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ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO 3366　15 February 1951

FIELD REPORT (521- LDI - 0387)　1 February 1951

Source was cooperative and talked freely. Reliability fair.

5th ROK Regt CP was situated at OKTONG NI (DS 6208) with its Bn deployed on high ground in a defense perimeter. O/a 150500 Jan 51 elements of 9th and 10th NK Divisions launched a powerful drive through OKTONG NI, attacking from the west and north. Since the South Koreans were taken completely by surprise when this occurred, they retreated to the east without immediately engaging the striking force, countering the attack after falling back some distance with long range mortar fire. It was disclosed that this counter fire inflicted heavy tolls among the hordes of self-proclaimed "Liberators". 120 ROK PW were taken; 7 of them from the 5th Regt at OKTONG NI; 113 from the 5th Regt at OKTONG NI; 113 from the 8th Regt (7th ROK Div) who had previously been captured at YONGWOL (DS 5314). After a brief interrogation on military and tactical matters, PW were forced to follow the troops, preparing their food, as they moved in persuit of UN Forces.

150500 Jan 51 - Captured at OKTONG NI (DS 6208). Slept during daylight in wooded hills south of OKTONG NI.

151300 Jan 51 - 9th and 10th NK Div began to move eastward.

160600 Jan 51 - Both Div arrived at UIPUNG NI (DS 6602) via KOLGU (DS 6507). Remained here for almost two days at 9th Div CP; sleeping in the wooded hills during day and in village houses at night.

17 Jan 51 - US planes strafed and bombed villages in vic of UIPUNG NI; however, enemy losses were comparatively low since most of the troops were hidden in the hills and only a few remained in the village during daylight.

After dark 10th Div departed for TANGYANG area. Their route was believed to be through NORUMEGI (DS 6402), CHOMMAL (DS 6002), and SUHARI (DS 5702).

180001 Jan 51 - 9th Div began westward move toward the HAN River, via NORUMEGI (DS 6402) and Hill 645 (DS 6301).

180500 Jan 51 - After crossing Hill 645, 9th Div arrived at foot of hill where only three native houses were located. (DS 62.2-0.22) Troops dispersed to hills after breakfast and slept. During the night PW were confined in those three houses, being taken up into the hills again during the daylight hours of 19 Jan 51.

192000 Jan 51 - 9th Div resumed westward move along valley.

200400 Jan 51 - Arrived at OSARI (DS 5605) after wading across knee-deep HAN River. Opportunity to escape came when PW crossed with wounded NK troops; he fled toward Hill 404 (DS 5505).

After sweeping through the positions of 8th ROK Regt, then situated at YONGWOL (DS 5314), 9th and 10th Div penetrated further south. Both elements attacked OKTONG NI (DS 6208) together, striking the flanks of 5th ROK Regt from the west and north approx 150500 Jan 51.

Although the strength of these NK Div could not be determined, both were of sizeable force and there was no indication of their being under-strength.

Judging from the various uniforms worn by these troops, recent replacements had not been received since the majority still wore summer uniforms. Only those who wore padded type winter clothing were considered new comers (possibly a month back).

9th and 10th Div had neither vehicles nor Arty.

Morale of troops was generally low. Due to oppressive threats and propaganda by officers, the men fought bravely. However, individually, the men still feared death, some of them showing lack of spirit and will to fight. There were no signs of men wanting to surrender to UN Forces, because they had been told that they would be shot, if captured.

82mm M1941 or M1943 mortars: 4

12.7mm PShk M1938 HMG: 45 (15 to a Regt)

DPM LMG: 45 (5 to a Bn)

14.5mm PTRD-41 AT rifles: 81 (3 to a Co)

Russian rifles: 60%

PPSH SMG M1941: 35%

PPS SMG M1943: 5% (only NCO and officers)

F-1 Defensive Hand Grenades: 3-5 (per soldier)

RPG-43 Heat Hand Grenades:

Very scarce. Although PW spent five days with 9th Div, he has not observed any ammo-bearers carrying ammo boxes. Ammunition for mortars and machine guns was extremely low and troops were issued only an average of 50 rds for riflemen, 140 rds for men with SMG.

(1) 9th Div:

After crossing the HAN River vicinity OSARI (DS 5605) about 200400 Jan 51, this Div moved northward with PYONGCHANG (DS 4635) as its objective.

(2) 10th Div:

After leaving the 9th Div at UIPING NI (DS 6602) 171900 Jan 51, it departed for TANGYANG area to engage UN Forces.

Civ Clothes over Summer Uniforms: 80% (EM)

Padded Winter Uniforms: 17% (Replacements & Officers)

US OD, w/Russ styled Overcoats: 3% (Officers)

Foraged from various undamaged villages. Enemy sought food and shelter (at night) from undamaged villages and by-passed ruined areas. Troops usually ate once or twice a day.

SIN, (FNU)

Lt Col

32

CO of 2nd Regt, 9th Div

Height: 5' 4"

Weight: 132 lbs

During period 150500-200400 Jan 51:

KIA: Unknown

WIA: 200 (approx)

For the AC of S G-2: