101st Airborne Battle of the Bulge "NUTS" Shirt
101st Airborne Battle of the Bulge "NUTS" Shirt
Regular price
$24.95 USD
Regular price
Sale price
$24.95 USD
Unit price
/
per
On the morning of December 22, 1944, at approximately 11:30 a.m., a group of four German soldiers approached the American lines using the Arlon Road from the direction of Remoifosse, situated south of Bastogne, during the Battle of the Bulge. Displaying two white flags, the group consisted of two officers and two enlisted men. The senior officer, identified as Major Wagner from the 47th Panzer Corps, was accompanied by Lieutenant Hellmuth Henke of the Panzer Lehr Operations Section. Carrying a briefcase, Lt. Henke spoke English and expressed the group's desire to see the commanding officer of the American section.
Encountering members of F Company of the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, including PFC Leo Palma, a B.A.R. gunner, the Germans stopped to communicate their intention to present a written message to the American Commander in Bastogne. Staff Sergeant Carl E. Dickinson, who had been nearby, engaged with the Germans and offered to take them to the American Commanding Officer.
The Germans, willing to be blindfolded, had brought blindfolds with them. Lt. Henke blindfolded Major Wagner, and Dickinson blindfolded Lt. Henke. PFC Ernest Premetz, a German-speaking medic, offered to serve as an interpreter, though it turned out to be unnecessary. Dickinson and Premetz took the blindfolded officers to the F Company Command Post, a large foxhole located in a wooded area about a quarter mile away.
Upon receiving a written surrender demand typewritten in English and German, Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe, the American Commander, responded with a succinct "NUTS!" This reply, delivered to the Germans by Colonel Harper, resulted in confusion as the Germans did not comprehend the American slang. Despite the misunderstanding, tensions eased, and the Germans left the area.
The "NUTS!" response became legendary as a symbol of defiance during the Battle of the Bulge. The Germans redirected their efforts, leaving Bastogne to the 26th Volksgrenadier Division. The exchange showcased the resilience and determination of the American forces during a critical moment in the war.
• 100% cotton
• Sport Grey is 90% cotton, 10% polyester
• Ash Grey is 99% cotton, 1% polyester
• Heather colors are 50% cotton, 50% polyester
• Fabric weight: 5.0–5.3 oz/yd² (170-180 g/m²)
• Open-end yarn
• Tubular fabric
• Taped neck and shoulders
• Double seam at sleeves and bottom hem
Encountering members of F Company of the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, including PFC Leo Palma, a B.A.R. gunner, the Germans stopped to communicate their intention to present a written message to the American Commander in Bastogne. Staff Sergeant Carl E. Dickinson, who had been nearby, engaged with the Germans and offered to take them to the American Commanding Officer.
The Germans, willing to be blindfolded, had brought blindfolds with them. Lt. Henke blindfolded Major Wagner, and Dickinson blindfolded Lt. Henke. PFC Ernest Premetz, a German-speaking medic, offered to serve as an interpreter, though it turned out to be unnecessary. Dickinson and Premetz took the blindfolded officers to the F Company Command Post, a large foxhole located in a wooded area about a quarter mile away.
Upon receiving a written surrender demand typewritten in English and German, Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe, the American Commander, responded with a succinct "NUTS!" This reply, delivered to the Germans by Colonel Harper, resulted in confusion as the Germans did not comprehend the American slang. Despite the misunderstanding, tensions eased, and the Germans left the area.
The "NUTS!" response became legendary as a symbol of defiance during the Battle of the Bulge. The Germans redirected their efforts, leaving Bastogne to the 26th Volksgrenadier Division. The exchange showcased the resilience and determination of the American forces during a critical moment in the war.
• 100% cotton
• Sport Grey is 90% cotton, 10% polyester
• Ash Grey is 99% cotton, 1% polyester
• Heather colors are 50% cotton, 50% polyester
• Fabric weight: 5.0–5.3 oz/yd² (170-180 g/m²)
• Open-end yarn
• Tubular fabric
• Taped neck and shoulders
• Double seam at sleeves and bottom hem