Anthony "Nuts" McAuliffe ALS & Signed Envelope As He Marvels over the "very beautiful city of Seville".

ALS, 1p, measuring 5.5" x 8.5", May 10, 1960, Sevilla, Spain, written in the hand of General Anthony McAuliffe to Dr. Gilbert Darlington on Hotel Alfonso XIII stationery. Boldly signed by the famed WWII General as "Tony McAuliffe" Expected fold from mailing, staple mark, else fine.

The lot is also accompanied by the mailing envelope, 6" x 4.5", stamped May 10, 1860, Sevilla, Spain, and is filled out entirely in the hand of McAuliffe to Dr. Gilbert Darlington in New York, NY. The verso is signed "A.C. McAuliffe." Expected wear and a slight tear barely affecting the bold signature. 

The ALS reads:

"Dear Gilbert:

Already we have had much pleasure from the fine radio which you so kindly gave me. After a delightful crossing, we moved into the Reina Cristina, a splendid hotel in Algeciras. There I was able to tune in BBC from London through the Gibraltar station across the bay from us. It came in loud and clear. We have a 1960 Ford station wagon with English-speaking driver who knows all the cities of Spain. We have greatly enjoyed the two days in this old and very beautiful city of Seville. We drive tomorrow to Cordoba, then Granada and Madrid, where we stay five days before flying to Rome.

Again our thanks for the superb radio and our affectionate regards to you both.

Faithfully,

Tony McAuliffe"

Anthony Clement "Nuts" McAuliffe was a senior United States Army officer who earned fame as the acting commander of the 101st Airborne Division defending Bastogne, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. He is celebrated for his one-word reply to a German surrender ultimatum: "Nuts!"

In December of 1944, Allied forces were surprised by a massive German offensive through the Ardennes Forrest that created a “bulge” in the Allied lines in what would become known as the “Battle of the Bulge.” The 101st Airborne Division of the United States Armed Forces was holed up in Bastogne while German armored divisions encircled the town. Outnumbered, outgunned, and running out of food, ammunition, and medical supplies, the embattled assistant division commander, Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe, faced bleak prospects. On December 22, the American troops were sent an ultimatum from the German forces outside of the town, demanding “The honorable surrender” of the town within two hours. General McAuliffe's reply was brief and succinct: "NUTS".

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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