THE 82nd IN SINAI, OCTOBER 1973*
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Egypt Advance*
_____vs.*
US. Army Delay*
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Date: October 18, 1973*
Location: Thamad, Sinai*
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NOTE: This is converted from the SP2 scenario "THE 101st IN SINAI, OCTOBER 1973" originally done by Samy El Semman (samy@semman.com). Changes done during the conversion process was a totally redesigned US force OBAT, more in line with an airborne division's TO&E of the time.*
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The Egyptian assault across the Suez Canal proceeded like clockwork, with all Israeli counterattacks being successfully repulsed while the Egyptian bridgeheads were being consolidated.*
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On October 14, 1973 the Egyptian 2nd and 3rd Armies launched a successful armored and mechanized offensive into the Sinai and succeeded in capturing the Mitla and Giddi passes. With their armored and mechanized formations severely blunted following several failed attempts to destroy the Egyptian Bridgeheads, Israel had no fresh forces available to stop any potential future Egyptian offensive.*
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Facing severe strain, the Israelis had no choice but to ask for American intervention. Following a high-speed SR-71 reconnaissance sortie that revealed the catastrophe unfolding in the Sinai, President Nixon had no other choice but to begin a major air and sea lift to replace the IDF's losses.*
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Due to the spotting of advance elements of the Soviet 103rd Airborne Division in Cairo by the aforementioned SR-71 sortie, Nixon had no other choice but to order direct American intervention to forestall any potential Soviet intervention in the Middle East. Accordingly, the 82nd Airborne Division was moved to the Sinai in a massive airlift, while elements of the US Army in Europe were alerted to begin preparations for moving heavy equipment to Egypt.*
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On the 18th of October, the Egyptian advance finally met the American forces in the Sinai as elements of the Egyptian 23d Mechanized Division crashed into the 82nd's defensive positions.