December 22 in American History

December 22, 1944 — "Nuts!" at Bastogne

Surrounded and outnumbered at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, American General McAuliffe received a German demand to surrender. His entire reply: "NUTS!" The 101st Airborne held the town against everything thrown at it until Patton's tanks broke through. American defiance, in one word.

Common Questions About December 22

What happened on December 22 in American history?

In 1944: "Nuts!" at Bastogne. Surrounded and outnumbered at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, American General McAuliffe received a German demand to surrender.

Why is December 22 significant?

Surrounded and outnumbered at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, American General McAuliffe received a German demand to surrender. His entire reply: "NUTS!" The 101st Airborne held the town against everything thrown at it until Patton's tanks broke through. American defiance, in one word.

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the Pilgrims land at PlymouthWashington resigns his commission