The Siege of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge places Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe at the forefront of an American stand against German forces. Encircled on December 20th, 1944, McAuliffe famously responded to a German demand for surrender with the quip, 'Aw, nuts!' His response, emblematic of American resolve, led to further confirmation from his staff and ultimately to a historic response. The siege ended four days later when reinforcements arrived. McAuliffe's actions earned him the Distinguished Service Cross and later a promotion, serving as a lasting lesson in military commitment and leadership.
On December 20th, 1944, in the middle of what became known as the Battle of the Bulge, German forces surrounded the Americans, including the 101st Airborne Division, in the town of Bastogne.
The demand was all out of line with the existing situation. The staff talked it over and decided McAuliffe's initial response would be best, so they typed up the following with his consent.
Lt General Patton awarded McAullife the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroism and, as Patton wrote in his diary, 'a historic answer.'
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