B-Ration: General McAuliffe's "Nuts" Response in His Own Words

This is the first in a bonus content series called "B-Rations" (B for Bonus). The next full episode of POV:WW2 is due out on April 23rd so keep an eye on the feed.

Below you'll find a transcript of General McAuliffe's words from the National Archives:

McAuliffe: The Germans bombed Bastogne at night and strafed it occasionally during the day. On the 22nd, the German commander, ridiculously enough, demanded surrender of the surrounded town. I just replied, "Nuts," for I knew that one word best expressed the feelings of the division. The wounded were wonderful. No words can describe their tearful acceptance of a tough situation.

On Christmas Day, the Germans launched their biggest attack with infantry and tanks, in large numbers from the west of Bastogne and the rear of the position. Prisoners later told us that their officers had told them that Bastogne was to be a Christmas present for the Fuhrer. The Christmas present consisted of the number of folks that lie in the center of the ground back of Bastogne now, destroyed by Americans and the infantry; repulsed at the same time.

On December 26, at 5 p.m., we made contact with friendly troops. Through it all, no one doubted for an instant that we would hold a town under any sort of attack the Germans could put on. The 101st Airborne Division has met and defeated the Germans in Normandy and Holland, and will continue to do so whenever called upon.