World War II–dated partly-printed DS, one page, 8 x 10.5, August 17, 1942. Significant wartime document promoting McAuliffe to brigadier general, in part: "Know Ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities of Anthony Clement McAuliffe, I have nominated and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, do appoint him, temporarily, a Brigadier General in The Army of the United States." Stamped at the conclusion with Secretary of War Henry Stimson's facsimile signature, and signed in fountain pen by Adjutant General James Alexander Ulio. In fine condition.
McAuliffe was originally commissioned as an artillery officer, and following this promotion, was assigned to serve as Gen. Maxwell Taylor's artillery commander in the 101st Airborne Division. He parachuted with the division into Normandy on D-Day, coordinated the final assault on Carentan, participated in Operation Market Garden, and gained fame for his stubborn, unyielding reply to the German commander who demanded the surrender of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge: 'Nuts!' Immediately after Bastogne, McAuliffe was promoted to major general and given command of the 103rd Infantry Division on January 15, 1945, his first divisional command assignment.
