FULDA GAP
JULY 5TH, 1949
Fulda, West Germany - Looking to bring all of Berlin under Soviet control, Stalin orders the closure of all ground supply and communication routes coming in from the West. Re-acting quickly, the Western Powers orchestrate an airlift that, after a few initial problems, is able to meet and then surpass all supply needs for the beleaguered city.
Frustrated by the West's ability to meet the city's needs, the Soviets move large amounts of military air and ground assets to surround the city, as well as pushing forces close to the border. This causes a number of "incidents" as Soviet fighters and anti-aircraft now harass the incoming supply planes.
EUCOM moves combat units closer to the Soviet occupation border, and puts on alert additional air assets. Newly created armored cavalry units take up position to monitor Soviet movements. This is matched by heightened tensions in the political arena, as the crisis is being seen as a Soviet failure and embarrassment.
Deciding that losing face is not an option, Soviet units move at night to jump-off points - and on a misty morning after a sharp bombardment, cross the border with orders to occupy major German cities.
World War III has begun.
We have provided a challenging "what if" scenario for all to ponder that very question in the Free Scenarios folder on the PANZERKORPHQ Yahoo! Group, or visit the Panzer Korps site at panzerkorps.com.