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보/고/서

ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 2380　27 November 1950

FIELD REPORT (521 - MISD - 0289)　23 November 1950

PW spoke freely, but lacked detailed information.

Length of Service : 4 mos

Physical Condition: Good

Age : 23

Reliability: Fair

5 Jul 50 - Inducted into NKA at his home in HOERYONG (會寧) and sent to WONSAN (元山) by train.

7 Jul 50 - Arrived at WONSAN and assigned to the 588th Unit.

17 Jul 50 - Assigned to the 2nd Bn, Ind Liaison Plat of the 588th Unit at SOHO (西湖).

Issued a uniform and a Japanese 38 model rifle with 100 rds of ammo.

The 2nd Bn’s mission was to defend the coast line in this area.

25 Oct 50 - The 2nd Bn destroyed the guns they had and retreated to HYESANJIN (惠山鎭) with other elements of the 588th Unit.

28 Oct 50 - The 588th Unit arrived at HYESANJIN and stayed at a school building for 3 days.

1 Nov 50 - Marched to KAPSAN arriving there the following morning. The unit continued south and arrived at SAMNAM (三南). Dug in south of SAMNAM to defend the area.

o/a 3 Nov 50 - The 588th Unit fought a battle with UN Forces and was forced to retreat to a mountain just north of NANAM.

14 Nov 50 - Retreated northward toward KAPSAN. PW deserted.

15 Nov 50 - Captured by UN _troops at SAMNAM.

The total strength of the 588th Unit on 7 Jul 50 was about 850. At this time the 1st and the 3rd Bns were located at WONSAN and the 2nd Bn at SOHO.

The total strength of the 588th Unit on 28 Oct 50 at HYESANJIN was about 600, The 1st and 3rd Bns had engaged in battle at WONSAN.

The total strength of the 588th Unit on 4 Nov 50 at NANRI upon retreating was less than 200. PW believes 50% deserted and 50% were killed or wounded.

The total strength of the 588th Unit on 13 Nov 50 just before PW’s desertion was not more than 100.

REMARKS: The 588th Unit was originally an Arty unit consisting of 3 Bns; each En of 3 Cos and each Co of 3 Plats. Each Bn had twelve x 76mm guns emplaced along the coast. These guns were all destroyed when the unit fell bock o/a 25 Oct 50.

The 588th Unit became an Inf Unit at HYESANJIN. The only weapons were 4 PPSH submachine guns to a Bn and a rifle with 100 rds of ammo and 3 hand grenades per man upon entering battle at NANAM.

KIM, Chun Taek (金準澤), Col (3 stars, red background), 30, 588th Unit CO

HAN, In Hak (韓仁學), Capt, 25, 588th Unit, 2nd Bn CO

KIM, Myon (金明), 25, Jr Lt, 588th Unit, 2nd. Bn, Ind liaison Plat leader

PW heard that the 507, 568, 401, 249 and other units were at SAMNAM as of 13 Nov 50. The total strength in the whole area was rumored to be less than 1,000. PW believes these units retreated to the KAPSAN area.

Morale was very low due to lack of ammo and heavy casualties. Troops were deserting whenever they had a chance.

Troops were fed 2 rice balls in the morning and one in the evening. PW does not know how food was obtained.

PW heard that 568th Unit CO was shot by a political leader due to lack of leadership o/a 7 Nov 50 at the KAPSAN area.

For the AC of S, G-2: