NUTS!
December 22nd 1944To 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. More German armored units have crossed the river Ourthe near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and reached St. Hubert by passing through Hombres Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands.
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 one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A.A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. Troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours term.
‘All the serious civilian losses caused by this Artillery fire would not correspond with the well known American humanity.
(signed) ‘The German Commander’
“The German Commander received the following reply:
‘22 December 1944 ’To the German Commander:
‘NUTS!
(signed) ‘The American Commander’
McAuliffe continued:
“Allied Troops are counterattacking in force. We continue to hold Bastogne. By holding Bastogne we assure the success of the Allied Armies. We know that our Division Commander, General Taylor, will say: Well Done!
“We are giving our country and our loved ones at home a worthy Christmas present and being privileged to take part in this gallant feat of arms are truly making for ourselves a Merry Christmas. A.C. McAuliffe
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/christmas-1944-when-us-troops-said-nuts-enemy