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보/고/서

ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 1406　27 September 1950

FIELD REPORT (ADVATIS - 0876)　23 September 1950

PW was very cooperative and sincere. Not recommended for further interrogation.

11 May 49 - PW inducted in the army at SARIWON (沙里院). Received 6 months training with 800 recruits. Assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Bn. Performed various duties in SARIWON until Mar 50. Then ordered to report to the 1st Bn in HAEJU (海州), Which was a part of the 3rd Brig. PW trained with the 3rd Brig till May 50. Orders were received for the 3rd Brigade to report at HAEJU.

27 Jun 50 - The 3rd Brigade crossed the 38° Parallel by rail arriving 31 Jun 50 at KAESONG.

4 Jul 50 - The 3rd Brigade spent 3 days in KAESONG and departed for SEOUL (서울) by rail, arriving 9 Jul 50. Other units were then consolidated into the 3rd Brigade and PW was assigned to his present unit. The total strength of the new 9th Div was then approximately 10,600 men. The 9th Div was in SEOUL for approximately a month training and gathering supplies.

10 Aug 50 - The 9th Div commander, Maj Gen CH'OE, Ho San (최호산) issued orders to move out. The 9th Div marched south toward the NAKTONG River front. Enroute subjected to heavy aircraft attack with considerable loss of men and equipment. Approximately 150-200 men were either killed or wounded, 12 to 15 trucks damaged and approximately 12-13 × 76mm Arty pieces damaged. The 9th Div passed thru TAEJON, KUMSAN (錦山), KOCH'ANG (居昌), and down to HYOPCH'ON (陜川) where it was again subjected to heavy aircraft attacks. Approx 40 to 50 men were killed or wounded, 3 to 5 trucks damaged and 6 × 122-mm Howitzers and 45-mm AT Guns damaged.

20 Aug 50 - 9th Div reached the NAKTONG River area west of PUGOK-NI (釜谷里). Received no replacements and its strength was now down to approx 10,350 men when they took up position along the west bank of the NAKTONG River.

5 Sep 50 - 9th Div fought its way to YONGSAN (靈山)

16 Sep 50 - Because of heavy casualties and UN pressure started to withdraw. Lost all of its heavy equipment and 500-600 men, remnants recrossed the NAKTONG River. The Div was to move north toward CH'ANGCH'ON (倉泉洞) to regroup and receive replacements.

20 Sep 50 - During this rear guard operation, PW was captured.

9th Div - approximately 10,600 men.

9th Div - arppeocimately 10,350 men.

9th Div - 500-600 men.

The 9th Div lost practically all of its heavy weapons. PW knows of only 2 × 76-mm M1902/30 Guns that were intact. PW saw only 6 × 82-mm M1937 Mortars. Knows of only 2 × Maxim HMGs M1910 in the 9th Div. Claims that these are the only heavy weapons that the men of the 9th Div salvaged.

Div is to move to CH'ANGCH'ON (1110-1440) to regroup and receive replacements.

9th Div CG - Lee, Pyong Sik - Maj Gen

PW saw propaganda leaflets. The morale of the remaining troops of the 9th Div was very low at time of PW's capture. The heavy losses suffered, fear of fighter aircraft, tanks, and artillery which the NK were lacking lowered morale. Lack of food, news from home, cigarettes, and medical supplies also contributed to low morale.

The pressure on troops by officers from platoon leaders on up to Bn CO was great. Troops showing any sign of weakning were shot on the spot. Troops are pushed on to the front under threat of death and usually and dressing down by an officer is a daily occurrence.

For the Commanding Officer: