CAIRO – 7 November 2024: 6th of October 1973 War Veteran Mohamed El Masry, known for destroying 27 Israeli tanks, passed away Thursday aged 76 in Abou El Matamir village located in Beheira governorate.
El Masry, who earned the nickname "Tank Hunter," was born in 1948 in Sharqia governorate, and began his military service on September 24, 1969 as he joined the Thunderbolt Forces.
The tanks he destroyed during the war included that of the Armed Brigade 190 Commander Assaf Yagouri who became hostage. El Masry stated that, afterwards, he had been called to Egypt's Second Infantry Division. When he arrived, he was told that someone wanted to see him. It turned out that Yagouri wanted to meet him, as that was his second request after asking for a glass of water, noting that the Israeli commander saluted when he saw him.
El Masry received in 1974 Second-Tier Order of Sinai Star, which is the highest military honor in Egypt. The national hero was honored again by President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi in October in the ceremony held to celebrate the 51st victory anniversary.
"Tank Hunter" is also shared with Veteran Mohamed Abdel Aty (1950-2001) who was also born in the same governorate, and began his military service in the same year as El Masry. Yet, he later switched from the Thunderbolt Forces to the Artillery Corps. Abdel Aty destroyed 23 Israeli tanks, and also received Second-Tier Order of Sinai Star.
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