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ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 602　19 August 1950

FIELD REPORT (ADVATIS - 0441)　16 August 1950

Subject was of average intelligence but was very evasive in answering. It is believed that most of this report with the exception of that part which deals with his wearing civilian clothes, is fairly reliable. Referred to JAG and CIC.

Date of Induction: 7 Jul 50

Training: Subject received 2½ days of training at SINUIJU as a member of the 5th Inf Training Bn. There were approximately 1,000 recruits in each of the six battalions which were numbered from one to six. During the 2½ days of training the men were instructed on military discipline only.

Tactical Movements: On 10 Jul 50, 1,000 men selected from the six battalions were shipped by rail to SEOUL On 14 Jul 50, the mend departed SEOUL on foot arriving at TAEJON on 19 Jul 50. At TAEJON, the 1,000 recruits were dispatched in all directions to various units. 200 men of the 1,000 were sent to the 18th Regt, 4th Div. Others unknown.

From TAEJON, the 200 men proceeded in a southeasterly direction through KUMKSAN, KOCHANG and HYOPCH’ON (1110-1400) and joined the 18th Regt in the mountains southeast of HYOPCH’ON, located unknown. When the replacements arrived at the area, only the 1st and 2nd Bn’s of the regiment were in the vicinity. Subject heard that the 3rd Bn had proceeded the tow battalions.

The 2nd Bn departed the regtl area on 1 Aug and proceeded east from HYOPCH’ON to a point approximately 2 km west of the NAKTONG River. The battalion rested this area until about 7 Aug 50, studying the American defenses on the east bank. The Battalion had planned to cross the river at this point but because of possible strong American resistance, proceeded south along the river to a point due west of YONGSAN (1150-1380). At this point, the 2nd Bn utilized ferry boats to cross the river. The crossing was made at about 0300, 9 Aug 50. While crossing the river, there was a light artillery barrage but no one was killed. While crossing the river, Subject heard that the 1st and 3rd Bn’s of the 18th Regts and crossed the river at the same point a day or two earlier.

The 2nd Bn did not make any contact with the 1st and 3rd Bn’s after crossing the river. The 2nd Bn crossed with about 500 or 600 men and all equipment up to and including the 82-mm mortars. After crossing the river, the battalion marched in a southeasterly direction following a wide gravel road. After travelling on the road for about 5 km, the battalion entered the mountains in the direction of march. The objective of the battalion was a little village 1 km north of YONGSAN (hearsay). On the night of 12 Aug 50, the unit came within 1 km north of YONGSAN. On 12 Aug at about 0600, the battalion made contact with an American unit. The battalion was deployed at the southern foot of the mountain. Subject and four other men were sent to the top of the mountain to warn the battalion of any attack from the rear. The battalion was shelled the entire day of 12 Aug 50. On 13 Aug 50, the squad leader decided to go to the battalion to orient himself as to the situation. The squad did not return so PW and the 3 remaining men descended the mountain. One man became lost and was never heard of again. The remaining three men went to a village about 2 km south of YONGSAN on the morning of 15 Aug and changed into civilian clothes. They concealed their weapons and uniforms in a bundle and went to sleep. The men were awakened by a S. Korean policeman and asked to identify themselves. Subject believing that the policeman was a N. Korean, confessed his identity and was subsequently taken prisoner.

Name: CHONG, HAK PONG (鄭硸鳳) (정학봉)

Rank: 2nd Lt

Age: 25

Position: 1st Platoon leader, 6th Co, 2nd Bn. 8th Regt

Remarks: Died on 12 Aug 50.

Russian: Subject saw a Russian advisor at SINUIJU. Last observed on 10 Jul 50. Details unknown.

Chinese: None

N. Koreans from MANCHURIA: None

On or about 18 Jul 50, Subject observed two T-34/85 tanks in the vicinity of TAEJON. No details are known.

Subject observed artillery pieces, number and type unknown, at the NAKTONG River ferry crossing on 9 Aug 50. The guns were on the west side of the river at point 1140-1399.

Morale: The majority (about 40%) of the troops in the organization were those who were inducted after Apr 50. Most of the old soldiers were gone. Consequently the morale of the unit has dropped. The majority of the men believe that winning the war would be an impossible task because of the lack of equipment.

Replacement: Subject was a replacement. All replacements were marched from N. KOREA to TAEJON where they are assigned to the various units. No details are known.

Supply: The 18th Regt has not been re-supplied since Subject joined the organization in the early part of Aug.

Code Numbers:

18th Regt, 4th Div - 476 Unit (476 軍部隊)

Miscellaneous information:

Subject was apprehended wearing civilian clothes. Circumstances covered in Tactical Movements.