ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 3135 2 February 1951
FIELD REPORT (ADVATIS - 1309) 29 January 1951
| PW NAME: | KIM, Chong Nak (金宗洛) (김종낙) |
| PW NUMBER: | None |
| RANK: | Jr Lt (大尉) |
| AGE: | 29 |
| DUTY: | Staff Officer |
| UNIT: | NKA, 26th Brig, 5th Bn |
| EDUCATION: | 4 years Primary School |
| OCCUPATION: | Farmer |
| PLACE OF CAPTURE: | CHODO Island (■島), KOREA |
| DATE OF CAPTURE: | 8 Jan 51 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH: | KOREA, PYONGAN NAMDO, YANGDOK-KUN, TOK-DONG (平安南道 陽德郡 ■洞) |
| HOME ADDRESS: | KOREA, PYONGAN NAMDO, SUNCHON-GUN, CHASAN-MYON, CHUNGPYONG-NI #452 (平安南道 順川郡 慈山面 中坪里 452) |
| INTERROGATOR: | Pfc KATAYAMA (ATIS) |
PW was very cooperative and fairly intelligent. Reliability, good.
a. Chronology:
23 Mar 47: Entered Security School (保安學校) at NANAM (羅南) KOREA. KIM, Il Song (金日成) was the authority over this school. The curriculum of this school was as follows: Military training from close order drill to tactical training. Book Studies: Domestic and international situation, biographies such as STALIN and LENIN, History of the Communist Party. The course of this school was three years. Instructors were all NK civilians. The total number of students here at this time was estimated to be 3,000.
Jan 48: PW promoted to Jr Sgt.
30 Jan 48: PW, with 149 other students, was assigned to 571st Unit at P’YONGYANG, KOREA. The remaining students were assigned to the 2nd Div, 5th Regt and stayed at the same school.
8 Feb 48 - 16 Oct 50: 571st Unit was a guard unit which guarded the Defensive Ministry (保衛省), military whses and military factories in P’YONGYANG. PW guarded the 65th factory which manufactured Russian submachine guns (PPsh), ammo and hand grenades. PW commissioned Jr Lt Apr 50. This unit consisted of three Bns and had an estimated strength of 1500.
16 Oct 50: Unit received two more Bns, estimated strength of 1,000, from the 2nd Div stationed in P’YONGYANG and moved to SUNGHO-RI (勝湖里) approx 20 km E of P’YONGYANG to hold back the UN Forces. 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Bns were attacked by the UN Forces and suffered severe casualties. Consequently, remainder of each of the above Bns scattered. 2nd Bn, to which PW was assigned, did not engage the UN Forces.
15 Nov 50: The Bn, with an estimated strength of 500, retreated to MANP’OJIN (滿浦鎭) KOREA; 2nd Bn joined 26th Inf Coast Brig (二六■■■■■■) which had 4 under-strength Bns (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th). The 500 men of 2nd Bn of the 571st Unit were assigned to the above four Bns. Later, two more Bns were added to this Brig. PW was assigned to 5th Bn as Operations Officer. Each Bn consisted of 500 men. PW was promoted to Sr Lt on 22 Nov 50.
22 Nov 50: Received orders from KANG, Pyong Hak (姜炳鶴), Brig Commander, that 26th Coast Brig would march 40km behind the CCF and seek out ROK Security Forces. When ROK Security Forces were found, 26th Brig was to deactivate them, set up a NK Security Force and indoctrinate the members of the ROK Security Force. Unit did not find any ROK Security Forces.
11 Dec 50: Arrived P’YONGYANG. Stayed here four days eliminating UN snipers in the outskirts of P’YONGYANG.
14 Dec 50: Each Bn received the following orders: 4th Bn, Security of P’YONGYANG. 1st Bn, join troops of I Corps, 12th Div at CHINNAMP’O for Coast Guard duty. 2nd Bn, join troops of I Corps. 12th Div at ONJONG (■井) KOREA for Coast Guard duty. 3rd Bn, security of ANAK (安岳). Deactivate SK Security Forces if any. After this mission was completed 3rd Bn was to go on Coast Guard duty at an unk place. 5th Bn, join troops of I Corps, 12th Div at YONGSONG-NI (延松里) for Coast Guard duty. 6th Bn, move to YONGGANG (龍岡) where the 26th Brig Hq was transferred and guard the Hq.
19 Dec 50: 5th Bn, to which PW was assigned, arrived YONSONG-NI approx 15 km SE of YONGGANG. With the cooperation of I Corps, 12th Div, Arty Co dug trenches and gun emplacements (105 mm Field Gun and 120 mm Mortars) along the coast between CHINNAMP’O and ONJONG KOREA until 4 Jan 51.
4 Jan 51: 5th Bn received orders from KANG, Pyong Hak (姜炳鶴), Brig Commander, to report to CHON, Nam Gi (全南基), C/S of the 26th Brig, at CHINNAMP’O, KOREA, and under his command, 5th Bn with an estimated strength of 550, would split into two units; one unit to cross the TAEDONG River and deactivate ROK Security Forces in CHODO (■島). Then move on to CHANGYON (長連) for the same purpose and meet the other half which will go around from TAEAN-NI (大安里) 16 km E of CHINNAMP’O, cross the TAEDONG River and push into CHANGYON (長連) via POKTO (福島) 20 km SSE of CHINNAMP’O. Both forces would then move into ULLYUL (■■) for the same purpose and return to YONSONG-NI (延松里) upon completion, for Coast Guard duty. 4 Jan 51, th Bn headed by CHA, Chong Ul (車宗乙), with an estimated strength of 550, moved to CHINNAMP’O KOREA. Reported to CHON, Nam Gi (全南基), C/S. 5th Bn was divided into two groups, A and B, as follows: Group A consisted of 82 mm Mortar Co, Arty Co, and Engr Plat. Strength was 109. Of 109, only 68 men had rifles. A Group was headed by CHON, Nam Gi (全南基). B Group consisted of 1st Co, 2nd Co, and 3rd Co, Heavy Machine Gun Co, Reconn Plat and Comm Plat. Strength was 441. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Co were well equipped but the remainder were not. B Group was headed by CHA, Chong Ul (車宗乙).
6 Jan 51: On the evening of 6 Jan 51, B Group moved out toward TAEAN-NI (大安里), KOREA to undertake its mission.
7 Jan 51: On the evening of 7 Jan 51, the 68 men who had rifles in the A Group, crossed the TAEDONG River on two small wooden boats and just before they landed on the E shore of CHODO (■島) ROK Security Forces opened fire against them. Fire was exchanged at the beach head for about 10 minutes. ROK Security Forces drew back to the next defense position. Group A advanced about 2 km toward CHANGYON (長連) and fought for about 2 hours. During this skirmish, CHON, Nam Gi (全南基) and about 20 other men were killed or were severely wounded. These wounded were left behind the line.
8 Jan 51: Group A was attacked by the ROK Security Forces from three sides. Due to high casualties Group A tried to draw back but was trapped and captured. At this time there were only 28 men left. PW heard from the wounded that CHON, Nam Gi (全南基) and a few other men were evacuated to CHINNAMP’O. Some men hid on CHODO. PW did not know what happened to Group B.
11 Jan 51: PW with 27 other men were sent to PUSAN PW Stockade.
b. Organizational Breakdown and Strength:
The total strength (T/O) of this Brig was 4,000, as of 14 Dec 50. As of 8 Jan 51, the strength of 26th Brig was unknown to the PW.
c. Unit History:
26th Brig Coast Inf was organized in MAP’OJIN, KOREA Nov 50 of Korean soldiers who had retreated from the front. Brig was organized to counter INCH’ON (仁川) type landings.
d. Code Designation:
5th Bn of 26th Brig was called YANGJAGANG (揚子江) at MANP’OJIN 22 Nov 50.
e. Communications:
In each Bn there were six to seven field phones (US and Russian made) and one wireless set, but no radios.
f. Morale:
Low, because it was organized with Korean soldiers who had retreated. There were no recreational facilities and they took training at night due to the effective bombing of the UN Forces during daytime.
g. Replacements:
26th Brig received no replacements after 22 Nov 50 when this Brig was organized.
h. Supply:
In CHODO (■島) engagement, each man carried 5 days’ rations and 150 rds ammo for small arms and 2 hand grenades. Majority of heavy weapons were US made.
i. Personalities:
CHOE, Yong Jin (崔鎔鎭); Korean; President of Security School in NANAM (羅南); 40; Height: 1.73 m; Weight: 63 kg; Build: Slender; Complexion: Dark; Characteristics: Thick eyebrows, short temper; Married, 1 child; Last Seen: NANAM (羅南) Jan 48. As of 8 Feb 48, Security School was converted into military unit and was designated NKA 2nd Div.
HWANG, Sun Bong (黃■鳳); Korean; Instructor of Security School in NANAM (羅南); 27; Height: 1.70 m; Weight: 60 kg; Build: Slender; Complexion: Light; Characteristics: Thin and long eyes, round face; Married, 1 daughter; Last Seen: NANAM (羅南) Jan 48. Remarks: First graduate of P’YONGYANG Political School. Taught national and international situation and history of Communist Party at Security School. Co CO, 1st Bn, 5th regt, 2nd Co, 2nd Div.
LEE, Tong Ho (李東浩); Korean; CO, 571st Unit, Col (大佐); 38; Height: 1.75 m; Weight: 65 kg; Build: Well built; Complexion: Dar and red; Characteristics: Bloodshot eyes, long face; Married, no children; Last Seen: MANP’OJIN (滿浦鎭) 17 Nov 50. Remarks: Speaks a little Russian.
CHOE, Min Chol (崔珉■); Korean, Ass’t CO of 571st Unit, Lt Col (中佐); 44; Height: 1.80 m; Weight: 60 kg; Build: Slender; Complexion: Reddish yellow; Characteristics: Big eyes, big nose, big mouth; Married, no children; Last Seen: P’YONGYANG (平壤) Jan 50. Remarks: Served in CCF as Plat Ldr in CHINA until termination of WW II.
WANG, Song Un (王松雲); Korean; C/S 571st Unit, Lt Col (中佐); 30; Height: 1.60 m; Weight: 70 kg; Build: Fat; Complexion: Red; Characteristics: Small eyes, round hairy face, small nose; Married, no children; Last Seen: MANP’OJIN (滿浦鎭), KOREA 17 Jan 50. Remarks: Served in CCF in CHINA until termination of WW II. Graduated officer candidate school in P’YONGYANG.
SIN, Yu Chol (申炳■); Korean; Chief of Political Section, 571st Unit; Lt Col (小將); 40; Height: 1.56 m; Weight: 65 kg; Build: Well built; Complexion: Yellow; Characteristics: round face, big eyes; Married; Last Seen: P’YONGYANG (平壤) KOREA, 16 Oct 50. Remarks: Graduated P’YONGYANG Central Political School in the year of 47.
KANG, Pyong Hak (姜炳鶴); Korean; CG, 26th Brig; Maj Gen (小將); 45; Height: 1.65 m; Weight: 60 kg; Build: Slim and weak; Complexion: Red; Characteristic: High cheek bones; Married; Last Seen: MANP’OJIN (滿浦鎭), 22 Nov 50. Remarks: Formerly lived in CHINA. Speaks good Chinese.
CHON, Nam Gi (全南基); Korean; C/S 26th Brig, Sr Col (總佐); 25; Height: 1.57 m; Weight: 6 kg; Build: Well built; Complexion: red, dark; Characteristics: Big head, sharp chin; Single; Last Seen: CHODO (■島), 8 Jan 51. Remarks: Graduated P’YONGYANG CCS in 48, then went to RUSSIA for further mil ad. Returned to KOREA as a Maj.
CHON, Yong Sang (全永相); Korean; Bn CO, 1st Bn, 26th Brig, Maj (少佐); 29; Height: 1.55 m; Weight: 65 kg; Build: Fat, Complexion: Dark; Characteristics: Round face, small eyes, small nose; Married, 1 child; Last Seen: CHINNAMP’O (鎭南浦), 7 Jan 51. Remarks: Graduated P’YONGYANG OCS in 48. Served in CCF in MANCHURIA as Pvt (戰士).
BANG, Tae Ul (方泰乙); Korean; Bn CO, 2nd Bn, 26th Brig; Maj (少佐); 30; Height: 1.60 m; Weight: 65 kg; Build: Medium; Complexion: White; Characteristics: Big eyes, big head, big nose, sharp chin; Married, 1 son; Last seen: P’YONGYANG (平壤), 14 Dec 50. Remarks: Graduated P’YONGYANG 2nd Political School in ’47.
CHA, Chong Ul (車宗乙); Korean; Bn CO, 5th Bn, 26th Brig, Maj (少佐); 25; Height: 1.60 m; Weight: 65 kg; Build: Medium; Complexion: White; Characteristics: round face, small eyes, small mouth; Married; Last Seen: CHINNAMP’O (鎭南浦), 6 Jan 51; Remarks: Graduated P’YONGYANG OCS in 48.
KIM, HA Chong (金河晴); Korean; Bn CO, 6th Bn, 26th Brig, Maj (少佐); 27; Height: 1.65 m; Weight: 65 kg; Build: Medium; Complexion: White; Characteristics: Big eyes, round face; Single; Last Seen: P’YONGYANG (平壤), 14 Dec 50. Remarks: Graduated P’YONGYANG OCS in 48.
For the Commanding Officer:
ROBINSON
