ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 976 11 September 1950
FIELD REPORT (ADVATIS - 0727) 9 September 1950
1. PERSONAL DETAILS:| PW NAME: | HAN, HAK CHIN (韓學鎭) (한학진) |
| RANK: | Pvt |
| AGE: | 23 |
| DUTY: | Rifleman |
| UNIT: | 15th Div, l5th Regt, 3rd Bn, 8th Co, 1st Plat, 1st Sqd |
| EDUCATION: | Grammar School - 6 years |
| OCCUPATION: | Farmer |
| PLACE OF BIRTH: | HAMGYONG NAM DO, PUKCHONG-GUU, DOKSONG-MYON, IMANGJI RI 33 |
| PLACE OF CAPTURE: | YONGCH’ON (永川) (1190-1450) |
| DATE OF CAPTURE: | 05 0900 Sep 50 |
| HOME ADDRESS: | Same as place of birth |
| INTERROGATOR: | S/Sgt LEE |
PW first received his rifle on 1 Sep 50 at UISONG (1160-1490). Marched, arrived YONGCH’ON Area 5 Sep 50. PW was captured just after his squad leader gave the order to spread out and dig in. PW was afraid. At the first opportunity he surrendered to ROK troops at approx 05 0900 Sep 50. Not recommended for further interrogation.
3. TACTICAL INFORMATION:Chronology:
PW forced to join the army under threat of death - 25 Jul 50. Left home 25 Jul 50, arrived SEOUL by train on 1 Aug 50, with 2,000 recruits. PW was inducted into army 2 Aug 50. PW left SEOUL, marched with 550 men for UISONG on 4 Aug 50. Arrived UISONG with 400 men 31 Aug 50. 150 men deserted unit before reaching UISONG. PW never received any basic training whatsoever. PW received rifle with 30 rounds and 2 hand grenades on 3 Sep 50.
Unit Organization and strength:
Div, Regt, and Bn - strength, unknown. Original strength of companies before leaving UISONG for YONGCH'ON front approx 100 men in the 7th Co and 8th Co of the 3rd Bn. Actual battle strength of 7th Co and 8th Co approx 75 men each on 5 Sep 50. Rest deserted prior to reaching YONGCH’ON.
Prior to capture on 5 Sep 50, PW's squad consisted of 7 men. PW does not know the names of any commanders.
Equipment:
M1891/30 rifle, RG-42 offensive hand grenade, 2 x DP LMG in 1st Plt, 8th Co. 2 x Maxim HMG M1910 (on Sokolov Mount) in 8th Co, 3rd Bn. PW saw 3 x 122-mm M1938 Howitzer at UISONG, leaving for YONGCH’ON front along same route that PW's unit took to reach YONGCH’ON, via UISONG, UIHGNG (義興), and SINNYONG (新寧).
Unit History:
PW's unit was used as "cannon fodder." PW and men in his squad were told to go forward and anyone caught retreating would be shot by his squad leader.
One Political officer in each Co - name unknown.
Roads from SEOUL to UISONG were in fair condition.
Enemy Intention:
To take YONGCH’ON, then proceed directly to PUSAN.
Knowledge of other Units:
Unknown.
Morale and Propaganda:
Majority of newly recruited soldiers do not want to fight. Propaganda Leaflets, very effective on this type of soldier. Officers and NCO’s realize the tremendous influence of UN Propaganda on the morale and will to fight of NKPA troops. Lectures and numerous rallies are held to elevate troops’ morale.
No airfield or NK aircraft seen by PW.
For the Commanding Officer:
WEELDREYER
Executive
