ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 1633 4 October 1950
FIELD REPORT (ADVATIS - 0983) 1 October 1950
1. PERSONAL DETAILS:| PW NAME: | KIM, Chu Ho (金周虎) (김주호) |
| RANK: | Sr Sgt (上士) |
| AGE: | 21 |
| DUTY: | Aidman |
| UNIT: | Security Forces, 103rd Regt, 26th Bn, 82mm Mortar Co |
| EDUCATION: | Medical College (2 yrs) (SEOUL National Univ) |
| OCCUPATION: | Student |
| PLACE OF CAPTURE: | 2 km S of HAMCH'ANG (1110-1520) |
| DATE OF CAPTURE: | 25 Sep 50 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH: | P'YONGAN NAMDO, P'YONGYANG (平安南道 平壤) |
| HOME ADDRESS: | SEOUL, CHUNG GU, MUKCHONG DONG #17-27 (서울市 中區 墨井洞 十七番地 二七号) |
| INTERROGATOR: | MORI (FEAF) |
PW was inducted in the NKPA Security force at SEOUL while attending Medical College. PW stated that he was forced to join the MINCH'ONG (民靑) (Communist Youth Organization) o/a 20 Jul 50. Further stated that he had no interest in politics. Was talkative but not observant.
3. TACTICAL INFORMATION:Chronology:
7 Aug 50 : Inducted in NKPA at SEOUL. Assigned to Security Forces, 103rd Regt, 26th Bn, 82mm Mortar Co as aidman.
Departed same day with 26th Bn.
o/a 20 Aug 50: Arrived YONGJU (榮州) via WONJU (原州).
o/a 23 Aug 50: Arrived HAMCH'ANG with 26th Bn. Bn CP was set up here.
31 Aug 50: The 82mm Mortar Co, 2nd rifle Co and the Engineer Plt of the 26th Bn (a total of 200 men) were stationed at MUN'GYONG (聞慶) and vicinity. Engaged in security guard duty and mopping up of area.
23 Sep 50: The 82mm Mortar Co was ordered to report to the 26th Bn Hq at HAMCH'ANG.
24 Sep 50: Ordered by Co CO to retreat toward MUN'GYONG but after they had retreated 8 km the 82mm Mortar Co was ordered by 26th Bn CO to return to HAMCH'ANG and counterattack advancing US tanks.
25 Sep 50: Arrived at point 2 km S of HAMCH'ANG. The 82mm Mortar Co and an Engineer Bn were attacked by US tanks and aircraft. After 20 minutes of fighting both units were dis organized and retreated in disorder. PW was captured by Us forces.
Unit Organization & Strength:
The 26th Bn (450 men) consisted of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd Cos, HMG Co, 82mm Mortar Co, Engineer Plt, Transportation Plt, Medical Plt and a signal Plt. The 26th Bn was disorganized and retreated on 25 Sep 50.
Equipment:
As of 25 Sep 50 they had the following equipment:
1 x 82mm mortar, approx 30 rounds
1 x US made 60mm mortar, no ammo
9 x US made "Bazookas" and approx 60 rounds
3 x MAXIM HMG
Unit History:
The 26th Bn was organized at SEOUL on 7 Aug 50. PW heard that the 26th Bn CO was promoted to 103rd Security Regt CO on 24 Sep 50.
Dispositions:
The 26th Bn was the only unit in the MUN’GYONG Area. The Bn never received supplies of equipment or medicine.
Communications:
As of 20 Aug 50 the RR was open as far as YONGJU by means of the shuttle system. Bridges were destroyed. Trains stayed in tunnels during daylight and traveled only at night. The road conditions between YONGJU and HAMCH'ANG were good but some bridges were not yet repaired.
Intentions:
o/a 13 Sep 50 the 26th Bn departed HAMCH'ANG for security guard duty at a point 30 km N of TAEGU but was ordered to return to HAMCH'ANG. The 26th Bn now is retreating towards CH'UNGJU. The 26th Bn received 40 additional men recruited in the HAMCH'ANG Area.
Morale & Propaganda:
Morale of the troops of the 26th Bn was low due to lack of experience and shortage of rations and equipment. The NKPA propaganda was as follows:
1. The NKPA air force has bombed US ships transporting war materials to PUSAN.
2. The NKPA is not fighting SK but fighting the US imperialists.
3. The NKPA has already captured TAEGU and advanced 30 km to the South.
4. GENERAL:1. PW as medical aidmen for the Co were a Red Cross arm band. However the medical plt which was stationed in a farm house did not have any Red Cross markings.
2. On 22 Sep 50 PW received orders from Bn Hq to give typhoid vaccine to personnel of the Co. However, the 26th Bn was ordered to retreat before all the troops were inoculated.
3. The 26th Bn Transportation Plt had no trucks but used oxcarts.
4. PW had no knowledge of casualties as he was a member of the 103rd Security force and always behind the fighting areas.
5. The Code number of the 103rd Security Regt was 1935.
For the Commanding Officer:
WEELDREYER
Executive
