ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 907 6 September 1950
FIELD REPORT (ADVATIS - 0692) 2 September 1950
| Name: | KONG, PYONG JU (孔炳周) (공병주) |
| Rank: | Pvt |
| Age: | 25 |
| Organization: | 8th Div, 3rd Regt, 1st Bn, 3rd Co, 1st Plt, 4th Sqd |
| Education: | Middle School - 5 years |
| Occupation: | Student - Middle School |
| Address: | SEOUL, MAP’O-KU, SINKONG DOK-DONG #21 (서울特別市 新谷区 德洞 二十一番地) |
| Date and Place Captured: | 31 Aug 50 - 2 km S of KUNWI (軍威) (1154-1483) |
| Interrogator: | Cpl HORISHIGE (ATIS) |
Information limited, because of PW’s short period of military service. Reliability considered fair.
PW was employed by the US 7th Div signal Co from Oct 45 to May 48 at SEOUL as a truck driver.
Military History:21 Jul 50 - Approx 3,000 S Koreans between the ages of 17 and 27 were conscripted into the NKPA at SEOUL. About 70% of these men were issued S Korean Firemen’s uniform. The remaining 30% were issued NKPA uniforms. These men were instructed in the operation of M1891/30 rifles for one day.
11 Aug 50 - The 3,000 men in 3 battalions marched from SEOUL.
O/a 18 Aug 50 - They reached CH’UNGJU (忠州). About 1,500 men were attached to various units there. The other 1,500 men including PW, departed ANDONG 28 Aug 50.
29 Aug 50 - The 1,500 men reached KUNWI. These men were assigned to the 3rd Regt of the 8th Div aa replacements. 120 men including PW were assigned to the 3rd Co, 1st Bn, 3rd Regt. There were about 50 original members of the 3rd Co.
31 Aug 50 - The 3rd Co took up a position on a mountain located approx 2 km S of KUNWI. PW did not know the location of other companies of the 3rd Regt.
The 3rd Co was attacked by ROK troops 31 0200 Aug 50, Approx 110 men were killed or wounded and rest of the men fled. PW surrendered to ROK troops 31 1600 Aug 50.
Weapons and Personnel:3rd Co - 170 men (120 replacements, 50 old men); 2 x HMG's, 1 x LMG’s, 10 x Sub-machine guns.
Casualties as of 31 Aug 50 - PW estimated that the 3rd Co suffered approx 110 casualties.
Capability of Unit:Morale of the troops was very low. The replacements (mostly S Koreans) wanted to surrender, but they were constantly being watched by the officers and could not surrender.
Armor:PW observed 2 x tanks (type unknown) between ANDONG and KUNWI o/a 28 Aug 50.
Supplies:Ate twice a day. Troops carried their food from SEOUL. PW had not eaten for 2 days when captured.
Co commander told the troops that there was plenty of ammunition. Each man Was carrying about 80 rounds 31 Aug 50.
Enemy Intentions:The 3rd Regt CO told the troops that the objective of 8th Div was YONGCH’ON. (永川)
Signed TARKENTON/WALKER
