Today In History: US Commander in Bastogne : “NUTS” to Surrender
In the town of Bastogne the 101st Airborne Division was dug in fighting a determined stand against an increasingly frustrated German spearhead. The Americans had identified elements of four Panzer Divisions, two Infantry Divisions and two Parachute Divisions amongst the forces surrounding them.
December 22 1944
To the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne
The fortune of war is changing. This time the the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units.
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. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note. If this proposal should be rejected the German Artillery Corps and six heavy A.A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the USA troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hour’s term.
All the serious civilian losses caused by this Artillery fire would not correspond with the well known American humanity. ~ The German Commander.
The reply was not long in coming
22 December 1944
To the German Commander
NUTS!
~ The American Commander
Photo Caption: On Dec. 22, 1944 the 2nd Bn, 504 Parachute Infantry Reg. is crossing the village of Rahier as to relieve the 1st Bn in Cheneux after the battle.
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