ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 1874 15 October 1950
FIELD REPORT (ADVATIS - 1142) 13 October 1950
1. PERSONAL DETAILS:| PW NAME: | KANG, Heo Gu (姜晦求) (강회구) |
| RANK: | Lt (中尉) |
| AGE: | 25 |
| DUTY: | Tank Maintenance man |
| UNIT: | 17th Armored Div (Code 122), 2nd Ind Bn, 4th Co |
| EDUCATION: | Primary (4 yrs) |
| OCCUPATION: | Farmer |
| PLACE OF CAPTURE: | P’UNG GI (豐基) (1140-1560) |
| DATE OF CAPTURE: | 27 Sep 50 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH: | KANGWON-DO, INJE-GUN, SOHWA-MYON, SOHUNGNI #247 (江原道 麟蹄郡 瑞和面 瑞興里 二四七番地) |
| HOME ADDRESS: | Same as above |
| INTERROGATOR: | S/Sgt NAKAYAMA (FEAF) |
PW was very cooperative and intelligent. He was a well trained tank maintenance man. Possessed good memory and reliable. All information was limited however. PW surrendered to 13th ROK Regt.
3. TACTICAL INFORMATION:Chronology:
10 Oct 46 - PW was inducted into NKA in P’YONGYANG (平壤). He was attached and assigned to 1st Div, 2nd Regt. Given infantry training for 1½ years.
The total strength of 1st Div at that time was approximately 2500 men. Most of the personnel were Koreans formerly with the Chinese 8th Route Army. The non-commissioned officers acted as instructors while taking basic training.
15 Apr 48 - PW and 250 men were selected and transferred to Training Bn of 1st Div. Here PW was trained to be a non-commissioned officer for 13 mos. Made Sgt, 15 May 49.
16 May 49 - Entered Tank Technical School in P’YONGYANG. Instructors were former graduates of the school who had been instructed by Russian Army personnel. The course lasted 4 months and diplomas were given to all graduates. The commandant of the school was Col KIM, CHORWON (金鉄元).
29 Jun 50 - PW assigned to 17th Armored Brig then being organized as a Co CO. The 17th Brigade had 41 T-34/85 Tanks. Each tank manned by 5 men.
1 Jul 50 - The 17th Armored Brigade went on maneuvers for one month. 3 to 4 tanks were used daily for testing purposes. Any defective tanks were sent to rear echelon tank maintenance Co. located in the valley 8 km N of P’YONGYANG at MIRIM (美林).
13 Aug 50 - The 17th Armored Brigade was re-designated 17th Armored Diy after personnel was increased to divisional strength. No. of tanks remained the same. The entire Div moved by train to WONJU. It took approximately one month due to UN aerial activities. Enroute they lost 8 T-34/85 Tanks.
19 Sep 50 - Departed ANDONG (安東) and arrived UISONG (義城). Engaged in combat with UN Force. In this engagement the 17th Armored Div lost 20 tanks reducing the total to 13 tanks.
23 Sep 50 - Departed for UIHUNG (義興) and engaged in battle for 2 days. Lost 3 more tanks leaving 10 and lost approximately 800 men leaving 1200. Received an order to retreat to ANDONG.
25 Sep 50 - Sustained heavy casualties, approx 1000 men and 1 tank. Total strength reduced to 200 men and 9 tanks. The division CO escaped.
26 Sep 50 - Withdrew to YONGJU (榮州). Enroute lost 2 tanks and 100 men. Kept withdrawing until they came to P’UNGGI (豐基). Strength was reduced to 15 men and no tanks.
Personalities:
17th Div (Armored) - CHONG KANG, Rank - Col (鄭강).
2nd Ind Bn CO U, PONG HAK (禹鳳學), Rank - Lt Col - was killed in action at P’UNGGI (豐基).
4th Co CO - KIM, HYONG MIN (金亨敏), Rank - Sr Lt - Killed in action at P’UNGGI.
Original Equipment for 17th Armored Div:
41 T-34/85 Med Tank
6 SU 76 SPA
30 Maxim HMG M1910
54 DP LMG
54 PPsh 1941 Sub-MG
The T-34/85 Med tank developes differential trouble. The driving gears usually had to be replaced which took 7 to 8 hours. The gears were manufactured in RUSSIA. The track is not too well constructed. It is adjusted too tight and the pin that joins and couples the shoes gives way or the pin hole gives. Six spare track shoes are carried as spare in each tank.
The wear of piston, piston rings and cylinder sleeves are determined by the thickness of smoke thrown out on exhaust stroker The sleeves and piston assembly are changed usually by 2 men taking approximately two days. Very seldom the connecting red gives out. Most of the engines are equipped with bronze bearing to minimize wear.
The fuel filter is changed every 20 hours and the fuel injectors are changed periodically to be cleaned and adjusted according to timing mark. The. valves are adjusted every 200 working hours.
T-34/85 tanks carried approximately 135 gal of diesel oil capable of travelling approximately 18-20 hours at moderate speed. Used heavy and light diesel oil. During the winter the crank case oil was changed to suitable weight. All the tanks go through periodic inspection for preventive maintenance.
US PW:
When PW was hospitalized in P’YONGYANG (평양) he saw 3 US PW's in hospital for medical treatment.
For the Commanding Officer:
WEELDREYER
Executive
