NUTS!!! Bastogne Barracks with General McAuliffe | American Artifact Episode 117

The most iconic moment of the Battle of the Bulge came when General Anthony McAuliffe replied to a German demand of surrender with a one word answer: Nuts! In this episode, we're bringing an artifact connected to General McAuliffe back to the building where he gave that famous reply on December 22, 1944.
This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburg...
Support the effort to expand history education on PATREON: / historyunderground
Set yourself up with a 10% DISCOUNT on all Origin gear and nutritional products by entering the code "history10" at www.originmaine.com!
Other episodes that you might enjoy:
Peace & Propaganda in Bastogne | American Artifact Episode 115: • Peace & Propaganda in ...
Band of Brothers: Counting the Loss After Bastogne | American Artifact Episode 114 | • Band of Brothers: Coun...
The Real Locations of Ron Speirs' Run & Shifty's Sniper | American Artifact Episode 113 | • The Real Locations of ...
A Lesser Known MASSACRE of the Battle of the Bulge | American Artifact Episode 112: • A Lesser Known MASSACR...
Band of Brothers: An Easy Company Artifact From BASTOGNE | American Artifact Episode 110: • Band of Brothers: An E...

[@samthemacman]

In the 1960's I lived in the Vosges mountains in eastern France, not far from Strasbourg. My parents were Christian missionaries. We went to Verviers, Belgium frequently as there was a Bible College at an old castle there. I spent many summers there where my parents were involved with training pastors and church leaders. This is where I met my first Americans. My parents loved history and would take us to many places where there were memorials and monuments and cemetaries and museums. Both sides of my family served in the British military during the war. We frequented Bastogne and Luxembourg. Loved this video as I had been there in the 1960's. Thank you for your videos. As a former infantryman I am always humbled by what servicemen endured and persevered through.

[@MrBradleyDavid]

What a unique way to grow up! I know of several PK kids who grew up with their parents serving as missionaries in Europe, Africa, all the way down to the south pacific. A couple of our friends are without a mission as they were serving in Kiev right up until 2 years ago. It’s sad that in Europe where the faith used to be so strong they built monasteries and grand cathedrals, are now nothing more than museums being maintained by the state. When they explained the church tax to me when I was in Germany, I knew there was sad state in the faith.

[@travisswanson3449]

​@MrBradleyDavid Part of that is due to the U.S.'s separation of church and State. Which is a monumental in many ways, especially with the history of WWII. A mass of Catholic hierarchy had not just pledge aligence to Nazi Germany and Hitler because Hitler was a Catholic, and most of Germany was Catholic at the time, because the Catholic Church had so much power, influence, and sway for tens of centuries, which is why the Nazi belts had God Mit Untz on them, but why it was the main religion in all of Europe, in WWII, but all across Europe. It is not a surprise that it was the official religion of Germany, non the less Europe, as it was the most powerful influence in Europe, next to Countries. Hitler was even a Catholic, despite his ideals. Which is why the Catholic Church celebrated his birthday every year. Partially because of his faith, although loose, but also partially to the Catholic churches left wing politics and connections and influence. They aligned more than people recognize or admit. And during those times, and before, the Catholic Church was dismissive, if not in conflict with the Jewish faith. And openly. And those that lived in those days would actually attest to this, however abhorrent. If it wasn't for the Catholic Church, Hitler may not have got as far as he did. They were allies to say the least, in that time. To say anything less is to not know history as it was. The Catholic Church helped many hundreds, if not thousands, of Nazi officials escape. This is well documented and verified in historical accurate and accounts. This, a fact of history. Some might say it's Germany vs the world. And that might be true. But it was the Catholic right wing in conjunction with Hitler as a dictator vs the Christian world vs democracy. The Japanese saw their leader as a literal god. A step further. And look where that got them? Democracy, although messy, unperfected, imperfect, subject to corruption, but not total corruption, unfair, but as fair a society could allow, was greater than totalitarian dictatorship. Period. People and their government will always be an experiment. But the US constitution has reigned greater than any other human experiment in ruling people. And continues to demonstrate that, time, and time, again. However imperfect, however revisionary, however conflicted it may be. It has allowed the greatest growth of freedom in any individuals that has ever graced this civilized earth, and continues to grow. The detrimental and opportunistic abilities of our constitution, among all people, within our country. It merits revisions, alterations, and upgrades. But that is affordable through our mistakes and triumphs as a country. A slower, but vastly more effective and emaciated process than afforded by any other country and it's laws and constitution. The only diligence is that required by itself, is it's citizens, a duty and responsibilities of accountability, understanding of rights, privledges, and responsibilities, according to their participation in democracy. And I feel most are disadvantaged in thinking it's an earned right, or a privileged right. And it can be in certain cases, due to influence, monetary establishment, gain, or authority. However, it must also be argued for, and fought for, either legally, or through peaceful demonstration. All men are created equal has yet to be founded amongst all men. That's why there will always be war. And continues to be war. Race? We are the human race. No matter culture, region, religion, color of skin, sex (male or female), genetics, country, thoughts, ideals, philosophy's, practices, ways of living, influence, non influence, or lack there of, situation, subjugation, and without leaving out other influencing determinations, a human species, a human race. As one. To train more people on how to bridge the gaps, than to conquer a war or conflict is the greatest solution. Even if we may be the contribution and deliberate consequences of that reason and reactions.

[@gyslainbeauchamp9241]

Thanks, Never forget,the bravery,courage & their sacrifices,God bless Them all 🇨🇦

[@Dan13grandpa]

Daddy was a cook in the 3rd Army. He didn't talk about his time in the Army. He did till me some about D-day and the Battle of the Bulge. He started talking to me after I got back from Vietnam. Until then, he hadn't told me must about his time in the Army. When it was just me and him he would talk to me about it. I wish he was here now that I know more about it and there are things I would like to ask him about. We lost him about six years ago just before he was 98 years old. I miss getting to talk to him everyday. Stay safe and God bless. Dan 🇺🇸

[@zillsburyy1]

i liked the response in A Bridge too Far "sorry! we havent the proper facilities to take you all prisoner, was there anything else!?"

[@JonStallings]

My dad was in the 3rd Army so I am a bit partial to Patton. My dad thought the world of him. Great video as always JD.

[@niksnutbv764]

The Bastogne Barracks are one of my favorite places to visit! First time there we had booked a 1 hour tour that ended up being a 5 almost 6 hour-ish almost private one. Just geeking around with the guide. Simply amazing!

[@chrick1]

Just came back from visiting this place together with my son. Amazing Place to visit and an outstanding museum. Walking through the basement you experience the Battle from the pespective of the barracks. Like in a Time Machine you are brought back to that december day in 1944 and experience the situation when the marvellous „NUTS“ was shouted out. Absolute recommendation to visit this museum and Bastogne and the whole area. Thank you for your Videos and your great work!

[@MrBradleyDavid]

Great history JD! As a builder I loved the long shot of the brick and mortar barracks. MacAuliff and the 101st staff I’m sure knew what he was up against and is was only a matter of time they had to hold that position. Plus He did so as the division XO. The leadership these units had were so deep. Not to shabby for an artillery officer.

[@BobBrunetti]

I really enjoy your videos! Please continue to bring this history forward for the younger generations so they can’t forget what these brave soldiers went through to make the world a better and safer place!

[@stephenrrose]

JD, you and Erik make a great team! Loved the video and the recording and historic film! Awesome job Brother! Thank you for all you do!!!!

[@1psychofan]

Very cool lunchtime viewing! Thanks JD!

[@terryeustice5399]

This was one the best replies in history of war. 💯👍👊

[@reloadncharge9907]

Another winner! I enjoyed visiting Bastogne and Foy with my son…..thank you! Andrew

[@EstellaBeard]

The Memorial to Paton is Amazing!

[@BevSantini]

Fortunate to have visited the barracks twice. Bastogne is definitely a tour in history.

[@milliolester6849]

Just subscribed to your channel.. amazing work .. wish my grandfather was here to c it and talk to you..his name was Lenard Adams’s (he adopted my mom) was stationed in Hawaii during pearl harbor and was in the navy ..he still had his uniformed from wen the attack first happen.. he use to let me take some old pictures and materials that he kept to school for show and tell....he’s also the reason I graduated the university of Mississippi in history..rip pops thanks to you and your fellow comrades

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Appreciate that!

[@saifulsidek2724]

Hye,please send my thanks and love to your granddad,he is our hero.... Send love from malaysia....

[@saifulsidek2724]

U should be proud,your granddad so badass and hero,but not so many ww2 veterans with us today,we should show our respect and love for ww2 veterans whos still with us....

[@saifulsidek2724]

U should be proud,your granddad so badass and hero,but not so many ww2 veterans with us today,we should show our respect and love for ww2 veterans whos still with us....

[@Chris-Nico]

Thank you JD and Erik for remembering General McAuliff. A great brave warrior 💪🇺🇸 I’ve been to Bastogne Barracks and the museum…. It’s very good. One thing you should have mentioned is Bastogne Barracks is still an active Belgium Army post.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@sandramosley2801]

JD and Eric: History’s Dream Team!! Spectacular! (I must say though that General Patton looks a bit like he’s seen one of the ghosts from A Christmas Carol.)

[@forrestwebb8590]

It's funny that the German General didn't understand what 'Nuts' meant, until his subordinate explained what it meant! LOL 😂

[@your_royal_highness]

The officer who returned with the “nuts” told the German it meant “go to hell.”

[@Chris-lh7wj]

I can only imagine the Germans scratching their heads. “Nuts?! The hell does that mean? Are you sure you translated it correctly?

[@Ganiscol]

The Germans must at first have wondered why the Americans are asking for nuts and in exchange for what. 😉

[@forrestwebb8590]

Patton was a pure warrior!! You don't see that very often!!

[@aaronrosenberg8784]

Was randomly thinking about this earlier, so crazy to see your video on the topic same day

[@Wreckdiver59]

If you're going to have a shoulder patch from one of the Screaming Eagles, that's the one you want 👍 Thanks JD and Erik

[@sandramosley2801]

Isn’t that the truth!

[@larryburwell8550]

nice video as always. all history lessons that we appreciate and well presented by you. thank you Larry

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@johnb7805]

The man who told McAuliffe to use the word "NUTS", was at that time, lieutenant colonel Harry Kinard the divisions operations office.Kinard died back in 2009 at age 93.

[@dianapippin6658]

I have all the respect for those guys in the 101st, but seriously pride aside they did need Patton's relief. If the Germans had attacked inmass instead of piece meal like they did the Germans would have overwhelmed the 101. Anyway wonderful video as always JD. Love General McAuliffe's "Nuts" response to the Germans request to surrender.

[@AmericanWoman25]

Always a treat to see my artifact crush, Erik! ❤

[@duanelawrence78]

Wow so cool thanks J.D. n Eric!!✌️🇺🇲

[@skimmer8774]

I really would like to see the German officer open and read the Nuts reply. He must have been puzzled and angry.

[@pauldouglas3084]

Really enjoyed the video mate can't wait for the next I am big fan of the 101st airborne Division

[@f1matt]

Just finished watching The Chieftain's video on his visit to the Bastogne barracks. Feeling spoiled!

[@Manticore2024]

I would have loved being a fly on the wall in German headquarters when they read the American response to their order to surrender ….”NUTS!”

[@geralddworzak1313]

THE GREATEST GENERATION !!!!! Thank You!May God & The Lord Bless all of You.

[@SamEppie]

Absolute thanks for all the great video’s! I really like them all. This is the first time I miss some background information of the artifact. How does Erik knows that it was the patch he worn at that “Nuts!” moment? Keep up the great work!

[@michae8jackson378]

Hi JD. I've told you my friends and I were at the 40th Anniversary of the Battle in Dec 84 while stationed across the border at Spangdahlem AB, Germany. The parade I told you about ended at the Patton Memorial. It looked different back then. I do not remember any buildings. I'm thinking those buildings must have been built since. Another great video, thank you both for showing us the history we are all so passionate about!

[@A.J.K87]

Of course Erik has not just any original 101st shoulder patch (which would be the crown jewel in many collector's collections), he has Mcaulife's NUTS patch. Is there anything of historical value he does not possess? 😂

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

😂

[@philipcoggins9512]

I was there with the patch!

[@your_royal_highness]

My understanding is the Germans were brought to a farmhouse still at the perimeter and left there while the message was sent forward to McAuliffe. They were not brought into Bastogne, never mind to the barracks.

[@Dellboy56]

Okay, I'll have to settle with 7 minutes and 35 seconds for my ‘feet-up time! Cheers, matey.👍

[@saifulsidek2724]

7 minutes?? Dont mocking my internet bos atleast 20 minutes for great content like this and before..... Btw thanks so much 👍👍👍

[@oldirtybeuner]

I really appreciate how much videos you spend on the area of Bastogne. Are you still in the area?

[@willo.2324]

One of my favorite scenes in the bastogn episode on Band of Brothers NUTS!!!!!!😂😂😂😂

[@GLA374]

Love your south pacific videos, you should do more!

[@johnwood2364]

Were there some supplies at the Bastogne barracks when the airborne arrived?

[@docem3537]

Interesting video! Thanks!

[@crisslastname9417]

Nuts! Love it!👍

[@MrWhitelightning73]

That was nuts 😂

[@Gitarzan66]

In modern terms "Bruh"

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

That's an amazing monument to General Patton! It looks like he's ramming his head right through that masonry wall! I'll bet the real General Patton could probably do it too!

[@eclipsehorse8693]

heheh, almost expect to hear George C Scott grumble " Im here, you are relieved..."

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@eclipsehorse8693 Ever hear a recording of the real Patton's voice? Patton would have KILLED to have had George C. Scott's voice!

[@eclipsehorse8693]

@@wayneantoniazzi2706 no, no I have not :)

[@welshwytch]

Same sort or reply from WWII famous reply Outnumbered, outgunned, and running out of food, ammunition, and medical supplies, the embattled assistant division commander, Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe, faced bleak prospects. On December 22, the American troops were sent an ultimatum from the German forces outside of the town, demanding “the honorable surrender” of the town within two hours. General McAuliffe reply was brief and succinct: “To the German Commander: N U T S ! The American Commander” Having made their position clear, the Americans dug in and waited for the attack. Contrary to German expectations, the 101st held out and reinforcements arrived in the form of the US Army’s 4th Armored Division. The Battle of the Bulge continued for several more weeks, with thousands of casualties on both sides, but by the end of January 1945, the Allies had retaken all the territory lost to the Germans and were headed toward Berlin.

[@frankboermans3606]

Nice L-bird in the backgound.

[@BimmyC]

Were you able to take a tour of the tank restoration section there?

[@boondocker7964]

Wowzer!!

[@noelmcauliffe]

NUTS!.....

[@george_364]

I wonder if the only American war cemetary in the Netherlands is on the list for a video-visit.

[@asdasx392]

I would love to know what he really said before it was censored to "nuts"

[@sandramosley2801]

Indeed.😂

[@maikelvane5185]

I wonder, if the germans could get around Bastogne and surround the Allied troops. Why didn’t they move on to their subject and keep those guys locked in Bastogne. I mean there target was to get to Antwerp.

[@McBigFisher]

Considering what the Russians had already done to the Germans in Kursk and Stalingrad, 'nuts' indeed.

[@toddgreve6587]

Didn't Patton wear the fourth star above the other three?

[@lafrite4945]

I was on this place in 1990 in the first Field artlllery Regiment .I Knox perfectly thé story of thé 101 st Airborne division

[@shooter4542]

NUTS!

[@lyanoka362]

Not understanding terms of surrender.

[@MrBradleyDavid]

Are comments disappearing?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Not that I’m aware of. I sure haven’t deleted any.

[@surfinbird71]

They removed all the hedgehogs?

[@terrycrowley9323]

What is this 'nuts?'😮

[@jimreilly917]

In the context used…it meant the German general could GO TO HELL.

[@ernestbetz5982]

ask any 101 they did not need to be saved. they had it under control.

[@4speed3pedals]

What is the meaning of your tattoo? YCMHOBICH?

[@Chiller11]

McAuliffe’s “Nuts” never really made sense to me. It’s a term that usually reflects consternation at being confronted with a problem or unpleasant situation. It’s not used as a derisive refusal, like “piss off” etc. The reply makes for an interesting story but it never quite fit. I can sort of understand why the German envoys were confused.

[@Daculaboy]

Maybe in the middle of the battle the General should have pulled out his cellphone and Googled a word that was more to your liking.😂

[@Daculaboy]

Seems pretty fitting to me What does nuts slang mean? insane insane, mad, crazy, bananas.

[@RealLimerickman]

Nuts means "you are insane to consider such an action or position".

[@Chiller11]

@@Daculaboy I figured I’d get ignorant replies like yours. The story I heard was that McAuliffe was sleeping when word of the German envoys arrived. Staff woke him up and told him the Germans were there to meet him. He said,”Nuts” as he was pulling on his pants. That makes sense. He was irritated he had to disturb what little sleep he could get and had to deal with these Germans. That “Nuts” made it to the Germans as his reply and later his the propaganda machine.

[@dylanmckay6220]

It was short for “nuts to that.” Pretty much, “that’s not happening.”

[@your_royal_highness]

This Patton slab is tucked away at the back of a parking lot. Not very prominent

[@johnnybanks5321]

Sounded like General McAuliffe was mispronouncing Bastogne in that old newsreel!😊

[@little.tricks]

He is pronouncing it correctly according to one way it is said in Europe. There's a few different pronunciations.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

The general is pronouncing it correctly. Instead of "bass-stone" it's pronounced "bahs-tone-ya", or that's as near as I can sound it out by the printed word. A Belgian friend of mine (another history buff) was surprised I knew how to pronounce it correctly.

[@davidlyon1899]

loose lips sink ships.

[@kennethrichmond1196]

I guess Dor does not realize how stupid that big patch on the front of his hat looks I realize he’s trying to advertise but that’s ridiculous

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

What’s ridiculous is your spelling and grammar. 😂 But hey, thanks for watching and commenting. Any engagement feeds into the algorithm which compels KZbin to funnel more traffic to the channel. Appreciate it!

[@EGSBiographies-om1wb]

106th

[@JamesWoodring-mu2iz]

congrats on 6oo k well deserved guys