Very Rare
Battle of the Bulge: Siege of Bastogne
Overview
The Siege of Bastogne was the encirclement of the 101st Airborne Division and elements of the 10th Armored Division during the Battle of the Bulge. The American forces held the vital road junction town against overwhelming German pressure.
Obscure Facts & Hidden Details
When German General Lüttwitz demanded surrender, Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe replied 'Nuts!'—one of the most famous responses in military history. The message confused the Germans, who had to ask an American POW to interpret it.
The 101st was surrounded for six days with minimal supplies. Artillery was rationed to 10 rounds per gun per day. Surgeons operated in basements by candlelight without anesthetic.
The weather was so severe that the wounded froze to death in foxholes. Medical personnel burned captured German vehicles for warmth. Patton's Third Army broke through from the south on December 26, but the 101st never considered themselves 'rescued'—they were holding just fine.
The 101st was surrounded for six days with minimal supplies. Artillery was rationed to 10 rounds per gun per day. Surgeons operated in basements by candlelight without anesthetic.
The weather was so severe that the wounded froze to death in foxholes. Medical personnel burned captured German vehicles for warmth. Patton's Third Army broke through from the south on December 26, but the 101st never considered themselves 'rescued'—they were holding just fine.