ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 1171 19 September 1950
FIELD REPORT (ADVATIS - 0800) 18 September 1950
1. PERSONAL DETAILS:| PW NAME: | KIM, Cha Don (金子典) (김자전) |
| PW NO: | 63 NK 3084 |
| RANK: | Pvt (戰士) |
| AGE: | 23 |
| DUTY: | Rifleman |
| UNIT: | 73rd Ind Regt, Recon Plt |
| EDUCATION: | 8 years |
| OCCUPATION: | Country Office Clerk |
| PLACE OF CAPTURE: | CHACH’ON (慈川) (1180-1460) |
| DATE OF CAPTURE: | 15 Sep 50 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH: | P’YONGAN PUKTO, UISU-Gun PIHYON-Myon, WON DONG (平安北道 義州郡 枇峴面 院洞) |
| HOME ADDRESS: | Same as above |
| INTERROGATOR: | NAGAO, (FEAF) DAFC |
| DATE: | 17 Sep 50 |
PW joined the Communist Youth League in 1946. PW was of good health and was cooperative. Not recommended for further interrogation.
3. TACTICAL INFORMATION:Chronology:
27 Jul 50 - Inducted into the army at SINUIJU (新義州). Received 3 days of intensive basic infantry training.
3 Aug 50 - PW departed SINUIJU by train as a member of the AA MG Plt of the 73rd Ind Regt.
13 Aug 50 - Arrived at WONJU by train after travelling only at night.
1 Sep 50 - Arrived at KUSANDONG (九山洞). He heard from fellow soldiers that the 73rd Ind Regt had lost approximately 800 men out of a total of 2,000 men at TAEJONDONG (大田洞).
10 Sep 50 - Arrived at CHACH'ON-DONG (慈川洞) where the 73rd Independent Regt was committed. After 4 days of battle, it retreated to a point 2 km N of CHACH'ON-DONG. Number of casualties unknown.
15 Sep 50 - Surrendered to the ROK forces at CHACH'ON.
Unit Organization and Strength:
The 73rd Ind Regt strength was 2,000 men in the following units: 1st Bn, 2nd Bn, 3rd Bn, HMG Co, LMG Plt, Signal Plt, Recon Plt, AA MD Plt, Engr Plt, and Supply Plt.
Actual Battle Organization and Strength:
At KUSANDONG. the AA MG Plt was dissolved and the personnel were attached to the Recon Plt, which had lost majority of its men at TAEJONDONG.
Last Known Composition of Unit:
The Engr Plt and Supply Plt were dissolved at OHACH’ON-DONG and the personnel assigned to the 1st and 2nd Bns. PW heard that only 200 of the original 2,000 men remained in the 73rd Ind Regt. He also beard that 150 replacements arrived from the WONJU Area during the battle at CHACH’ON-DONG.
Dispositions:The 73rd Ind Regt CP was located in a valley 1 km N of OHACH’ON-DONG on 10 Sep 50, however, he heard that the CP had moved since.
Communications:
Railroad: RR lines and bridges were damaged by bombing but repairs were being made and PW was able to travel by train from SINUIJU to WONJU without mishap.
Roads: Were in fair condition and are passable for all types of vehicles.
Intentions:
The objective of the 73rd Ind Regt was to capture YONGCH’ON. PW heard that it would be reinforced by two (2) battalions from the WONJU Area.
Personalities:
Recon Plt Ldr - PAK, Ch’ol Hi (朴哲禧); Jr Lt (少尉).
Morale and Propaganda:
Majority of the troops ware against Communism and many of them planned to desert or surrender to the ROK Forces. PW believes that the morale of the troops was very low. PW states that many men decided to surrender to the ROK Forces after reading the propaganda leaflets which were dropped at KUSANDONG. PW surrendered to the ROK Forces with a safe conduct pass in his possession. PsW were told that they would be killed upon surrender but he states many of the troops did not believe this.
For the Commanding Officer:
WEELDREYER
Executive
