The October 6 War stands as one of the most significant victories in Egyptian history. While the war itself is widely remembered for its strategic brilliance and the breaching of the Bar Lev Line, many of the heroes who played crucial roles remain less recognized.

Today, we honor the unsung Egyptian heroes whose courage, intelligence, and sacrifice were pivotal in securing the nation’s triumph at the October 6 war.

1. Ashraf Marwan: The Master of Deception

Ashraf Marwan, a political figure and businessman born in 1944, played a pivotal role in deceiving Israeli intelligence. As the son-in-law of President Gamal Abdel Nasser and a close advisor to President Anwar Sadat, Marwan was uniquely positioned to act as a double agent.

His most notable contribution was misleading Israel about Egypt’s intentions to go to war. He falsely informed the Israeli intelligence that Egypt wouldn’t attack until they acquired a specific type of missile, which wasn’t in Egypt’s arsenal at the time. This left the Israelis off guard, believing that war was not imminent.

Later, Marwan tricked Israel by giving them the wrong time for Egypt’s attack, saying it would begin at 6 PM on October 6, 1973, while it actually began at 2 PM. This deception allowed the Egyptian forces to successfully cross the Suez Canal without major resistance.

Marwan’s strategic genius and commitment to Egypt’s cause made him one of the most crucial figures in the war, though his life ended tragically in 2007 under suspicious circumstances in London.

2. Gomaa El-Shawan: The Man Who Outsmarted Israeli Intelligence

Gomaa El-Shawan, born in 1939, is another extraordinary double agent who worked for Egyptian intelligence during the October War. He became one of Israel’s most trusted sources of information, while secretly feeding them false data under the direction of Egypt’s intelligence services.

El-Shawan was instrumental in acquiring Israel’s most advanced communication device of the time—a transmitter capable of sending encrypted messages in six seconds. This device was used to provide false information to the Israelis, further confusing them during the war. His daring and resourcefulness made him a key figure in undermining Israel’s war efforts and ensuring Egypt’s success.

3. Saad El-Shazly: The Mastermind Behind the Crossing

Lieutenant General Saad El-Shazly, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, was the strategic mind behind the successful crossing of the Suez Canal, which was a turning point in the war. His detailed planning allowed the Egyptian forces to breach the heavily fortified Bar Lev Line and launch a surprise attack that shocked the world.

El-Shazly’s crossing plan is now considered one of the most brilliant military operations in modern history. Despite disagreements with political leadership after the war, his contribution remains a cornerstone of Egypt’s military success.

4. Ibrahim El-Rifai: The Daring Commando Leader

Major General Ibrahim El-Rifai, leader of Egypt’s elite commando unit, was known for his bold and dangerous missions behind enemy lines. His team carried out numerous sabotage operations, destroying Israeli tanks, radar stations, and ammunition depots. El-Rifai’s daring earned him the nickname “The Egyptian Lion.”

El-Rifai’s courage led to significant tactical advantages for Egypt, but he was tragically killed during one of his missions. His legacy as a fearless leader lives on in the annals of Egypt’s military history.

5. Field Marshal Mohamed Ali Fahmy: The Protector of Egyptian Skies

Born in 1920, Field Marshal Mohamed Ali Fahmy commanded Egypt’s Air Defense Forces during the October War. His defense system inflicted massive losses on the Israeli Air Force, grounding a third of Israel’s planes. This was a critical factor in allowing Egypt to carry out its operations on the ground.

Fahmy’s strategy was so effective that Israeli pilots were ordered to avoid the Suez Canal. His contributions ensured Egypt’s air superiority and secured a safer environment for Egyptian forces to advance.

6. Ahmed Ismail Ali: The Steadfast Minister of Defense

Field Marshal Ahmed Ismail Ali, Egypt’s Minister of Defense, was responsible for overseeing the war strategy and coordinating Egypt’s operations with Syria. His leadership during the October War was critical in maintaining unity and focus among Egypt’s military leadership.

Despite the immense pressure and complexity of managing a war on multiple fronts, Ismail’s calm and decisive leadership ensured that Egypt’s military objectives were achieved.

7. Abd El-Moniem Khalil: The Defender of the Southern Front

Lieutenant General Abd El-Moniem Khalil was in charge of the Second Army during the October War, tasked with defending Egypt’s southern front. His leadership during fierce Israeli counterattacks helped secure Egypt’s territorial gains, especially in the strategically important Sinai region.

Khalil’s ability to maintain his soldiers’ morale and keep the lines of defense strong contributed to Egypt’s success on the battlefield.

8. Field Marshal Fouad Mohamed Abu Zikry: The Naval Strategist

Fouad Mohamed Abu Zikry, born in 1923, was the commander of the Egyptian Navy during the October War. He was also the mastermind behind the destruction of the Israeli destroyer Eilat in 1967. His naval strategies during the 1973 war played a vital role in protecting Egypt’s coastlines and disrupting Israeli sea operations.

Under his command, the Egyptian Navy helped secure Egypt’s Mediterranean coast and supported the overall war effort, ensuring that the Egyptian land forces could operate without fear of naval attacks.

A Legacy of Heroism

The October 6 War is a testament to the courage, intelligence, and sacrifice of Egypt’s military heroes. From the double agents who deceived Israel to the brilliant military strategists who led Egypt to victory, these men played essential roles in securing a better future for their country. Their bravery and commitment to Egypt’s cause will never be forgotten, and their stories serve as a reminder of the power of patriotism and sacrifice.

The heroism of these men is embodied in the iconic image below, which represents the valor and determination of all those who fought for Egypt during the October 6 War.

These unsung heroes of the October War deserve recognition for their significant contributions to one of Egypt’s most triumphant moments in history. Their legacy lives on, inspiring future generations to uphold the spirit of bravery and patriotism.