ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 3771 3 March 1951
FIELD REPORT (2 DIV LDI 0196) 13 February 1951
| NAME: | HWANG Tsu Shen |
| AGE: | 30 |
| DUTY: | Ammo Bearer |
| UNIT: | 4th Field Army, 39th Army, 117th Div, 351st Regt |
| DATE & PLACE OF CAPTURE: | 121500 Feb 51, vic of HOENGSONG |
| INTERROGATOR: | Pfc AKASHI |
Information herein was obtained by PW from a briefing given to the troops by the company political officer prior to leaving N of SEOUL. It is considered hearsay; however, there is a possibility that it may be true, but doubtful.
During the battle of HOENGSONG 121500 Feb 51, PW sqd was under heavy enemy fire, unable to move, PW and one other hid in a hole trying to hide from enemy observation but were captured.
a. Intentions:
While elements of 4th Field Army rested E of SEOUL, UN Force steadily advanced towards the HAN River. Realizing that if the HAN River was secured by the UN Force it would trap 2 CCF armies below the HAN River then 4 CCF armies were dispatched to encircle HOENGSONG and annihilate 3 ROK Regt and 1 US Regt in that area, besides checking other further enemy advances. During this counter-attack 2 CCF armies were to withdraw and set up a defense line along the HAN River. On completion of the withdrawal, 4 CCF armies were to conduct a delaying action up to and across HAN River; then establish a strong defense line joining other 2 CCF armies to check the enemy until 4th phase offensive operation begins. 9 Feb 51, 38th, 39th, 40th, and 42nd Armies left N of SEOUL with the above mission and arrived in vic of HOENGSONG 11 Feb 51 and attacked 12 Feb 51. PW did not observe 38th, 40th, and 42nd Armies during their movement, but according to the political officer, 39th and 42nd Armies were to hit HOENGSONG from the front, while 38th Army swung SW from NE of HOENGSONG coming in from the west. 40th Army was to head south between HOENGSONG and the west coast until making enemy contact then move NE above HOENGSONG swinging around it and hitting it from the east. 39th Army is made up of 3 div, 115th (estimated strength - 12000), 116th - 15000, 117th with 10,000 men. It has an attached arty bn (400-500 men), transportation plat (42 men, trucks), and litter bearer plat (500-600 men). Arty Bn had mountain guns, heavy mortars (5 in dia, and carried by 4 pack horses), and field guns (approx 80mm in size, 10 ft long). 117th Div composed of 351st Regt (also known as the 18th or 41st Unit, strength - 2000 men), 349th Regt (also known as 16th or 39th Unit - strength - 1700-1800 men), and 350th Regt (also known as 17th or 40th Unit strength - 2500 men). It also has 2 arty batteries, each with 4 infantry guns (size unk) and 4 guns (smaller than infantry guns)
b. Weapons:
2nd Bn had the following weapons: 6x60mm mortars, 2x82mm mortars, 2 anti-tank rifles, 6 HMG (US made), 9 LMG, and all men were issued M-1 rifles after the battle of INSAN. Old rifles were sent back to the rear, each man carried 100 rd, and 4 hand grenades. PW does not know where his Bn or Regt CP were located but the 117th Div attacked HOENGSONG in the following formation: Div Hq to the rear of the 351st Regt while 349th Regt was on the left flank of 351st Regt and 350th Regt on the right. The bn were in a column with 2nd Bn in the lead and 3rd and 1st Bn following.
c. Food:
Fed only 2 times a day, troops not satisfied.
d. Clothing:
All wore winter uniform.
e. Morale:
Low, troops don't want to fight against UN Force because of their superior air power.
f. Physical Condition:
Troops appear healthy.
g. Contagious Disease:
None.
For the AC of S, G-2:
OJI
