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AQS signed "A. C. McAuliffe," one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, April 22, [1966]. Handwritten quote and explanatory note to Mr. Joseph DeFilipps of Deerfield, Illinois, in full: "'Nuts' is the word I used immediately when I learned that the Germans were demanding our surrender." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in McAuliffe's hand.
In December 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge—part of the Allied invasion of Northwest Europe—American forces defended the small French town of Bastogne, a vital road junction, against Hitler's Ardennes offensive. Acting American divisional commander of the 101st Airborne Division, Brigadier General Anthony C. McAuliffe, without higher orders, made the decision to hold the town against the powerful German advance.
On December 22, 1944, the German commander wrote to McAuliffe, demanding that he give up: 'There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A. troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town.' McAuliffe's fearless reply—'Nuts!'—followed by the 101st Airborne's masterful defense of Bastogne has become the stuff of legend. Even the arrival of two German reserve divisions failed to dislodge the Americans, and the 101st was finally relieved by General George S. Patton's 3rd Army on December 26, 1944. McAuliffe was subsequently promoted to Major General.
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