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329

Anthony McAuliffe

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,500.00 USD
Anthony McAuliffe

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Auction Date:2011 Aug 10 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
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 “Tony,” one page both sides, 8 x 10.5, Joint Research and Development Board letterhead, May 27, 1947. Letter to General Rex Chandler. In part: “When I got home last night, I found your letter. I did get busy as soon as I returned from San Antonio. All those to whom I talked gave me the same answer, that Sec. 7 of Pub. Law 101, to which you refer in your letter, prevents retirement in the higher grade if application is made later than six months after reduction. I discussed your case with a number of people; several of whom know you well and displayed a keen personal interest; namely, Cal Smith, the authority in Paul’s office on retirements & Jack Suman, authority in the same field for AGF. I am told that Eisenhower has taken a personal interest in an identical case, the Cg of local Gables Hospital; Beck, I believe. The Chief has been told that he cannot legally retire him as a B.G.” In fine condition, with light show-through from writing on opposing sides. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed by McAuliffe, and signed above the return address area, “McAuliffe.”

Chandler had been reduced to the rank of colonel in 1946, but a desire to retire at his previous grade of brigadier general prompted him to reach out to his old comrade for assistance. The reply from McAuliffe was grim, noting that military regulations prevented “retirement in the higher grade if application is made later than six months after reduction”—something that applied here. It made no difference that Chandler, as commanding officer of the 1st Cavalry Division, led his troops into Manila in 1945 to end three years of Japanese military occupation—regulations were regulations. Chandler’s situation was not unique, and even General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower, having taken “a personal interest in an identical case,” could do nothing to help Chandler “legally retire him as a [brigadier general].” A terrific example of the bond forged between the fighting men of World War II and the lengths they would go to support each other.
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