ATIS INTERROGATION NO 3656 26 February 1951
The following information was obtained from recovered American military personnel, who were interrogated upon arrival in JAPAN from KOREA by Central Interrogation Center, TIS. The interrogation was conducted at Tokyo Army Hospital by Capt Shappell.
| LOOMIS, Joseph M. | 2nd Lt | O-2262289 | Btry C, 15th FA Bn 2nd Div |
| HORNE, Marion C. | Pfc | RA 14334912 | Hq Co, 3d Bn, 38th Inf Regt, 2nd Div |
On 12 Feb 51, near HOENGSONG, mixed elements of the 2nd Div were withdrawing to escape encirclement. The first convoy dispatched, successfully fought its way through several road blocks. A second convoy consisting of two tanks and ten vehicles was sent out and ambushed by Chinese from both sides of the road. The lead tank was disabled, several trucks burned, and all trucks had their tires shot. Enemy tactics were very good, their first shots killed or wounded the drivers and their second volley riddled the tires. The men in the convoy occupied both sides of the road and fought all day and night into the morning of 13 Feb 51. Both sources were wound in this engagement.
About 0300, the Chinese stormed the convoy and since only 37 Americans were still alive from an original one hundred (100) they surrendered. While surrendering, two unknown Americans were slow in raising their hands and were shot by the Chinese. The rest were quickly searched, nothing except weapons and ammunitions was taken and they were marched into the mountains by approximately 300 Chinese.
The group marched only a short time when they arrived at a solitary hut. In the doorway stood a grinning Chinese who insisted on shaking hands with every prisoner. Lt Loomis stated that the morale of the men was very high and their comments to the hand shaking Chinese were anything but flattering. After resting an hour, they moved further into the mountains to what appeared to be an assembly area. Here they were greeted by a Chinese of outstanding manner who spoke to them in good English. The gist of what he said was, that he spoke poor English, no one would be harmed, personal things would not be taken, however he must have their pocket knives, cigarettes and matches, food was scarce, Chinese don’t want war, only war mongers and money bags want war, President Truman and General MacArthur are responsible for this war. He then asked if the group was from the 7th Div. When no one answered, he singled out one man and asked, “Will you tell me what your Regt is?” When he received no answer, he concluded his questioning.
The group stayed here till the evening of 14 Feb 51. During the day, friendly plans strafed the area and two unknown prisoners were shot by the Chinese, as they attempted to escape during the strafing. That evening they were assembled and told that they would be marched 30 miles North to regimental Hqs. They were promised hot food, medical care and warm buildings when they arrived. Eventually they were to go to China and after the war was over they were to be sent to the US. When the wounded protested, they were segregated, told they could stay but there would be only one meal per day. Those capable of walking moved out and the wounded were left with no guards but with Chinese nearby in the mountains.
On 15 Feb 51, the group of wounded had swelled to forty men since fighting was continuing in the area and the spot in which the wounded were held seemed to be a PW collecting point. Since they had not as yet been fed and since there were no guards present, the prisoners decided to walk away. The group walked South on the main road to WONJU approximately three miles before being stopped by a second group of Chinese. Here rings, watches, photos and letters were taken, wounds were bandaged, food was given for the first and only time, and a warm building provided. The prisoners stayed here until 18 Feb 51. Since no further food had been given and no guards were in sight, the group decided to simply leave as they left their first captors.
Again they walked South on the main road, but before they had gone any distance they were fired upon by a third group of Chinese and motioned back. A group of nine, including subjects, entered a deserted house and found a sack of rice. The nine stayed here until 20 Feb when a further attempt to reach friendly lines was made. This time they avoided the main road and went into the mountains. Chinese were observed and the prisoners were under their fire but no one was hit. Group discovered a house, entered it and were fed by three Korean women. About dusk, a final attempt was made to reach friendly lines and after walking across the mountains for about three hours, the French lines were reached and the group was taken to the 3rd Clearing Hospital, 2nd Div.
General Information
1. Chinese very interested in collecting all US first aid pouches.
2. Chinese observed were all armed with M1 rifles, US web equipment, and 4.2 mortars.
3. Red stripes on trouser legs or on sleeve below the elbow worn by the majority of Chinese troops observed.
4. Some Chinese troops wore while bands on their left arm or around their neck. No printing on the band.
ATROCITIES (hearsay)
Lt Loomis spoke to two unknown soldiers in the group of prisoners who claimed they were shot for no reason after being captured. Did not escape. Fate unknown.
Both sources observed an unknown soldier in the group of prisoners who claimed to have had gasoline poured on him and ignited while he was in a jeep. Soldier’s trousers were burned off, legs and arms badly burned. No treatment given by Chinese. This man believed to have escaped.
For the CO, TIS:
WEELDREYER
