^Lot 441 Anthony McAuliffe

United States Army general (1898–1975) who commanded the force defending Bastogne, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. He was famous for his brief reply to a German surrender ultimatum: ‘Nuts!’ At the 60th anniversary of the battle, a veteran claimed that McAuliffe never uttered that exact word, but reporters found his actual phrasing too strong and toned it down for their dispatches home. ALS signed “A. C. McAuliffe,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, July 6, 1969. Letter to friends. In part: “I retired from the Army in 1956, last job was C in Chief, U. S. Army, Europe. I joined American Cyanamid Co., a chemical corporation, became a V. P. and director and retired again in 1963. I now play golf, bridge, and gin rummy and take part in the active social life here in Washington.” In fine condition, with thin strip of adhesive remnant along top edge of front of letter.