On Christmas night in 1776, General George Washington led American patriots across the Delaware River to attack the Hessian mercenary garrison at Trenton, New Jersey; a force which was fighting for the British.

You’ve likely seen Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze, painted in 1851, aspirational to be sure, but modern artist Mort Kunstler created a much more likely depiction of events in his 2011 painting entitled, Washington’s Crossing.

It was an audacious plan; take a force of 5400, including artillery, conduct a nighttime river crossing in a storm, and with the ultimate element of surprise, attack a sleeping enemy. A force of 2400 Continental troops made the crossing, but 3,000 troops and the artillery so crucial to the plan remained stranded on the wrong side of the Delaware. Regardless, Washington pressed the attack, striking out toward his prey and at 8:00 AM met the enemy. Fortune favors the bold; the defenders were still groggy from their Weinachtsfest, with many slumbering soundly in bed.

Miraculously, only three Americans were killed, while over 1000 Hessians were captured with 22 killed and 98 wounded. Unfortunately, without his additional force, Washington was forced to withdraw. But the psychological victory stoked faith in the revolution.

I can only think of one better Christmas story than George Washington crossing the Delaware in the middle of a stormy night in order to kill German mercenaries.

Merry Christmas to all, especially those who keep us safe at night.

One of my favorite Christmas tales comes from the Battle of the Bulge.

December 22 1944 – Encircled by German forces at the Battle of the Bulge, the 101st Airborne Division, under acting commander Brigadier General McAuliffe received a message from German General Heinrich Freiherr von Lüttwitz delivered under flag of truce.

To the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne.

The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. More German armored units have crossed the river Our near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and reached St. Hubert by passing through Hompre-Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands.

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.

His response was perfect.

To the German Commander.
NUTS!
The American Commander

Believe it or not, the story gets even better. Upon hearing the reply, the German envoy was confused, not understanding the context.

An American Colonel quickly set the German straight, “If you don’t understand what ‘Nuts’ means, in plain English it is the same as ‘Go to hell.’ And I will tell you something else – if you continue to attack we will kill every goddam German that tries to break into this city.”

Remember the plastic soldiers you used to portray epic battles as a kid? Real Plastic Heroes has opened pre-orders for their first set of Global War On Terror figures.

Based on real US veterans who served in combat during the Global War on Terror (2001 – 2021) these are slightly larger and more detailed than the toys you grew up playing with, these plastic warfighters are ready to defend against all enemies.  Sculpted by the legendary artist, Tim Barry, each Real Plastic Hero is equipped with authentic weaponry and kit.

Choose between Green and Tan the figures come from four out of the six branches of the US military.

Figures stand up to 2.75 tall and are approximately 1:24 scale (70mm) and designed and manufactured in the USA.

Your purchase directly supports each Real Plastic Heroes veteran with proceeds.  Additionally, you’re supporting efforts to revitalize manufacturing in the USA and driving growth for Real Plastic Heroes LLC, a family-owned business based in Texas.

8 poses, 32 figures per set

realplasticheroes.com/USAGWOT1

Enjoy your day with family and friends, no matter where you may be!