“NUTS,” an official military response to a German commander. The response was to a German letter threatening to annihilate over 100,000 US troops in what was to be known as The Battle of the Bulge. The plan was to split, surround and capture—or kill the—US troops.
What did Nuts mean at Bastogne?
Anthony McAuliffe of the 101st Airborne to answer the German call for surrender at Bastogne with the one-word interjection, “Nuts!” (Asked by the puzzled German emissaries what it meant, an aide to McAuliffe reportedly replied, “It means, ‘Go to hell.
What was really said at Bastogne?
Anthony McAuliffe (2 July 1898 – 11 August 1975) was the United States Army general who was the acting division commander of the 101st Airborne Division troops defending Bastogne, Belgium, during World War II’s Battle of the Bulge, famous for his single-word reply of “Nuts!” in response to a German surrender ultimatum.
How bad was the Battle of Bastogne?
Aftermath. The 101st Airborne Division’s casualties from 19 December 1944 to 6 January 1945 were 341 killed, 1,691 wounded, and 516 missing. Several regiments within the 101st were nicknamed “The Battered Bastards of Bastogne”, due to their part in holding the important crossroads town during the Battle of the Bulge.
Who was the American commander at Bastogne?
Anthony C. McAuliffe
McAuliffe, (born July 2, 1898, Washington, D.C.—died Aug. 11, 1975, Washington), U.S. Army general who commanded the force defending Bastogne, Belgium, in the Battle of the Bulge (December 1944) during World War II.
What did Nuts mean in ww2?
Go to hell
Two German officers did not quite understand the message and Harper told him, “If you don’t understand what ‘Nuts’ means, in plain English it is the same as ‘Go to hell. ‘ A German major and captain saluted very stiffly. The captain said, “We will kill many Americans.
When did Anthony McAuliffe say nuts?
Anthony McAuliffe’s 1944 Christmas Message to his Troops. In mid-December 1944, Allied forces were surprised by a massive German offensive through the Ardennes Forrest that created a “bulge” in the Allied lines.
Who was General Anthony McAuliffe?
Anthony Clement “Nuts” McAuliffe (July 2, 1898 – August 10, 1975) was a senior United States Army officer who earned fame as the acting commander of the 101st Airborne Division defending Bastogne, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.
When did General McAuliffe say nuts?
What if Bastogne fell?
The end of 1944 was fast approaching and with the Allies surprised by the unexpected German assault through the Ardennes, it was down to the battle-fatigued soldiers of the US 101st Airborne Divisions to hold the line at Bastogne. If Bastogne fell and the Panzers drove hard, they could split the Allied armies in two.
Who bombed Bastogne?
the Germans
German-held towns in the Bulge were subject to intense aerial bombardment from the Allies in advance of a ground attack. Though shelled relentlessly by the Germans during the siege, Bastogne was spared the total devastation of nearby towns like St.
What general in ww2 said nuts?
Gen. Anthony McAuliffe’s
“Nuts!” Gen. Anthony McAuliffe’s 1944 Christmas Message to his Troops. In mid-December 1944, Allied forces were surprised by a massive German offensive through the Ardennes Forrest that created a “bulge” in the Allied lines.
What was the message of the surrender letter to Bastogne?
The message was this surrender letter: To the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne. The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. German armored units. More German armored units have crossed reached St. Hubert by passing through Hompre-Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands. surrender of the encircled town.
Who was the US General in Bastogne?
Then-Brigadier General Anthony C. McAuliffe during World War II. To the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne. The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units.
When did the Battle of Bastogne end?
The siege ended on 27 December 1944 when the American forces holding the town were relived George Patton’s 3rd Army. Photo taken by a U.S. Army Signal Corps photographer on 26 December 1944 in Bastogne, Belgium as troops of the 101st Airborne Division watch C-47s drop supplies to them.
What happened to the Bastogne barracks?
Gen. Anthony McAuliffe and his staff gathered inside Bastogne’s Heintz Barracks for Christmas dinner Dec. 25th, 1944. This military barracks served as the Division Main Command Post during the siege of Bastogne, Belgium during WWII. The facility is now a museum known as the “Nuts Cave”.
