NATICK, MASS.- The Museum of World War II has acquired two historical documents issuing a demand for surrender from World War II to add to its collection of more than 500,000 objects. Though the documents are from opposing sides of the war, they represent and epitomize the American spirit at the end of the war.
The Museum acquired the English version of the German letter demanding the U.S. surrender at Bastogne in 1944 that prompted General Anthony McAuliffe's legendary response, "NUTS!" Though they were encouraged to surrender, McAuliffe and the 101st Airborne Division were able to hold Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, which is considered one of the supreme accomplishments of the American Military.
This acquisition represents the first artifact from McAuliffe from during the war. It will be displayed alongside a letter from McAuliffe from after the war in which he explains his response to the original letter.
The Museum also acquired an original mimeographed period copy of the Potsdam Proclamation collected by Secret Service Agent Elmer R. Hipsley. This previously unknown copy has been discreetly stored within a map of Berlin since Mr. Hipsley's passing in 1968. It is signed by President Harry Truman with Churchill and Chiang Kai-shek's names added in Truman's hand, dated July 26, 1945. The Potsdam Proclamation called for Japan's unconditional surrender and threatened "prompt and utter destruction" for noncompliance with the terms. The Proclamation was dismissed by the Japanese and the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima the following week.
This artifact represents the spirit that Truman brings to war after he becomes president. This acquisition will be displayed alongside the Truman’s letter explaining his rationale for dropping the atomic bomb.
These items serve the Museum’s mission to preserve the reality of war and offer deeper insights into the causes and events of World War II. By adding these artifacts to its collection, the Museum is able to provide greater context into the human story of war.
