Factual error: When BJ opens the first box of tongue depressors the tongue depressors are packaged in a plastic bag inside the cardboard box, my research says that plastic bags were not available in the early 1950's. (00:08:06)
Factual error: When Klinger's walking with Captain Allen and the Stars and Stripes photographer, just before their introductions to "Ben" they pass an empty corrugated box with its flap open, and the recycling symbol can be seen on the flap. Recycling symbols were not in use until about 20 years later.
Other mistake: When Alan Alda and Mike Farrell are walking into frame in the scene where Hawkeye and BJ discover the huge shipment of tongue depressors, Alda's feet are visible for about two seconds and he has bright blue early '80s shoes on.
Visible crew/equipment: When the guy from I Corps Supply lifts the flap at the back of the truck with all the boxes, just as Colonel Potter says, "Sergeant, how many of these parcels are checking into this post," the shadow of the boom mic can be seen at the top, right corner of the screen.
Answer: The C-42 was a military variant of the Douglas DC-2. Very few C-42's were built, so it's questionable that Potter would specifically have seen that particular model, but, given his military background, it's not entirely unreasonable that he might use the military designation even when the aircraft in question is actually a civilian DC-2.
Tailkinker ★