David K. Stone (American, 1922 - 2001) "Battle of the Bulge - Abrams and McAuliffe" Original Oil painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 50c Battle of the Bulge 1944 - Lt. Col. Creighton W. Abrams and Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe stamp issued December 16, 1994. At 11:30 a.m. on December 22, 1944, Lieutenant Hellmuth Henke and four other Germans approached the beleaguered Allied lines at Bastogne under a flag of truce. Word spread among the Americans that the Germans were surrendering. When Brigadier General Anthony C. McAuliffe realized the Germans were asking him to surrender, his disappointed comment was "Aw, nuts!" In preparing his written reply, the same words seemed appropriate. When the Germans asked for an explanation, the response was even more salty. McAuliffe's confidence inspired the men of the 101st Airborne Division, who held Bastogne until General George Patton's tanks arrived. By December 26, the tide of battle had turned. McAuliffe earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his conduct at Bastogne. The 101st Airborne Division received the rarely awarded Presidential Unit Citation for their heroic defense. Brigadier General Anthony C. McAuliffe is pictured here with Lieutenant Colonel Creighton W. Abrams. Image Size: 24 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 27 x 23.75 in. Unframed. (B14902)