What’s that one quote that keeps you pushing?
December of 1944.
Bastogne surrounded; Germans had trapped the 101st Airborne – No supplies, no reinforcements. Nothing but snow and death.
The German commander issued an ultimatum–Either surrender immediately or be destroyed – Very formal. Very German.
Gave them two hours to reply.
General McAuliffe read it, his staff waited.
They all knew things were desperate, ammunition running low. Men freezing in foxholes, Germans had tanks, we had rifles.
McAuliffe crumpled up the paper and said, “Aw, nuts.”
The staff looked at each other – What do we tell the Germans?”Tell them nuts,” said McAuliffe. They typed it out, in one word; NUTS! Sent it back.
The German officials were confused – was that English slang? It was translated, for them by the American colonel. It meant go to hell — Patton broke through two days later, the 101st held.
Sometimes a word – At the right moment makes all the difference.
That is what keeps me going — When there seems no hope, when quitting makes sense, at times you just say nuts and go on.
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