22 December 1944 â In the advance of German 5th Panzer Army, Bastogne is surrounded and the Germans demand the surrender of United States troops. The demand to surrender, issued to the American defenders, is rejected by American General McAuliffe commanding the encircled troops. Brigadier Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe reportedly replied: âNuts!â The siege ended on 27 December 1944 when the American forces holding the town were relived George Pattonâs 3rd Army. rochestermilitary.com
