Echoes of History: Siege of Bastogne
December 20th, 1944, The battle of bulgingGerman troops surrounded the Americans, including the 101st Airborne Division in the town of Bastogne. Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe, the 101st obsessed artillery commander, was a senior American officer under the siege. His boss, Major Taylor, had been called to the meeting, so McAuliffe took the order.
Two days later, a German delegation arrived and sent a letter demanding the surrender of McAuliffe and all his troops. McCauliffe never swears, read the message, laughed, and said, “Oh, nuts!” “It seemed really interesting to him at the time. He was giving the Germans a ‘be-hit hell’ and thought that all his men knew it. All demand was in line with existing circumstances.” ”
The staff discussed it and decided that McAuliffe’s initial response was the best, so with his consent, we entered the following:
To the German commander.
nuts!
American commander.
Four days later, the fourth armored division arrived and defeated the siege. General Patton awarded Makourif a prominent service cross for his heroism, and as Patton wrote in his diary, “historical answer.” Two weeks later, McAuliffe was promoted to Major General and was given a permanent divisional headquarters.
Bastogne’s story is the most enduring lesson I have ever learned about how American officers should respond to demands of surrender.
From the initial training date, officer candidates will be taught the code of conduct for members of the US military. Article 2 of the Code is explicit.
I will never give up my free will. In the case of the commander, I will never abandon my members of my command while still having the means to resist.
The US Combat Force Code, released in 1986, goes further this for individuals.
It is impossible for individuals to avoid, and further battles will only result in death without having any major losses to the enemy, when considering surrender.
Call to Resist: Today’s Transgender Military Experience
Transgender service members are now being asked to surrender. They are “encouraged” through additional pay and administrative leave, so they do not need to comply with inhuman standards to voluntarily apply for separation within 30 days. They are being asked to incorporate boots, uniforms and identity as advocates in this country.
I am a senior officer standing in the middle of this battlefield with chaos swirling around. I may not be officially commanded by anyone, but I look around my fellow trans squads and see the spirit of their fight. They are not broken – then foul – they are brave people I know.
They stand up for who they are and despite their overwhelming obstacles, for what is right in the world. They hold their vows quickly, support their duties and respect their commitment to service. Their training gives them a means of resisting.
Succession is not an option.
I will keep the final article in the Code of Conduct quickly.
I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, being responsible for my actions, and being dedicated to the principles that have freed my country.
So, to the request of voluntary surrender, I provide the only response that senior officers can do.
nuts!
Briefrum He is a colonel and astronaut of the US Space Force. She is stationed in the Pentagon, a major requirement integration and one of the highest-ranking transgender service members in the military.
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