Heinrich Freiherr von Lüttwitz
| Heinrich Freiherr von Lüttwitz | |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 December 1896 |
| Died | 9 October 1969 (aged 72) |
| Allegiance |
 German Empire Weimar Republic Nazi Germany
|
| Service/branch | Heer |
| Rank | General der Panzertruppe |
| Commands held |
2nd Panzer Division XLVII Panzer Corps |
| Battles/wars |
World War II |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves |
Heinrich Freiherr von Lüttwitz (6 December 1896 – 9 October 1969) was a German general (General der Panzertruppe) during World War II who commanded the 2nd Panzer Division and the XLVII Panzer Corps.
In 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge, Lüttwitz, commander of the XLVII Panzer Corps, had surrounded the US 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne commanded by US Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe. Before launching an assault by the 26th Volksgrenadier Division against the town, Lüttwitz sent an ultimatum to the American forces. His demand for the US troops to surrender was the following:
To the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne.There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A. troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note. If this proposal should be rejected one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A. A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours term. All the serious civilian losses caused by this artillery fire would not correspond with the well-known American humanity.
He received the following reply from McAuliffe:
To the German Commander. NUTS!
McAuliffe's reply, "Nuts!" was explained to the German negotiators as the equivalent of "go to hell!"
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