regular Quartermaster Rations and even hot meals may be supplied* 
Probably the first limiting factor determining the type of food to 
be carried for survival purposes is the most severe condition under which 
it would be used, Arctic conditions could furnish as severe a test as any 
that might be encountered. Should an airplane have to be ditched in this 
region and should the crew manage to get on a life raft with the ordinary 
survival equipment, they might last no longer than 43 hours, Lnmediate 
protection from the elements is essential to survival, hence food would 
be of relatively low importance* But, given adequate protection from the 
elements in the form of protective clothing in a covered life raft, food 
would assume an important role in survival as a means of maintaining body 
temperature, strength and morale. Under Arctic or winter conditions on 
land or sea, prompt rescue or at least a supply of adequate, suitable 
equipment by rescue airplanes assumes primary importance, The rescue air- 
planes should carry an adequate amount of food, Arctic trials have demon- 
strated that the 10-in-l Ration may provide the main source of such food 
and that it might well be supplemented with certain high caloric sustenance 
items* 
Under more temperate conditions the chances for prolonged survival 
are somewhat greater since the elements are less severe* Provisions for 
prompt rescue are not as urgent. Therefore, survival times may be longer 
and some source of food might have an important bearing on the length of 
of survival time* 
The Parachute Emergency Ration is intended for land conditions where 
crews bail out over land or are forced to make a crashed landing. Two cans 
4 of such rations, each containing about 1050 calories, may bo readily 
accommodated in the Emergency Sustenance Vest, Type C-l, This ration 
consists primarily of sweet chocolate and the cheese and cracker bar. 
It is intended more or less to give survivors some nourishment during 
the first day or so while they are recovering from the initial shock 
and are establishing local sources of food. During the first 24 hours 
survivors usually are in a condition of mental confusion and the knowl- 
edge that they have some food with them undoubtedly has a morale value* 
Under most land conditions there should ordinarily be a local source of 
water. Therefore, only water purification tablets are supplied. This 
is expected to suffice except in desert areas where the prerequisite for 
survival is to get rescued within a very few days since the only source 
of water is what is actually carried in the airplane and is therefore 
exceedingly limited. 
The Life Raft Ration is intended for sea survival, under which con- 
ditions there is ordinarily a limited supply of water. The amount of 
water available obviously determines the nature of the ration. Up to 
very recently, water on life rafts was from a limited number of Emergency 
Drinking Water cans, each providing 11-1/2 ounces of water, plus any rain 
water that could be caught in a tarpaulin and stored in plastic water bags, 
More recently a Sea Water Desalting Kit has been developed and has come 
into general use. This kit consists of six desaulting briquets and a 
treatment bag, The kit packs in the same volume as the Emergency Drinking 
Water can but will yield 5-1/2 pints of potable water or approximately 
7-1/2 tiroes as much water as the can. One of these kits is supplied in 
the individual life raft and six kits are packed in the multiplace life 
rafts. At the present time, a practical solar still is going into pro- 
duction and a very few of these have been distributed. The solar still is 
very compact, packing into approximately 60 cu, inches when deflated. Three 
stills are packed in a Sea Water Distillation Kit, Two of these kits are 
placed in the accessory kit of the multiplace raft in addition to the six 
Sea Water Desalting Kits and one cam of Emergency Drinking Water, No 
provisions have yet been made for packing a solar still - in a one-man life 
raft. Each still will produce up to 1-3/4 quarts of water under the most 
favorable conditions, that is, a lonb day of sunshine. It will produce 
some water even on moderately overcast days. The distilled water ordi- 
narily is contaminated with a small trace of salt water. On the average 
it is estimated that some one to four grams of salt may be thus supplied 
per day. This has physiological significance. Under Arctic conditions 
the stills might be inoperable because extreme cold renders the structural 
material very brittle. However, a relatively large amount of water could 
ordinarily be obtained from anow and ice. Dr, Fetcher of the Personal 
Equipment Laboratory has carefully studied climatic conditions on the main 
oceans of tire world and has estimated that the amount of water from non- 
expendable sources, that is, from the solar stills and from rain source, 
would yield approximately one quart of water per man per day as a reasonable 
expectation. Under the very worst conditions the amount of water might be 
down to one pint. 
The present Life Raft Ration was designed for use before the advent of 
5 solar stills and sea water desalting kits. It therefore consists of sugar 
candy on the "basis that poire carbohydrate requires the least water in 
metabolism. The amount of this ration provided is limited by the required 
amount of space in the life raft accessory kits* Thus, no food is provided 
in the one-man life raft. The survivor must depend on what food he may 
carry in the C-l Vest if he has one. At the present time, a man on the one- 
man life raft is in a tight spot for numerous reasons. In multiplacc rafts 
there are seven cans of Life Raft Ration supplying a total of approximately 
15,000 calories. This is figured to supply six men about 360 calorics per 
man per day for seven days. Those seven cans pack to about cubic inches 
in space although originally UOO cubic inches were allotted. Rather than 
to arbitrarily assign a given amount of space for a certain number of cal- 
orics per man. for so many days, it would bo better to ascertain what com- 
position of food and how many calories per man per day would best servo the 
purpose when about one quart of water per man per day is available* This 
should bo the starting point of investigations on the universal Survival 
Ration, 
Recently the possible use of plankton as a survival food from the sea 
has been brought to the attention of this Laboratory by Dr, Alexander Bajkov, 
Ho has demonstrated that a plankton not can be used as a sea anchor on the 
raft as well as to catch those small organisms under certain conditions. 
Significant quantities of plankton may thus bo caught and arc evidently 
fairly palatable, Fresh plankton, squeezed partially free of adhering sea 
wator, contains about 10$ dry matter, of which approximately 60$ is protein, 
10-20$ is fat and up to 15$ is.ash. Salt concentration, is about 1/3 to 1/2 
that of sea water. Plankton is distributed rather generally throughout the 
oceans of tho world in sufficient quantities to be a potential source of 
food. It may thus be an emergency source when all others fail. Much work 
remains before plankton con be advocated safely as a survival food. Such 
studios are being initiated at ATSC, It seems possible with tho limited 
amount of food on the life roft, the survivor may be able to live on plank- 
ton and/or fish after the survival ration is consumed, providing ad.oquate 
water is available. 
Several questions are pertinent at this time regarding a universal 
survival ration. How much and what kinds of protoin can wo put in the ration 
without seriously increasing water requirements? What arc tho most accept- 
able forms of food which can be utilized? The AAF is vitally interested in 
research to ascertain tho minimum levels of caloric intake which will permit 
utilization of significant amounts of protein for sparing body tissue when 
water intake is restricted to about one quart per day. It is apparent that 
such information is essential in order to determine the composition of a 
universal survival ration. Colonel Iskcr has indicated the necessity for 
continuing with this type of research and tho AAF heartily concurs with this 
opinion. 
Major Ashe asked Capta,in Ifilgus if there was any data to show that 
objections have been raised by survivors or by other people to the present 
Lifo Raft Ration and Parachute Emergency Ration, Captain Wilgus replied 
that there was no actual data on this question except that the survivors 
6 apparently have seldom consumed the Life Raft Ration and that objections 
have come largely from various test subjects. 
Lt, R, P. McDevitt stated that the Subsistence Laboratory would be 
glad to conduct necessary tests on plankton. 
7 Major Culmer: 
Procedures in the event of emergency termination of a flight, vary 
with the type of aircraft involved, Where a normal landing is not pos- 
sible, the plane may be "ditched" if over water, crash-landed if over 
land, or the crew may bail out. The choice made by the pilot depends 
on the circumstances and the type of plane. 
In general, transport aircraft are ditched or crash landed. The 
same is true of most bombardment craft. In fighter planes, on the other 
hand, it is usually considered better to bail out" and descend by para- 
chute. 
This means there can be no one standard set of conditions. Where 
the plans is ditched or crash-landed, a fairly large amount of emergency- 
survival equipment may be salvaged for use by the survivors. The man 
who has to "bail out" has only those things attached directly to himself 
or his gear. 
The space in the cockpits of fighter-type aircraft(|is usually very 
limited. Not much emergency-survival equipment can be hung" on the 
pilot if he is still to fly efficiently• In bombers and transport 
aircraft, on the other hand, much more can be taken along. 
It should be remembered that the primary mission of a military 
combat aircraft is to carry bombs and ammunition to destroy the enemy. 
Often this takes precedence over other equipment intended for the 
safety of the crew. Besides, on long missions, much fuel must be 
carried. Any aeroplane can be burdened with only a certain maximum 
of weight - otherwise it cannot fly. 
The tendency in the military flying has been to add more and 
more weight of emergency-survival equipment, until in bombers the 
figure now approaches 90 lbs. per crew man. The commercial air lines, 
on the other hand - faced with the necessity to operate at a profit 
(pay load must be high) - are approaching an emergency survival equip- 
ment load of only 6 lbs. per person aboard. 
The length of time for which survival must be planned will al- 
ways depend on the quantity and quality- of rescue facilitiese The 
planned survival time must be in direct ratio to the expectable time 
for rescue to take place. 
Finally, while in peace time it will always be possible to 
carry more weight and bulk of emergency-survival equipment, sight 
must not be lost of the fact that a military air force must always 
be ready for war. That means being ready to carry a heavy "pay 
load" of bombs and other instruments of destruction. So we must 
always aim at small bulk and low weight for emergency-survival equip- 
ment. 
8 Lt. McDevitt added that some sort of coordination between 
plane stowage and the survival equipment would have to be figured 
out. He also suggested that perhaps a flexible ration could be 
developed so that part of the ration could come off where there 
was not enough space, and if there was space, then the whole 
ration could be carried. Also, if commercial airlines came to 
ATSC for help and guidance, the Laboratory requested that it be 
informed of the discussions. 
9 Capt. Carveth: 
The fighter pilot has the worst situation and in fixing him up 
you could fix up other crew members in multi-place aircraft by using 
various multiples of fighter ration* If we can get a ration to fit 
the Arctic situation, then it will fit any other situation. Light- 
ers carry more equipment than we are lead to believe. Fighter 
pilots do not carry rations in their one-man life rafts and must 
carry food supplies in their sustenance vest, type C-l, para-pack, 
or Jungle kit. Ho/ever, the fighter pilot finds ways to carry more 
food as in his flying clothes. 
Since March, we have had more than 340 distress incidents* In 
all these incidents the longest survival period has been for 14 days. 
In this incident the survivor, the only survivor,out of a B-29 crew, 
had only two oranges to live on. On the 14th day a Navy airplane 
dropped him some Navy type, Emergency Life Raft Rations and 2 pints 
of water. 'Then he was picked up he weighed only 130 pounds, his 
original weight being 162 pounds. He had no use of his legs when 
rescued and his seat was rotting. He had fishing tackle but was un- 
successful in catching fish.. He gpt one fish with a spear but spit 
it up when he tried eating it. Very few men can eat fish in a raw 
state. He had one and three-quarters quarts of water and was dis- 
couraged about catching rain water because of the constant salt 
splashed on his shield. In another incident, a P-38 pilot paddled 
170 miles to rescue himself. He had one chocolate bar and a medical 
kit, both of which were soggy. In still another case, a fighter 
pilot who used the “termutit Kit successfully, got a great deal more 
water from the kit than the instructions indicated possible* He 
had a life raft, para-pack, knife, pistol and tracer shells, and 
cloth chart. The chocolate bars were carried in the pockets of his 
clothing. He was never particularly conscious of hunger. On the 
fifth day a typhoon hit which caused the loss of his rations and 
water. He could have caught a small bird but had no particular 
hunger pains and consequently did not catch it as a source of food. 
He reported that there was plenty of rain and he could have had all 
the water he wanted to drink,. About the fifth or sixth day, he began 
to go out of his mind and imagined he was talking to Iwo lima. When 
the submarine came to pick him up, he said, •'’Where have you been, I 
have been calling and talking to you a long time?” The survivor in 
this cases walked to his bunk and was all right physically. {This 
brought up the suggestion to put vitamins and nutrients in medical 
kits, Capt, Carveth said this was good, except where the kit is not 
water proofed). 
The American pilots have always preferred the small tin of rations 
because it is not bulky and is easy to carry, ITow, flying suits aro boing 
designed with large pockets and zippers so that it will be more con- 
venient to carry things on the person, 
10 The basic airplane ration kit should be provided with more 
substantial food. The Emergency Rescue Survival Ration should pro- 
vide sufficient food in quality to sustain life in the Arctic, Con- 
ditions of survival in the .arctic would be equivalent to the condi- 
tions prevailing in the Northern waters of Japan, 
In war time, rescue operations must be stepped up a good deal 
to provide rescue facilities for combat aircraft, which are more 
apt to require this service. Rescues have been taking place in less 
than 24 hours and for the most part within five hours, This would 
seem to close the question of survival rations, but actually the 
rescue facilities after the war will be curtailed and it might not 
be possible to make rescues in a matter of hours. Present aTC oper- 
ations are a good example for bringing out the fact that even where 
rescue facilities constantly standing by, but not on actual patrol, 
a survivor may be on the water for some time before he is rescued. 
Dr* Ivy commented that if the tactical situation ia such 
that most of the men have to bail out, then the ration should be 
considered on the basis of the one-man unit. 
Capt. Carveth reported that more and more men were being res- 
cued as the result of increased number of bail-out a. As far as transport 
airplanes are concerned, the plane most always ditched because of its 
excellent ditching characteristics. Parachutes are not required in ATC 
Aircraft, This type of plane will float for 30 minutes, which permits 
sufficient time for the personnel to get out with complete survival 
equipment. 
Dr, Ivy stated that earlier reports indicated that there were not 
many bail-outs. 
Lt, Shelesnyak added that unless a plane is on fire, it is more 
common to ditch it than to bail out. as for the new jet propelled 
planes, they are so fast tint it might not be possible to ditch, and 
this will bring on new problems. 
(Off-the-record discussion on iJ340 incidents•’ which Major 
Ashe had inquired about,) 
Lt, Col, Dolan added that a good ration would be a combination of 
the <Tno-goodn D Ration and an assault ration. This combination would 
probably make up an all-purpose ration to fit the amphibious soldier*s 
ration too. 
Ltc McDevitt explained that the problem is, what can a man carry 
for emergency use? Is there a food item that a man could carry 
that would give him strength under all conditions? 
11 t y 
Lt. Col, Kinney commented that it seemed that the pilots are 
jammed in and carrying a full load. Since they fly in groups, must 
a man carry his own ration ? Can it not be on a special part of the 
plane- with an emergency release for dropping the ration? 
Capt, Carveth replied that it is difficult to drop rations 
closer than 50 yards to survivors on a life raft and 50 yards is a 
long way when a man might not be physically able to swim after it. 
Lt, McDevitt added that anything could happen which might separate 
a group end therefore would demand individual rations. 
Capt. Carveth went on to explain that he did not know of any 
other specific need for an individual survival ration, except possibly 
for physical and morale reasons. In one of the reports, a man had to 
swim 20 minutes to get to his life raft. Rafts are continually being 
tipped over during storms or high seas, which require the expenditure 
of energy and strength on the part of the survivor. 
Major Culmer added that although, whenever possible, accompanying 
Aircraft do drop rations and other emergency equipment to a fellow 
plane which is forced down, this cannot always be relied upon a-s pos- 
sible, especially when visibility is poor. 
12 Captain dTAngelo: 
Four major points were considered: 1) Tactical Re- 
quirements, 2) Questionnaire results, 5) The problem of 
nutrition as regards the AIR FORCES, 4) Direct physiologi- 
cal effects of food. 
Qualified observers (physiologists and flight sur- 
geons) who have returned from various theaters of war all 
contend that the tactical requirements of getting large fleets 
of planes in the air and accomplishing their mission are so 
great that most physiological factors are barely considered. 
It appears that of these the factor of nutrition is probably 
more neglected than any of the others. Nevertheless, much 
evidence indicates that it is quite important. 
The AERO-MEDICAL LABORATORY has set up a system of 
questionnaires by several thousand combat crew veterans 
have all ready been interogatec regarding various problems. 
Some of the findings are pertinent to this •meeting; 
1) Answers vary greatly and include all sorts of 
’’gripes”, suggestions as to remedial measures, etc. 
2) A substantial number of men in all theaters of 
operation claimed that better meals both at the base and in the 
air would have prevented ’’fatigue” and would have improved 
morale., 
3) Individual choices of food varied greatly, box'; 
distinct trends were evident for different theaters of opera- 
tion. 
• 4) Plying personnel will eat and drink in flight 
whenever they arc hungry and thirsty, regardless of their al- 
titude , 
5) Fighter pilots, for the most part, handle the 
food problem in flight in their own way. They oat pretty much 
what they want, provided of course, that they can get it. 
In our estimation, the problem of nutrition does not 
begin with a survival nation. So far as a flyer is concerned 
it begins in the pre-flight stage, continues during flight 
through to an emergency-should it occur. A man will bo better 
able to meet an emergency if he has adequately been taken care 
of prior to the new situation. It would be very worthwhile if 
trained nutritionists could plan and administer to the needs 
of airmen under combat conditions in the field. 
The direct physiological effects of food must be con 
sidered. The AERO-MEDICAL LABORATORY has been interested In 
the problem of fatigue in v.ry long range missions, to which 
inadequate nutrition may be a contributing factor. To this 
end an experiment was done \n which 6 subjects were exposed 
to altitudes of 8-10,000 ft. for periods of 10 hours following 
13 a K ration breakfast with no subsequent food. The response 
to anoxia, and bloodsugar levels were studied. It was found 
that the K ration, though substantial and not thirst induc- 
ing (blood sugar levels, also, were well maintained), had a 
low order of acceptability. Complaints were vigorous. Some 
subjects complained about the fruit bar, others .objected to 
the odor of the canned meatanc* chopped eggs. It was necessary 
for the observer to remain present to insure consumptiqp »f *the 
meal by each subject. 
In a similar type of $xp«hlment pure carbohydrate 
was ingested aoproxpmat*Snours after the standard break- 
fast* IX found that adverse hypoglycemic reactions fre- 
-tihently developed several hours later- a situation hardly de- 
sirable in flight, especially should the reactions occur at 
or about the time of landing. In short, under these 'conditions 
a man would be better off with a K ration breakfast alone than 
he would be with the additional pure carbohydrate. 
Two points are thus clearly indicated; 1) a food 
must.,be acceptable to flying personnel, otherwise it will not 
. . be eafen, 2) it may be unwise to deviate too radically from 
V' the normal'balance of '.the proximate principles in designing 
rations. 
Lt, McDevitt exhibited a cereal disc which had 
caramelised after a 4 month storage period. He pointed out 
that storing of natural foods in emergency equipment is pos- 
sible, but this type of ration would have to be replaced at 
certain time intervals, fcefore storage deterioration. It 
seemed that even though orders could be issued to change the 
rations every six month, op whatever time limit would be 
decided upon, there was the danger of a survivor being con- 
fronted with an old ration which had not been changed. 
14 Major Scholandbr; 
(Major Scholandor has conducted many experiments on lifo rafts in 
different climates.) 
Tho prohlcm of prolonged survival on a life raft in the open sea has 
■become highly actual with the development of the solar still, which, it is 
believed, will remove the greatest obstacle, namely, water shortage, With 
adequate protection from exposure, good rations and provision for continuous 
supply of food by means of fishing equipment, the goal of survival for an 
almost indefinite period could bo reached. 
Sea survival in northern Waters offers especially difficult problems 
which have not boon anywhere nearly solved by the present standard equip- 
ment, This is grimly evident in the following statement of Major G, R, Don- 
ley, Commanding Officer, 10th AAR Emergency Rescue Boat Squadron, Adah, 
Aleutians,who is in charge of all air-sea rescue in the Aleutian area. 
a, ’’The following statements arc based upon four years of actual 
experience relative to expected survival time of crashed victims in Aleu- 
tian or llorth Pacific waters; 
(1) nlaking into consideration condition of sea and average 
weather, hut regardless of season, it is my conclusion 
that the life expectancy of an individual in 0. rubber 
life raft afloat in Uorth Pacific waters is approximately 
US hours, or less. 
(2) nAs to continual innersion, an individual is holploss 
in approximately 30 minutes oven though he nay he free 
of injuries and in the "best of health prior to immersion. 
On a sea survival test in the Aleutians we wore given, the opportunity 
to scan, the complete four yuar file of AAF air-sea rescues for that area. 
Out of crashes in the sea by various types of aircraft, in only U in- 
stances were survivors picked up. Two of the men, fighter pilots, were 
brought in alivo, in the other two cases only the bodies were found. The 
following ease history was often quoted by the local rescue units as typical 
for the area; A P3Y was forced down in a rough sea. Five survivors wore 
spotted in a rubber life raft by an. accompanying PBY. It was presumed that 
they had abandoned their airplane because of imminent break up of the air- 
plane by wave action. It was further presumed that they boarded the life 
raft with wholly or partially dry clothing. The water was rough and the 
occupants of tho raft waved the other airplane away when it tried to land, 
A squall came up preventing further rescue attempts that day. Less than 
2k hours laker a rescue boat found the raft, Only four non. wore then 
aboard and all were deal, frozen stiff from exposure. 
The chief reason for the short survival time is death from exposure 
in tho open, raft. 
15 Two life raft survival tests wore sot up fron Bglin Field at Attu 
Island in the Aleutians, in February, 19^+5» in the same icy wa,tors where 
prolonged survival with standard equipment had proven impossible. 
Two nultiplacc life rafts wore furnished with a watertight tent cover 
and detachable pneumatic nattressf* The raft was tied to the erd of a long 
lino which was fastened to the standby boat „ Pour non occupied the raft* 
It soon turned cut that G-I down sleeping bags had to bo added to the equip- 
ment in order to keep the non warn. Two experiments wore done using 
different rations, but otherwise the sanoj (l) giving the non standard 
charns rations and water, (2) giving the non C rations* water and a solid- 
alcohol stove. 
Boring both of the experiments winds between 20 and 90 nilos an hour 
prevailed, sleet and snow, spray and waves wont over the raft continuously. 
Occupants stayed dry and warn throughout. Bach experiment lasted 3 days 
and 3 nights successively. 
Experiments with standard chagr.o ration and water. 
The physical strength of the non deteriorated insidiously and rapidly 
in the course of two days. Third day one nan got convulsions and had to 
be hoisted on board the standby boat with a rope, Everybody was much 
weakened and in no condition to cope with any emergency situation which 
only too easily could have occurred in the severe weather. 
Lack of thirst and hunger node the non consume only l/3 of the pre- 
scribed candy and l/lO of the prescribed water. The poor condition of the 
men already after 2 days must bo blamed on the candy rations. In a cold 
wet area another typo of life raft ration must bo provided* 
Bag? or inert 2. 
C Ration, water and solid alcohol stove*, 
The non were given any amount of C ration and water they wanted during 
this test. They ate l/2 of a full C ration and drank 2/3 of a pint of wator 
a day. Pish were caught and a few pounds cooked on the stove. The fish 
boiled in seawater was highly appreciated. Throe tines a day we had hot 
drinks and twice a. day heated G ration, I lor ale wan excellent and physical 
condition preserved well enough to mountain hike when wo came out of the 
raft after throe days and throe nights of stormy weather. 
The equipment permitted survival on the stormy and icy sea without 
hardship whore people with standard equipment world have succumbed. 
The situation can be sunned up as follow* 
In order to make prolonged survived possible in northernvatorc (and 
that extends in the winter tine at least down to the fortieth latitude) the 
following conditions must be fulfilled: 
1, Airplane must be ditenable. 
16 2, Survival must ho based or. nultiplaco rafts provided with cover 
and air nattress, , 
3. Extra food C (or K) rations and water oust ho carried in the plane 
in addition to the normal amounts of rations (hisquit-ponnican typo) 
and water which can ho stored in the lifo raft accessory hag, 
U', Droppahlo Gears (Lindholno or other types) mist contain C rations, 
wator and stove. The present standardization on candy in droppahlo 
gear is senseless, 
I x 
Prolonged survival in northern Waters in a one-nan life raft is at the 
present tine impossible. The one-nan raft fills up with water all the tine 
and capsizes or oily. Sea survival in one-nan rafts requires a, water-tight 
exposure suit and a radical improvement of the one-man raft incorporating 
water-tight cover and self-righting properties, nothing of tho kind exists 
a.t tho present tine and wo must therefore not count upon any soa survival 
in Her thorn Waters in terms of tho standard one-man raft. 
There is ample opportunity to study the whole problem of soa survival 
on the sea, and it is ny fim conviction that unless the laboratory people 
themselves (I an one myself) get out on actual sco. survival tests on life 
rafts in the ocean, including winter .nights, wo are never going to learn 
what equipment and rations are required to make prolonged sea survival 
possible. 
17 Mr. Bieselj 
The'duty of the Analysis and Test Section in the Office of the 
Assistant for Product Analysis, Research and Development Branch, is 
to analyze all available data bearing upon a Quartermaster item and 
to establish the military necessity for a new item or for continuing 
a present item. The military necessity having been established, the 
Analysis and Test Section is further charged with initiating a project 
which will disclose the military characteristics of a needed item and 
performance expected of it when produced. The problem of meeting the 
needs of the Array then becomes the province of a product section. After 
the product section has produced the needed item, it is then encumbent 
upon the Analysis and Test Section to test the developed item for perform- 
ance, Such tests are continuously being made either through controlled 
tests in the Zone of Interior or reported upon from the theatres. All 
such reports are evaluated one with the other. 
The survival rations in which we are interested today have not 
reached a calculated ideal. This has not been because of development 
but rather because of changing points of view in land rescue problems 
versus sea rescue problems. This war has demonstrated that either the 
ditched flyer or lost Infantryman is rescued id thin a matter of hours, 
or lost, so it is our present conviction that the survival ration should 
be one which the soldier will carry with him as a part of his personal 
equipment; more perhaps as a psychological need than as a fully sustaining 
ration. 
Perhaps in the past we have thought in terms of that which is best 
for the soldier rather than that which will be acceptable and palatable 
to him when needed. We will undertake to establish the minimum military 
characteristics of an all purpose survival ration based upon all available 
research data now in our files and we will seek additional data from the 
experience of both enemy and Allied armies. 
Sir Hubert Wilkins, one of our consultants, whose experiences in 
survival needs is well known,has urged for the lost soldier a palatable 
and acceptable subsistence item. In this respect, he as an explorer, 
refutes the often repeated assertioxi that pemmican or the like, suitable 
for seasoned explorers, is the best. 
Time is no longer the essence and if the perfect all purpose survival 
ration may not be discovered this year, or next, it makes little difference; 
however, it is essential, before our Armed Forces are dispursed, that their 
accumulated knowledge on this subject be elicited and made available for 
laboratory research. 
It is believed that these conferences should be had at regular 
intervals. All of us through exchange of information, in the give and take 
of free discussion, can come up vdth long sought for determinations and 
decisions. One of the most important subjects, closely akin to survival, 
is the problem of furnishing hot food to forward combat positions where 
troops cannot be resupplied through normal means. We are, however, bound 
to find a means of providing at least one hot meal to a soldier each dry. 
This subject might be scheduled for an early conference. 
18 The ensuing information was submitted by the product 
Analysis Section. rscB Branch of Military Planning Division 
of OQMG-. 
SUBJECT: 
Report of Sir Hubert Wilkins. 
TO; SUBSISTENCE SECTION FROM- ASSISTANT FOR Date: 24 Aug 45 
PRODUCT ANALYSIS Boyer 4463 
1, The following comments have been made by the above 
identified consultant and are referred for consideration of the 
Laboratory. 
2. It may be practicable to package the rectangular 
biscuits referred to by Sir Hubert in very thin flexible 
aluminum metal slightly heavier than is used in tooth- 
paste tubes. 
3. Sir Hubert’s notes follow; 
Use of unpalatable ration unsound for both com 
bat and emergency. 
This rules out "Explorer Type" permute an. Candy. 
Starvation for first one or two days unsound, 
incase of uninjured survivors. Pood missed most 
first day; morale builder needed to overcome shock; 
energy needed for adjustment to circumstances. 
Pood can be tapered off to minimum second or third 
day. 
Emergency ration not necessarily best if con- 
fined to absolute minimum in bulk and weight. If 
the minimum is very small, a 25;£ increase in size and 
weight would probably pay, considering acceptability, 
palatability and maintenance of condition so as to 
be ready for early return to duty. 
Supplementary food for sea survivors ’’consist 
principally of fish”. In this regard see Dr, A., 
Bajkov’s report August 194 5 on the availability, 
palatability and nutrition of Plankton,, 
Dating of rations important. 
Need when devising packaging to consider (if 
rations do not consist entirely of the "Charm" 
type;) 
a. Utensil for adding water to ration 
19 b* Utensil for heating (with solid alcohol in 
cans) A special stove is required 
c* Utensils for eating prepared emergency ration 
Most castaways have no knives, spoons, etc, 
d* Utensils for feeding the incapacitated, 
(Spoons or tubes,) 
Military characteristics as outlined OK. 
Emphasize requirement for providing each man with 
absolutely equal portions even if men willing to 
give some of their share to others* This might be ac- 
complished by making large parcels divisible but separate 
portions preferred. 
Monotony of items not really important if food in the 
first place is usual, palatable and acceptable as to looks 
and flavor. In civil life there is a monotony of some 
acceptable items; these are not rejected. 
Would prefer a rectangular biscuit-like tablet of 
meat flavor 
Would prefer a rectangular biscuit-like tablet of 
fat binded 
Would prefer a rectangular biscuit-like tablet 
cereals, w/milk 
Would prefer a rectangular biscuit-like tablet 
dehydrated fruit 
Would prefer a rectangular biscuit-like tablet 
(raisins or apricots) 
Would pre|er a rectangular biscuit-like tablet of 
bouillon. 
Wafers (biscuits) in each case (each item) to be 
packaged in heat sealed cellophane and the suitable pro- 
portion of each to be overpacked in quantities sutiable 
for 1 man for 2 days in a metal can; the can thus suitable 
for the utensil for mixing, heating, or feeding. (The 
same package would serve for 2 men for two days - 6 men 
for one meal.) 
RGB 
PERRY 
TlIB/ml 
20 Lt, Comdr. Futcher: 
Presented answers to questions asked of Bureau of Medicine 
and Surgery in Array Q,M,C, Subsistence Research and Development 
Laboratory interim report on ''Survival Rations: A Critical Review 
dated August 1945# All conferees received copy of answers, which 
included data on rations supplied on the floats and floater nets of 
ships and on the pneumatic rafts of aircraft. He emphasized that 
if one is to design a ration for use with a daily allotment of 800 
cc, of water daily, one must be sure that the solar stills and rain- 
collecting devices will function under all conditions, such as in 
the cold. Captain Scholander stated he collected considerable 
snow on the raft in the' Aleutians, 
21 RESTRICTED 
Research Division, Bureau of 
Medicine & Surgery, Navy 
Department. 
18 August 1945 
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ASKED OF BUREAU OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY IN 
ARMY Q.M.G. SUBSISTENCE RESEARCH ANT) DEVELOPMENT LABORATORY INTERIM 
REPORT ON "SURVIVAL RATIONS: A CRITICAL REVIEW", dated August 1945. 
Question 1: What has been the utilization of survival rations by the 
Navy? 
Answer 1: Survival rations are used in the Navy on the boats, life 
floats, and floater nets supplied to surface craft by the Bureau of Ships, 
and on the pneumatic rafts and droppable kits procured by the Bureau of 
Aeronautics, 
The Bureau of Ships equips combat vessels with a very few boats, 
using doughnut-shaped floats and also floater nets as rescue gear for the 
great majority of personnel. Personnel using the floats and nets are 
completely immersed in water; since Naval vessels usually cruise in groups 
the rescue gear is designed with the thought that survivors will be 
rescued by other vessels in their vicinity within a very few hours. The 
food ration on these rescue craft is at present the "U.S. Navy Emergency 
Ration for Life Rafts and Boats"; this ration is for BuShips by 
the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts. Sufficient of this ration is supplied 
to provide each man of the craft’s rated capacity with 1041 calories per 
day for 3 days. Details of the ration follow: 
U.S. NAVY EMERGENCY RATION 
FOR LIFE BOATS AMD LIFE RAFTS 
DAILY RATION PER MAM 
Quantity 
Calories as 
Tot al 
Protein 
Carbo- 
hydrate 
Fat 
Calories 
Type C Array Biscuit 
5 
60 
410 
140 
610 
Canned Luncheon Meat, Pork 
4 
72 
0 
243 
313 
Malted Milk Tablets 
(Enriche d*) 
1 
17 
77 
22 
1X6 
Totals 
10 oz. 
149 
14.3$ 
W 
46.8$ 
405 
38.9$ 
1041 
*-The enriched malted milk tablets have the following quantities of vitamins 
added per ounce. Vitamin A - 1,334 U.S.P, Units; Vitamin B-, (Thiamin) - 
84 U.S.P, Units (.23 mg,); Vitamin D - 134 U.S.P. Units; Riboflavin 
(Vitamin G) - ,34 mg. 
22 RESTRICTED 
BuMed has recommended to BuS&A that this ration be replaced by 
the Tablet Emergency Ration (the candy type ration described below). 
BuS&A and BuShips are now experimenting with the packaging of such a 
ration. It is provisionally planned to supply each man with approxi- 
mately 480 calories a day of the following ration for 3 days: 
PROPOSED RATION FOR LIFE BOATS AND LIFE RAFTS 
DAILY RATION PER MAN 
Tablet 
Total 
grams 
Garb. Prot, 
grams grams 
Fat 
grams 
Calories 
Sucrose-citric 
44 
44 
i?6 
Suerose-lipid-citric 
31 
23.6 
7.4 
161 
Sucrose-malted milk 
.35. 
26 3.5 ... . 
2.1 
143 . 
Totals 
110 
93.6 3.5 
9.5 
480 
Four chewing gum tablets are supplied in addition. 
The Bureau of Aeronautics supplies on its pneumatic life rafts the 
"U.S, Navy Emergency Ration for Life Rafts"; this has also been called 
the "Tablet Emergency Ration", Each man of a raft's rated capacity is 
supplied a total of three 3-7/8 x 2-1/8 x 1-1/8 inch cans each containing 
the following minimum amount: 
Tablet 
Total 
grams 
Garb, 
grams 
Prot, 
grams 
Fat 
grams 
Calories 
Sucrose-citric acid 
20 
20 
80 
Sucrose-lipid-citric 
31 
25.8 
8.2 
177 
Sucrose-malted milk 
27 
21.6 
2.7 
1.6 
111 
Totals 
81 
67.4 
2.7 
9.8 
368 
In addition, two multi-vitamin tablets and 2 chewing gum tablets are 
included, plus a cellophane bag to hold unused portions of the ration. 
BuAer employs this U.S, Navy Emergency Ration for Life Rafts in 
special kits designed for dropping to survivors in the water. 
23 RESTRICTED 
The Research Division of BuMed is acquainted with no survival 
ration procured by the Navy other than the two which have been 
described above,. 
Question 2: What have been the reactions of survivors who have used 
each type of ration provided? 
Answer 2: In general, it may be said that reports on the use of Navy 
survival rations by actual survivors are so few that they can be 
construed only as representing the personal likes and dislikes of a 
handful of individuals. 
"U.S. Navy Emergency Ration for Life Rafts and Boats” (BuShips) 
The few reports available indicate that the biscuits supplied 
with this ration are almost inedible in the presence of a dry mouth. 
The malted milk and luncheon meat are liked by some, are distasteful 
to others. For a laboratory comparison of this ration with a 150 
gram butterscotch candy ration on a small group of subjects on an 
added water intake of 100 cc, per day, see Dr. Allan M, Butler’s study 
described in Progress Report No, 1 under Contract No, OEMcmr 364. Dr, 
Butler concluded that the butterscotch ration was preferable under the 
conditions of the experiment. 
MU.S. Navy Emergency Ration for Life Rafts” (BuAer): 
Comments on use of this ration from survivors are practically 
non-existant, despite the fact that NavAcr Form 1941 (ditching report 
in use for nearly a year) includes a space for comment on the rations. 
Whether this fact indicates that the ration is generally acceptable 
is open to question; the stay in the water of the great majority of 
Naval aircraft survivors is so brief that no rations are used, (See 
Table appended after Question 6.) 
Question 3: What is the drinking water supply assured to men on Navy 
rafts, floats, and boats? 
Answer 3: On BuShips boats, floats, and floater nets: Approximately 
1000 cc. of water per man of rated capacity usually carried in 5 gallon 
wooden breakers. 
24 RESTRICTED 
On BuAer Pneumatic life rafts the allotment per mail is; 
Water 
cans 
Desalting 
Kits 
Rain 
Sheet 
Equiv. 
5-qt. 
storage 
bag 
Solar 
still 
Total 
Assured 
Water 
PK-1 Pararaft kit 
1 
2 
s 
ff 
Yes 
1 
0 
cc, 
5370 
Multiplace rafts 
1 
1 
Yes 
1 
0 
2B50 
Projected one man 
rafts 
0 
' 1 
Yes 
2 
1 
2520 / 
Projected multiplace 
rafts 0 
1 
Yes 
—, 
1 
1 
2520 / 
This table was calculated on the basis that "assured water11 included 
330 c.c. per can and 2520 c.c. (6'‘briquets each providing c.c.) 
per desalting kit; a "/" was allowed for solar stills; no allowance 
was made for collected rain. 
Question 4: What limitations to food stores are imposed by these 
dri nking water supplie s. 
Answer 4: Present Navy doctrine is to recommend the drinking of no 
water during the first day of shipwreck, then at least one pint 
(ABO cc.) per day until only about 10 ounces (300 cc.) remain. It 
has been considered that on an intake of 480 cc. each day men will 
become slightly dehydrated, or will be on the verge of becoming 
dehydrated; hence, it has been considered that any ration provided 
should incur a minimum loss of water in its metabolism. In general, 
the emphasis has been placed on providing water on rafts at the 
expense of food; it has seemed desirable to try and provide 50 to 
100 grams daily of a high carbohydrate, high fat ration for the 
"estimated maximum number of days before rescue". This period of 
days is of.course a difficult one to'determine. In passing, it 
should bo noted that the advice to drink as much as 480 cc. of water 
per day and eat 50 to 100 grams, of ration is as a rule, not followed 
by the 'survivors according to reports; he hoards his water particularly. 
Question 5: What is the Navy view on the psychological factors 
relating to sea survival? 
Answer 5: It has been considered that the supply of the best available 
survival gear to aviators makes it more likely that they wi3.1 
25 RESTRICTED 
press their combat mission more vigorously, since the presence of 
excellent gear improves chances of survival should ditching be 
necessary as a result of combat. As far as the individual ration 
items are concerned, it is recognized that, other things being 
equal, it is preferable to supply a survivor with what he considers 
"real food” rather than "candy". It is also suspected, without 
experimental backing, that such food as a cracker is more acceptable 
to a seasick survivor than "candy". 
Question 6: In what manner has it been noted that food decreases 
the effects of cold and exposure? 
Answer 6; In Report No, 4 on BuMcd Research Project X-127, prepared 
by the Naval Medical Research Institute, appeared the statement 
"Nor should it be forgotten that, under conditions of shipwreck 
in which one is likely to die from exposure to cold in a short 
time, food may be of more importance than water in prolonging 
life". This statement was not based on any experimental work* It 
was inserted merely to suggest that a ration may be of particular 
benefit under conditions of cold; at that time consideration had 
been given to removing all solid rations from life rafts to 
provide space for water. It seems likely that a supply of food 
will at least be of greater psychological benefit to poorly 
protected survivors in very cold waters than a supply of water. 
TIMS ELAPSING BEFORE RESCUE FOLLOWING 716 DITCHINGS OF 
AIRCRAFT. 
The following data were collected from the /dr Sea Rescue Report 
(NavAer 1941 (10-44) )filled out by Naval Air Combat and Litelligence 
Officers. The reports reviewed cover the ditchings' reported for the 
period of 8 to 12 months ending approximately 1 August 1945. A 
large number of ditchings are incidental to carrier take-offs and 
landings. This table was compiled by the Medical Liaison Officer in 
DCNO(Air), Navy Department. 
(a) Total number of ditchings reviewed - - - - - - - 716 
(b) Number of ditchings in which rescue was effected 
in less than 12 hours ----- - - - - 633 
(c) Number of ditchings in which rescue was effected 
in 12 to 24 hours - 56 
(d) Number of ditchings in which rescue was effected 
in one to two days - -- -- -- -- - — 7 
26 RESTRICTED 
(s) Number of ditchings in which rescue was effected 
in two to three days - - — - - — — - 8 
(f) Number of ditchings in which rescue was effected 
in four days - — - — ------ — 3 
(g) Number of ditchings in which rescue was effected 
in five days - - - 5 
(h) Number of ditchings in which rescue was effected 
in nine days 1 
(i) Number of ditchings in which rescue was effected 
in eleven days 1 
(j) Number of ditchings in which rescue was effected 
in fourteen days — - - - - — - - l 
(k) Number of ditchings in which rescue was effected 
in seventeen days 1 
27 Lt. Gomdr, McCay: 
I want to go into a few lines that have not boon mentioned 
here today. Regarding experiences of other nations, we should 
give some thought to that. For instance, the Japanese had an 
Emergency Ration like tooth paste consisting of chocolate and 
whiskey. And what is the reason for vodka as a component in the 
Russian Emergency Ration? It would be a good idea to go into a 
study of these. Now that the emergency is over, let us go into 
these things very deeply, rather than in short-term experiments,. 
In discussing current troubles resulting from rapid decisions, 
Lt, Comdr, McCay found that after opening tins of the "Charms" 
Rations, the cellophane wouldn't come off and just stuck to the 
candy. He therefore suggested looking into the packaging of it, 
Lt, Comdr. Futcher commented that the ration packages referred to 
were experimental samples of the Navy Tablet Emergency Ration 
stored at 150° F,, incidental to a "weathering" test performed by 
the Navy Bureau of Ships upon metal containers, Lt, McDevitt added 
that there is a powerful difference between a ceiling of 120° and 
150°, even during a short-term storage, Lt, Couch agreed with Lt, 
McDevitt, Lt, Comdr, McCay added that there had been corrosion of 
some cans. Will we turn to aluminum cans or some other forms of 
packaging? In regard to a program of correlation of facilities 
something should be worked out whereby all information will be 
correlated. 
Lt, Comdr, McCay stated that there had been a lot of short- 
term experiments and he felt that due to insufficient time, some 
wrong decisions had been made, Ke suggested coming back to nutrition 
and research in order to arrive at some profound decisions. He added 
that there is a tremendous field of work to bo done with monkeys, 
dogs, rats and even if it takes 20 years, he felt sure that wo would 
get so many kinds of answers that any effort and money would be well 
expended regarding nutrition from the physiological standpoint. 
He mentioned the N,M,R,I, in Bethesda with a building housing 
about 1000 rats, dogs, monkeys as well as analytical laboratories 
which are being constructed. There are many diverse fields to go 
into, such as mechanical experimentation and sea sickness remedies. 
He suggested we work out some way to make the American public aware 
of cur problems. Few are aware of how many genius minds are strewn 
hither and yon. He then related an incident of sending out to the 
public a problem and asking them to submit suggestions to which ho 
received so many worthwhile ideas that he advocated doing something 
along this line in this particular field. He warned the conferees 
against going into things without enough research and other ideas. 
Capt, d*Angelo asked Lt, Comdr, McCay for his opinion on adding 
ha la zone ta.blots, to which Lt, Comdr, Futcher replied that in the 
first aid kit they are not used, but that the soldier is supplied with 
these tablets. 
Note: Capt, d'Angelo stated that his question related to "hyoscine" 
tables to prevent sea sickness. According to opinions expressed at the 
Conference, this is a matter for the medical services of the using 
agencie s, 
28 Lt, Shale snyak: 
The Medical Liaison Section is particularly concerned at the 
moment with the problem of the future and although Dr, Busch wrote a 
stimulating article for research, Lt,. Shalesnyak stated that he was 
appalled and distressed by the "dusting off11 of military research by 
saying it should concern itself with polishing weapons. Regardless 
of the brilliance of some civilian talent, actually when it comes to 
military problems, the only way to really solve them is to have an 
intimate acquaintance of these problems. The problems are so wide- 
spread that even the military agencies must inform and advise each 
other as to what is necessary and this id learned only by operating 
with the groups, so it is essential to .make plans to include military 
organizations (to play a large part) in the research of military problems. 
There are problems in commercial airplanes and military airplanes 
which are essentially the same, 71 e are looking forward to a close 
association with the commercial aviation field so that both groups can 
solve their similar problems. Since machines are becoming more complex 
all the time we will need much more time to consider new developments 
in the future. An example of this is the new jet plane which will bring 
on new physiological problems since even in reference to rescue and 
survival one cannot bail out of it in ordinary fashion nor ditch it, 
because of its tremendous speed.. Also flying in the Sub-Arctic and Polar 
Arctic is becoming more significant and this will bring on new problems 
also in environmental medicine. 
In order for a man to use what is given to him, he should be given 
something that is usable. If it is food, it should be acceptable and 
that includes, taste, palatability, and packaging. Indoctrination and 
training is also important. Things should be made simple enough in order 
to get the use of new developments across to the using parties. However,we 
should not become pin point in our vision and must not let soldiers feel 
that their entire mission at times is so that they can use the kit or the 
new masks, etc., which we developed. Lt*. Shelesnyak closed with the 
thought that we need close association between the engineers, flight 
surgeons, nutritionists, physiologists and all technical people. 
29 Dr. Neal: 
Lt* Comdr, Futcher has replied to tho questions asked of the 
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery in the Army Q.M,0, Subsistence Research 
and Development Laboratory Interim Report on "Survival Rations: A 
Critical Review," dated August, 1945. 
In addition to Lt. Comdr, Butcher’s report, I might add that 
according to "The Proceedings of the Merchant Marine Council, U, S, 
Coast Guard, May, 1944”: 
By law, all lifeboats and rafts are now equipped with ten quarts 
of water per man capacity, which is sufficient for 20 days (at the rate 
of one pint a day) plus a supply of food, 14 ounces each of chocolate, 
pommican, malted milk tablets, and type C ration biscuits per man to 
last for a similar length of time. 
Duo to the Coast Guard’s interest in air, sea, land survival 
and rescue, especially in connection with the increase in private and 
commercial aviation, the Coast Guard would be interested in the inform- 
ation given out today and in the results of further research. Since a 
tremendous increase of the use of air travel is expected, it is from 
this standpoint that the Coast Guard desires to be well prepared for 
any problems which may arise. 
30 Dr, Lepkovsky 
The best type of a survival ration is a quick rescue. 
The ration itself is of secondary importance, because a per- 
son has to survive before he has need for food and water to 
survive. However, if we are going to have a survival ration 
we should know something about it. Our interest in the life 
raft ration started because we were interested in knowing 
whether protein could be'incorporated in it without increas- 
ing the water requirements. We found before very long that we 
were not studying protein in the life raft ration. We were 
not studying the life raft ration at all. Instead we were 
studying the basic physiology, of reduced caloric intake with 
limited availability of water. 
Little is known about the physiology of reduced caloric 
intakes. In our studies, we paid special attention to caloric 
intakes of 400 and 800 calories daily. At various levels of 
caloric intakes there are different problems. In fasting or 
0 caloric intake, the body is unable to utilize body fat 
efficiently, resulting in a Ketosis which increases the water 
requirements. Body fat does not seem to be converted to sugar, 
and glucjpse seems to be essential in metabolism to the 
formation of Ketone bodies and to supply the brain with fuel, 
since the brain apparently does not retilize fat for fuel. 
To supply the needed glucose in fasting,body proteins are 
wastefully torn down and partially converted to glucose. 
When 400 calories are furnished daily, little or no Ketone 
bodies are produced and body proteins are spared to the extent 
they are broken down to supplyessential glucose. However, 
at this level of caloric intake, the animal organism does not 
seem to be able to retain dietary protein. Any protein fed 
seems to be metabolized, and the water requirements increased 
by the amount required to excrete the protein decomposition 
products, 
It is important to establish the caloric requirements at 
which dietary proteins will be efficiently utilized. From 
animal work, it appears that it enable proteins to be utilized 
efficiently, at least half of the caloric requirements must 
be furnished in the diet. Body fat will then supply the rest 
of the requied calories so that a normal metabolism is apparent 
iy maintained with fat as the chief ■contrlbutuion of the body. 
Since it is impossible to supply proteins at low caloric 
intakes, the only possibility of reducing tissue protein loss 
would reside in the ability of some amino acid to spare 
body protein. Methionine proved to be such an amino acid 
and its ability to spare body tissue carried through to low 
caloric intakes in experimental animals. This encouraging 
information needs to be confirmed and tried out with the human 
sub ject 
31 In considering the problem of reduced caloric Intakes, 
the specific dynamic action of food should be considered. 
Any excess heat (specific dynamic action) produced is wasted 
unless used to maintain the body temperature. In warm climates 
such excess heat would be wasted. The balance of food items 
such as proteins, carbohydrates and fats to produce minimum 
excess heat should be determined at reduced caloric intakes. 
The desire for water, at least In animals as measured 
by the amounts they voluntarily consume, seems to be related to 
food intake, the greater the food intake, the more water is 
voluntarily consumed. The effect of food intake on the de- 
sire for water in the human should be determined. 
32 Dr. Schwimmer: 
Our work has concerned itself primarily with experimen- 
tation utilizing human beings as subjects, and the studies 
have centered about protein metabolism in the presence of limited 
fluid and caloric intakes. It was assumed that 800 c.c. of 
water per man per day on a raft could be counted on, and this 
amount was allowed. The food ration consisted of 100 grams 
per man per day. 
The experiments were carried out in a closed hospital 
research ward. After pre-feeding on standard 10-in-l Ration, 
the subjects were put on the experimental regime, with limited 
food and fluid. During the actual deprivation periods, the men 
were not allowed to chew gum, smoke, brush their teeth, shower, 
shave, or leave the immediate confines of the ward. Records of 
room temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure were kept. 
Our problem was to try, in some measure, to approach conditions 
obtaining on a life raft, although we could not duplicate ex- 
posure and temperature variations, nor could we simulate the 
psychological strain of any man on a real life raft. 
Ten Conscientious Objectors were used as experimental 
subjects when the studies began. They ranged in age from 
18 to 37 years, and in weight from 144 to 198 pounds. These 
men were considered to be in good health. All had passed Army 
Induction physical examinations before being assigned to C.P.S. 
camps, and all had been found normal on the complete clinical 
and laboratory examinations to which we subjected them as a 
preliminary. 
At the beginning of the studies, an attempt was made to 
Mhit the jackpot" on the first try, in the hope that very de- 
finitive information might be obtained immediately. According- 
ly, the ten subjects were divided into five groups of two men 
each, and five different diets were tested for a five day 
period. The diets used were: 
1, 100% Carbohydrate COharms) 
2, 90% Carbohydrate, 10% Protein 
3* 80% Carbohydrate, 20% Protein 
4, 65% Carbohydrate; 10% Protein, 25% Fat 
5, 100% Carbohydrate 
During the second phase of our work, the deprivation period 
was extended from five to ten days, and the experimental diets 
used were: 
1. 86% Carbohydrate, 4% Fat, 10% Protein (3 subjects) 
2. 90% Carbohydrate,"10% Fat (3 subjects) 
3. 78% Carbohydrate, 12% Protein, 10% Fat (4 subj.ects) 
33 Because of time limitations today, we shall give you just 
a few of the results obtained: 
All the men survived both the five and ten day depriva- 
tion periods comparatively well. They were quite clear mental- 
ly, but showed evidence of definite emotional lability and 
irritability. There were obvious signs of weight loss, rang- 
ing from five to as high as thirteen pounds after the ten-day 
period. The men appeared somewhat dehydrated. The greatest 
rate of weight loss occurred during the first two days of de- 
privation; this was due primarily to loss of fluid, rather than 
to loss of tissue substance. 
At the given level of daily fluid intake (800 cc.), our 
studies so far indicate that it is possible safely to give be- 
tween five and ten grams of protein in a 100 gram ration. The 
questions arising when increased amounts of protein are admin- 
istered are these: 
If protein is fed, how much of it is retained and utiliz- 
ed by the body tissues, and how much of it is metabolized and 
excreted in the urine? How do various types of protein (e,g., 
milk and egg protein) compare in this respect? How well the 
kidneys handle the products of protein metabolism? What happens 
if the kidney does not excrete these nitrogenous products? 
In answer to the last question, it may be pointed out that 
the highest figure we encountered for non-protein nitrogen in 
the blood stream was 66 milligrams per 100cc., which is definite 
ly elevated, with others not quite so high. In s pite of these 
elevations, it is important to note that in none of the sub- 
jects was there any clinical evidence of uremia. Furthermore, 
the blood levels for non-protein nitrogen returned to normal 
soon after deprivation ceased. 
At first, we paid little attention to electrolyte balance 
and the possible need for including salt in the ration. How- 
ever, a peculiar and unexpected clinical problem cropped up 
during the very first experimental period. Towards the end 
of the first day and during the second day of deprivation, 
many of the subjects complained of severe muscular cramps 
and aches; these finally wore off about the fourth day. Be- 
cause we had in the past noted similar symptoms in patients 
with diabetes or with high blood pressure who had been treat- 
ed with low-salt diets, it appeared possible that our subjects 
were suffering from salt deficiency. Accordingly, during the 
next deprivation phase (ten days), one gram of salt was dis- 
solved in each man’s daily ration of 800 cc. water. Amazing- 
ly enough, no muscular pains or cramps whatsoever were then 
enc ountered. 
Chemically, too, there was a definite change noted. Dur- 
ing the period when no salt was administered, we noted a rapid 
34 drop in values for blood sodium, and a rise in blood potassium, 
-ith the addition of salt to the ration, however, these changes 
in sodium and potassium were definitely less; also, the onset 
of these changes was delayed. The addition of salt also had 
a striking effect in preventing sharp drops of serum chloride 
concentration. These movements of sodium, potassium, and chlo- 
rides were highly suggestive of the chemical imbalance known 
to occur in human beings with a deficiency of secretion of the 
adrenal cortex* 
As mentioned before, the highest content of fat in any of 
the rations we utilized was 25%, It is worth noting that the 
subjects eating this ration complained a good deal of nausea 
and abdominal distension and discomfort. Because the question 
of ketosis always comes up when fats are fed or when there is 
starvation, daily examinations were performed on 24-hour urine 
samples for detone bodies, but none were found present at any 
t ime, 
An interesting by-product of our investigations concerns 
itself with the circulation time of the blood. Using the ob- 
jective fluorescein method (which reflects primarily the cir- 
culation in the skin and soft tissues), it was noted in our 
subjects that, while the arm-to-lip circulation time was relatrvgs- 
ly unchanged, the arm-to-leg time was definitely prolonged. 
This finding, we feel, may very well furnish a clue to the pre- 
vention of immersion foot, trench foot, and frostbite -- all 
of which are related, and all of which are prone to occur especial 
ly in situations where there is limitation of food or water, 
or both. It is as yet not clear just what the basic physiologi- 
cal factors are. We are continuing our investigations on this, 
and feel that other groups might profitably tackle the same 
problem. 
As to future plans and recommendations: At the present 
time, we are pre-feeding another group of Conscientious Objec- 
tors on 10-in-l Ration and doing control clinical and chemical 
studies on them, in line with suggestions already made, these 
men will be given an experimental ration of 200 grams daily 
(providing 800 to 900 calories), so that we may evaluate the 
effect of higher caloric level. We also propose to make a 
comparison of the relative value of egg protein as against 
milk protein. Methionine studies are already in progress 
elsewhere. We shall also study closely the question of what 
part the adrenal gland plays under such conditions of depri- 
vation as we employ. 
We are standardizing our deprivation periods at ten days, 
since we have found the five-day period is too brief to per- 
mit following out of trends to any definitive point. Also, it 
is proposed to use no less than five subjects on each experi- 
mental regime, in order to minimize individual variations. 
35 Lt. Comdr, Putcher asked Dr, Schwimmer if the reason 
for the subjects’ looking dehydrated could be from lack of 
water. Dr, Schwimmer answered that he did not know whether 
800 cc. was enough to prevent completely the appearance of any 
signs of water loss,and that it was not enough to maintain an 
absolutely normal water balance. Dr. Lepkovsky added that 
800 cc. was not enough, because, when they receive that amount, 
the subjects’ excretions of water are low, indicating that they 
were dehydrated. Then Lt. Comdr. Putcher brought out the point 
that if 800 cc. is not enough, it is something to think about. 
(At this point. Dr. Schwimmer stated that, for all practical 
purposes, the term dehydration should be defined instead of 
being used loosely -- that there should be a definite line 
drawn between "expendable11. dehydration and dehydration of such 
a degree that it cuts down on bodily functions. During severe 
dehydration, water be drawn from the intracellular compartment 
of the body, rather than merely from the extracellular.) 
Lt. Comdr. Me cay asked what the temperatures were during 
these experiments. Dr. Schwimmer replied that the room-tem- 
peratures ranged from 69 to 78 degrees F,, and the barometric 
pressures from 29.73" Hg. The relative humidities were to 
7 8i. 
Lt, Shelesnyak asked whether salt could not be added to 
salt-free water, Lt, McDevitt replied that water on the life 
raft is seldom salt free. Dr, Schwimmer added that the desal- 
inated water was never salt-free, and usually contained at least 
one gram of salt. He also mentioned that his subjects had 
experimentally drunk water containing two grams per 800 cc, 
and considered it "too salty", whereas one gram in 800 cc. was 
fine. Then the question a rose, if one could drink 100 to 200 
cc, sea water without particular bodily harm, why not tell the 
boys to go ahead? The objection to the recommendation of drink 
ing from 100 to 200 cc, sqa water was that the boys would 
probably drink over the 100 to 200 cc and then would be in 
danger of bodily harm. 
Capt. d’Angelo inquired as to whether or not the body 
temperatures and basal metabolisms of the subjects were measur- 
ed, Dr, Schwimmer replied that all measured 98,6 and some- 
times a little below. The fluctuating measurements of the 
basal metabolism as measured on a McKesson machine. Dr, Sch- 
wimmer attributed perhaps to the nervousness of the subjects. 
Dr. Ivy stated that the insensible water loss and total 
negative water balance varies widely in different indivi- 
duals and never exactly repeats itself twice in the same in- 
dividual during the first five days of fasting or low caloric 
intake. The same thing is true of the basal metabolism rate. 
For this reason, his laboratory has given up the performance 
of exact metabolic studies and is conducting simple physiology 
36 studies on rats and monkeys, in which groups of the animals 
are given food and water at various sub-normal levels and the 
survival time is determined. 
Capt.d1Angelo stated that if a rat or a guinea pig is 
acutely starved (no food and water) for three to four days 
there is usually adrenal cortical hypertrophy. If the animal 
is chronically starved (restricted caloric intake), however, 
there will be cortical atrophy. This and other evidence, in- 
dicates that the endocrine glands may be intimately involved 
in some of the physiological changes occurring in starvation, 
and that the changes may be qualitatively,, as well as quantita- 
tively, different with different degrees or levels of starva- 
tion, It might be worthwhile to pay some attention to hormonal 
factors in starvation studies, (Dr. Schwimmer stated that his 
laborator3r is running Kemper-Robinson tests for adrenal func- 
tion and will publish them when the experiments are completed. 
Dr. Longenecker: In view of our problem, how much 
additional water is required in the metabolism, of protein? 
Dr. Schwimmer: There is almost a quantitative increase in 
the amount of nitrogenous material appearing in the urine 
corresponding to the protein fed. We found one thing as regards 
excretion which is of interest. In none of our experiments 
did the actual urine volume approach the theoretical minimum 
as calculated from Dr, G-amble’s factor 1,4, None of our sub- 
jects was able to concentrate urine much above 1,2 osmols per 
liter, with an average about 1 osmol per liter. 
Dr, Schwimmer (in answer to a question ebout kidney "damage) 
0n all preliminary examinations, every one of the subjects 
showed normal renal function. As deprivation progressed, how- 
ever, several of the boys began to spill in their urines quan- 
tities of albumin, red cells, white cells, and casts. One sub- 
ject even exhibited red-blood-cell cast at one time. We felt 
that such subjects, even though apparently normal on preliminary 
examinations, probably had diminished renal reserve. Such 
diminished renal reserve might perhaps be p.'icked up by doing 
complex renal clearance studies. 
Henschel: I have seen only one such case of heat cramps 
and that resulted probably from a drastic reduction in water 
intake. The salt intake did not seem to be the primary cause 
of the cramps. 
37 Physiological Round Table: 
(Major Ashe acted as temporary chairman) 
Major Ashe: 
It is desired to know whether we think that a survival ration 
should be individually carried, raft carried or rescue equipment 
carried. He asked for comments. 
Major Culmer: 
Major Culmer listed the following on the blackboard; 
Man plus 1-man life raft) 
)Survival 
Multiplace raft ) 
Dropped by Rescue Party )Plane 
Major Culmer suggested that the survival "ration" in question 
be considered to be limited to that which can be either carried by the 
man himself or in his attached 1-man raft accessories. 
Lt. Col. Dolan: 
V/e think it should be an all-purpose ration, and should be looked 
at from an all-purpose point of view, to be carried individually. 
Lt. Shelesnyak: 
Lt, Shelesnyak suggested that we put it in the raft and have one 
on the man also. 
Major Hatke: 
Major Hatks had the experience of being torpedoed in the middle 
of the night and the first thing the GI’s hollered for was a D Ration 
to take with them. He suggested a good ration in a small can that the 
GI’s could stick in their pockets. 
Major Ashe: 
The question was asked as to whether anyone thought that the 
individual man should not carry a ration in his pocket* 
Lt. Comdr. McCay: 
On an individual-carry ration you have to figure on what other 
gear the man has to carry. 
38 Major Ashe: 
It is now generally agreed among us that there should be a survival 
ration the individual has immediately available to him. This ration 
should be all-purpose for land, sea and air. It must be used, as we see 
it at the moment, in climates that are both hot and cold. The statistical 
data presented by the Army and Navy Air Forces indicates that under the 
present rescue system, very near will be picked up in 5 or 6 days, 
that are the physiological factors? How long should it be designed to 
make him survive? 
Major Scholander; 
I would shoot for the maximum. Carrying extra supplies on planes is 
"gravy”. 
Major Ashe 
About five men in 10,000 in the Army Air Forces may be exposed to 
survival in the water and of them will be picked up before two days 
are gone. If they are in cold climates and are not picked up by that 
time, they will be dead. 
Major Scholander: 
The one-man deal is a difficult one. Therefore, the problem should 
be confined to the one-man carry and the one-man life raft. 
Major Bean: 
This shows that you have differing situations which an all-purpose 
ration may not answer. 7Jhen on the ocean it depends entirely upon 
whether you are on the ’warm ocean or the cold ocean. I do not think it 
is wise to develop an all-purpose ration for the whole job. 
Major Ashe pointed out that food has been established as being 
necessary for any circumstance. He suggested a five-day upper limit. 
Major Scholander said that the single place raft is the one which 
is the problem. 
Major Ashe: 
Is there any reason for planning for more than five days? 
Captain d'Angelo; 
Is it a survival ration or a morale ration? A man could starve 
for a long period of time. 
Dr. Ivy: 
If I had a 1000 calories and came dam in a cold climate, I would 
eat it quick. If I came down in the tropics, I would not eat any the 
first day. 
39 Lt, Colonel Kinney: 
Col. Kinney proposed a one-day unit. He said that the soldier 
will take as many as he thinks he is going to need. The Air Forces 
can provide number expected to be needed. 
Major Ashe said that on the one-day basis it would have to be 
left up to the operational people of the various arms and services to 
determine how much to put on, to which all agreed. The main point in 
American Army supply history is that the American soldier must have 
food similar to food he is used to. Infantry soldiers have mutinied 
rather than eat food which they do not recognize. 
Major Bean agreed. He said that today we cannot give the specifi- 
cations for it* "Vie should see if one ration can answer all of the 
conditions". He proposes that the ration be field tested to find out. 
Until we find out what the requirements are in given situations, it 
seemed to him that it is to no purpose to propose detailed specifications. 
Dr, Henschel: 
From the reports given here it is apparent that food has not been a 
real factor in survival with the possible exception of in arctic conditions. 
In cold climates a good survival ration may prolong life sufficiently to 
increase the probability of rescue provided survival equipment is adequate. 
To give the largest number of calories per unit weight and volume of ration, 
the ration should have as high a fat content as possible and still be 
palatable and acceptable. A fat content of the ration up to 20% by volume 
would be about the highest one could go. 
Lt, Commander Butcher: 
Does anybody have any evidence that shows food in arctic conditions 
would prolong survival? 
Major Ashe: 
On a 1,000 calorie diet, high protein intake will increase body heat. 
(Cited OSRL Reports) 
Dr, Ivy; 
Pointed out that gastro-intestinal disturbances may occur on high 
fat and high sugar diets. The diet should be relatively high in 
carbohydrates, should contain not over 15% fat by volume. The question 
of the amounts of protein has not been definitely settled. The malted 
milk tablets were placed in the Navy ration because there were favorable 
reports on the item and the amount allowed would not increase water 
re qui rement s. 
Dr, Ivy believes that more experience on humans will show that 
protein will not be utilized for tissue building in partial fasting,but 
will be burned. 
40 Dr. Longenecker: 
Dr, Longenecker explained that Dr. Ivy meant 15% concentration 
by volume not calories. 
Dr, Ivy: 
The level of the concentration of fat by volume in the diet at 
which the stomach is inhibited has been established to be between 12 and 
15$. People who are 11 sensitive” to fat will show symptoms at levels as 
lew as 5$. He stated that 15$ is the top on fat, except when heavy labor is 
being performed. "Then the tone of the gastric musculature is high, as 
when much physical work is being performed, it is more difficult to inhibit 
the stomach with fat or sugar. 
It was suggested that the conference discuss the situation of 
palatability. Major Butts was in a life boat which carried biscuits as 
emergency food. Two days later, although he had had no other food, he still 
did not eat the biscuits. 
Major Butts: 
"The question of palatability is most necessary. It has been noted 
that in both simulated tests and under actual survived, conditions, where 
the subjects had no assurance of rescue, food was actually refused. In 
the former case the present life raft ration was being tested. In the later 
case the only food was a hard dry biscuit. 
"It must be remembered that approximately four hundred cubic inches 
is the present maximum cubage allowed." 
Maj or Ashe: 
If man is not doing anything at all, just lying in the boat, he may 
use 1800 calories, or if rowing all day, his caloric output may go up to 
4500, if he has to row as one man did, 150 miles. The problem, therefore, 
is to give him some food to burn yet there are difficult space weight 
limitations. How many calories shall we shoot at? 
Dr. Scott: 
The amount of good you will get out of food will be proportional to 
the caloric content. It brings up the point that anyone who is on a 
survival ration will be in a state of bad nutrition. His physical 
condition will be going downhill. Dr. Scott stated that it was '‘bad 
nutrition" to feed inadequate calories. In the long run you would 
have to expect the effects of bad nutrition regardless of the composition 
of the food. 
Major Ashe: 
Major Ashe said that the data presented indicates we are dealing 
with a short term proposition, Minnesota tests show that as low as 
41 25%> of caloric requirements do not do much ham to manual aptitude 
in periods even longer than we are anticipating. This does not include 
the effects of cold, of course. 
Dr, Dove: 
As far as food acceptance is concerned, we should ask the soldier 
and put the problem up to him as an experiment,. The final decision 
may have to come from the experiment. We should try to get around the 
problem of monotony. Food must .be acceptable to men and it must be 
highly preferred,. Highly preferred foods do not remain that way if fed 
to men day after day. He suggested variety in units of the survival 
ration, and stated that the type of container will be an important 
factor. 
Major Ashe: 
The problem of command function and discipline is important. 
Dr, Dove 
It would be well to consider the units as building blocks. If 
there is enough variety you can build it up into a real ration, even 
though it is of the survival type. 
Lt. McDevitt: 
Major Wodicka has said from time to time that the D bar has some 
proponents. The D bar packs a wallop yet if considered as food, it’s 
not so hot, 
Major Ashe: 
It is agreed (after discussion) to shoot for 750 calories as a 
minimum, or approximately 25% of the mean predicted requirement. It 
is also agreed that it is not the function of the conference to specify 
foods, but only to set known physiological and utilization standards. 
Acceptability is recommended as a high consideration. What about the 
salt requirements — thelowest we can get away with? 
Major Bean; 
I would be much surprised if salt even became a limiting factor 
unless water intake was much higher than it would be normally. Most 
foods, unless exclusively carbohydrate, would provide naturally the 
amount needed. 
Dr, Longenecker; 
Twenty-five percent of the total calories could be taken as a 
working basis. 
42 Major Ashe: 
If you are not eating food, inevitably you are using body tissue 
and therefore you are deriving salt. 
Lt, Comdr, Futcher: 
It must not be forgotten that on a life raft one will ingest 
considerable salt in water prepared by Permutit desalting kits or by 
solar stills. 
Major Ashe: 
Tlie added salt would be tolerated without difficulty. 
Major Bean: 
Salt content of a small ration would be thirst provoking and that 
is an important point. He thunks it would be a good j.dea to test it out. 
Major Ashe: 
A minimum of 2.5 grams of salt is agreed upon. 
Vitamins were discussed next. Major Ashe said that he knew of no 
vitamin deficiency which would develop in ten days, . 
Major Bean: 
"AmeniM 
Major Ashe: 
Therefore, the Laboratory need not worry about vitamins. 
(The Navy concurred.) 
Dr. Ivy: 
Dr. Ivy proposed label information which, sells the soldier on 
the food. 
Major Ashe ri"oeQ Lna1, quantity 01 vitamins was no worry. No 
worry abo'h*■-Lron °r calcium. No v/orry of anemia. 
Protein metabolism was discussed next. Major Ashe said that this 
is a. very difficult problem. All the necessary information is not now 
available, Tnis ration should be made up of carbohydrates, fat and 
protein in the same proportion as now in the regular Army rations as 
consumed - Say, 150 grams of fat, 125 of protein and the rest is carbo- 
hydrates. Three thousand six hundred and fifty (3650} calories consumed, 
“.at iigures appear to be higher than Navy’s. One hundred and ten (110) 
fat. Is there any objection to quartering these? 
43 Dr. Lepkovsky: 
Dr, Lepkovsky said that the protein should be put in in proportion 
to other ingredients which would permit the protein to be utilized for 
tissue sparing action. 
Dr. Ivy: 
For eight hundred cc, of water, the protein is a little high. 
Major Ashe disagreed. 
Discussion resulted in Major Ashe's summary that a minimum of 
Protein - 30 to 35 grams and Fat, 25 to 30 grams could be taken as 
minimum requirements. 
Stowage conditions were discussed at this time. 
Lt, McDevitt: 
The Army Air Forces has supplied us with the Life Raft temperatures 
and it appears that the highest temperatures in planes is upwards of 120° 
and we are studying now how that temperature fluctuates day by day. The 
Technical Branch is of the opinion that thu fluctuation is quite great 
and thu heat ceiling is detrimental even.if it only lasts for about three 
hours. The lowest limit of temperature is said to be at least minus 65°* 
Colonel Isker: 
In tropics, the temperature would be as high as 135°< 
Lt, McDevitt: 
With this temperature range of storage is it assured or can it be 
assured by the using Services tint it will bo an indestructible ration 
or one that would have to be changed periodically, or must we look for 
a three and a half year storage life as wo have had to with the life 
raft ration? 
Major Ashe: 
As a supply agency, one must keep these facts in mind. 
Lt, McDevitt: 
Gripes always land back here. 
Colonel Isker: 
When the K Ration was developed, it wasnTt to be stored longer 
than 1 year, but it is being used up to two years, I think we should 
have a pretty stable ration good for at least two years. 
44 Lt. Comdr, Futcher 
I am not sure that one can get a completely satisfactory all- 
purpose ration and survival for land, sea and for cold and hot survival. 
Dr. Lepkovsky: 
A good ration will be good under 
any conditions. 
Major Bean: 
Pointed out that tho food tastes 
vary in different climates. 
Dr. Lepkovsky 
A ration is not good when it is not eaten. 
Major Ashe: 
Called for comments on packaging. 
Mr, Diesel: 
Gave the following requirements on the packaging of th« ration: 
(1) proof, (2) durable, (3) easily opened, (4) rectangular shaped 
container, because it has been more desirable to the convenience in 
carrying it. 
Lt, McDevitt: 
Gave a summary of the meeting up to this point and added, as 
another requirement to the packaging of the ration, that the package 
should be resistant to changes in pressure. Discussion by Captain Wilgus 
and Dr. Lepkovsky regarding caloric intake and utilizing of protein for _ 
tissue building. 
Lt, McDevitt: 
There is a lot of feeling that 800 to 1000 calories a day is a good 
goal to permit protein utilization. 
Major Scholander: 
Suggests using K Ration as a guiding principle in development for 
storing inside the life raft. If a survival ration is wanted, then the 
nCM Ration is needed. 
Lt. McDevitt: 
lie have good rations for use in rescue work and for providing 
outside of this one-man raft proposition. These should be, in our 
opinion, strongly considered. The reaction to the C Ration will 
probably be betoer when we get fruit and broad into it. 
45 Major Berryman: 
It seems to me that there has been omitted some reference to 
water balance. Either BOO cc, of water should be available each day, 
or don’t eat if you can’t drink. 
Lt. McDevitt: 
How would this apply to cold weather? 
Major Berryman: 
In cold weather eat. 
Dr. Ivy: 
Explained that food only increases the water requirement during 
ingestion if it is very dry. The amount of protein recommended, 30 grams 
should not increase the water requirements. 
Major Scholander: 
We did not drink more than 600 cc, per day of water. In fact we 
drank only 400 cc. 
Lt, McDevitt: 
But you weren't sweating. ‘That about a hexamine heat tab? 
Mr. Biesel: 
Does not work out in wot cold. 
Major Ashe: 
With a small amount of food, sug0est a can be tried 
to improve use in cold climates. 
46 Colonel Isker summarized the accomplishments at this meeting: 
1. T7e should look into the idea brought out by Major Culmer 
to discuss this problem with some of the survivors and send out 
questionnaires to interview these survivors. Also, obtain information 
from Wright Field and other agencies. 
2. Acceptability should be the first requirement. Dr. Dove 
spoke of high acceptability. If we know that a ration is acceptable, 
survivors won’t object to it if they have to live on it for 3 or 4 
days. When the K Ration was developed it was made up for only short 
periods, but in this case there won’t be the danger of using the ration 
for weeks and months, therefore it does not have to be as highly 
acceptable; however it should be palatable, and have some degree of 
acceptance. 
3. Dropping rations to survivors is a different problem. As 
Captain Carveth brought out, it is very seldom dropped closer than 50 
yards, and therefore makes it difficult to reach in the water. 
Ac Lt, Gomdr, McCay touched on an important problem at this time, 
I agree, we should go into these problems sanely and more thoroughly 
than we have done during the war. Now that all pressure and hurry is 
over with, we should go to work with some tiling more concrete and "kick” 
it arounu, and in a year or two we should have a ration that will beat 
any today. 
5. Packaging has been a problem throughout the war and as for 
cellophane sticking to rations, we had the same trouble with the D bar. 
6, In order to establish better correlation between the various 
government agencies, the present OQjhG research program aims to make all 
information for government and civilian organizations available to us. 
Lt. Shelesnyak added that military and civilian problems do 
differ, and there should be a nucleus of military" personnel to carry on 
the military angles of this research. 
7. I was fortunate enough to attend a field test in Colorado and 
feel that a ration of iris sort should be thoroughly tested under all 
conditions which it would be used in the service. 
8, Develop an individual all-purpose ration that will take care 
of the Ground Forces, Air Forces, Navy, Coast Guard, and any other 
Forces, This ration, in addition to what we have on the board* should 
be acceptable, stable, and properly packaged for all conditions. 
9. Research must be continued to find the proper balance of food 
to go into this ration. 
10, In building this ration we should make use of all technicians, 
medical officers, nutritionists, engineers, and all technical people. 
We have found it very difficult to get along without this unit. 
47