What did General McAuliffe actually say at Bastogne?

General Kinnard, a lieutenant colonel at the time and the division’s operations officer, would recall that General McAuliffe “laughed and said: ‘Us surrender? Aw, nuts. ‘” 

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 cold was it at the Battle of Bastogne?

It was waged in harsh, wintry conditions — about 8 inches of snow on the ground and an average temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit (about minus 7 C.)

What did McAuliffe mean by nuts?

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.

What is the famous quote from Battle of the Bulge?

The present situation is to be regarded as one of opportunity for us and not of disaster…” Dwight Eisenhower and the Battle of the Bulge.

Did Patton really save Bastogne?

Employing a complex and quick-witted strategy wherein he literally wheeled his 3rd Army a sharp 90 degrees in a counterthrust movement, Patton broke through the German lines and entered Bastogne, relieving the valiant defenders and ultimately pushing the Germans east across the Rhine.

How brutal was the Battle of the Bulge?

From among the Americans’ peak strength of 610,000 troops, there were 89,000 casualties, including about 19,000 killed. The “Bulge” was the largest and bloodiest single battle fought by the United States in World War II and the third-deadliest campaign in American history.

How many US soldiers died in 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.

What general told the Germans nuts?

McAuliffe was the acting division commander of the 101st Airborne Division troops, who just six months before, defended Bastogne, Belgium, during World War II’s Battle of the Bulge. There he famously replied “Nuts!” to German demands that the U.S. force surrender to Germany.



Did Patton really save Bastogne?

Employing a complex and quick-witted strategy wherein he literally wheeled his 3rd Army a sharp 90 degrees in a counterthrust movement, Patton broke through the German lines and entered Bastogne, relieving the valiant defenders and ultimately pushing the Germans east across the Rhine.

What language is spoken in Bastogne?

They speak French here, but if there is an official second language in this town of 15,000, it would have to be “American.

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