Career
In 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge, Lüttwitz, commander of the XLVII Panzer Corps, had surrounded the United States 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne commanded by United States Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe. Before launching an assault by the 26th Volksgrenadier Division against the town, Lüttwitz sent an ultimatum to the American forces. His demand for the United States troops to surrender was the following: To the United States.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne.
The fortune of war is changing.
This time the United States.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. More German armored units have crossed the river Our near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and reached Saint Hubert by passing through Hompre-Sibret-Tillet.
Libramont is in German hands. There is only one possibility to save the encircled United States.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 United States.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.
The German Commander.
He received the following reply from McAuliffe: To the German Commander. NUTS! The American Commander McAuliffe"s reply, "Nuts!" was explained to the German negotiators as the equivalent of "go to hell!" Bibliography =.