포로신문
보/고/서

ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 2585　7 December 1950

FIELD REPORT (Ⅸ CORPS - LDI - 0182)　22 November 1950

PWs were very cooperative and answered all questions asked, however; they were not familiar with the terrain and locations. The information given seems reliable. Not recommended for further interrogation.

PWs and approximately 1000 men were inducted into the 40th Army of the CCF at HAINAN Island, and shipped to KAIYUEN (開原) MANCHURIA, where PWs were assigned to the 38th Army. O/a 22 Oct, PWs and the 342nd Regiment left KAIYUEN for NORTH KOREA by train and crossed the border (believed to be lANPOJIN) o/a 25 Oct. On that same morning they arrived at an unknown place. On the morning of the 26th, PWs and their unit marched to KUJANG DONG (BV4517) on the main road, passing through KANGGYE (BA9737), HUICHON (BV6749) and arriving at KUJANG DONG on 12 Nov. Then the unit travelled mountain trails for 5 days, arriving in the vic of SIMJON CHỌN (BV4605). On the morning of 18 Nov, their Co and the 1st Rifle Co, 1st Bn were ordered to move and defend Hill 998 (BV4504). On the way, PWs were separated from their unit when the unit was caught in machine gun fire. They were captured by the 2nd Regt, 6 Div, ROK on 181500 Nov.

The 38th Army was composed of the 112th, 113th and 114th Divs. 114th Div was composed of the 340th, 341st and 342nd Regts. Each Regt was composed of 3 Inf Bns, 2 Arty Btrys, one Guerrilla Co and one Signal Co, Each Bn was composed of 3 Rifle Co’s and one Combined HMG & Mortar Co. Each Rifle Co was composed of 3 Rifle Platoons and one 60mm Mortar Platoon. The Combined HMG & Mortar Co consisted of 2 HNG Platoons, one Mortar Platoon and one Bazooka Platoon. Each Rifle Platoon was made up of 3 Rifle Squads and the 60mm Mortar Platoon had 3 squads.

The strength of personnel, arms and ammunition of units of the 342nd Regt follows:

2nd Plat - Personnel- Original Officers 3 and EM 42; Officers were still 3 but the EM strength down to 39 at the time of their capture. Their weapons were one Carbine (30 rds and one pistol (rds unk) and 3 HMGS (Us) with 1000 rds.

Combined HMG & Mortar Co - Personnel - Officers 10; EM 145; Civ (Kor) 1. Total present equipment included 3 Carbines (30 rds), 4 pistols, 6 HMGs (1000 rds), 2 × 81mm Mortars (US) (20 shells), and 2 Bazookas (US) (24 shells).

Rifle Platoon - Personnel - Officers 2; EM 28. Total present equipment consisted of 18 Jap Rifles (80 rds), 1 Pistol (15 rds), 1 Carbine (50 rds), 3 LMGs (US) (150 rds) and 3 grenades per man.

Rifle Co - Personnel- Officers 10 and EM 137; Civ (Kor) 1. Equipment consisted of 54 Jap type 38 Rifles (80 rds), 7 Carbines (50 rds), 3 Pistols (15 rds), 9 LMGS (US) (200 rds), 3 × 60mm Mortars (US) (21 shells) and 3 grenades per man.

The Artillery Battery consisted of 6 Officers and 30 men; equipment consisted of 6 Field Guns (size unk), 3 grenades per man and 36 horses.

PWs stated that food is obtained from farmers. The food supply is very low and at times they did without food for a day or two, due to incessant harassing by enemy aircraft of their supply lines. All troops have two meals daily but it is insufficient.

Before the unit crossed the border, winter clothing consisting of furlined caps, cotton padded coats and trousers, furlined shoes and a pair of socks were issued to the troops.

Prior to the PWs capture 18 Nov, the 342nd Regt Hq was believed located in vic KUJANG DONG (BV4517). The 3rd Bn of the 342nd Regt was located 3 kms SE of KANGJONG (YE5512). The 1st Bn Hq was located 2 kms N of SIMJON CHON (BV4605). PWs stated that their CO was responsible for defending Hill 998 and their mission was to attack WAWON (BV4801).

The 2nd Bn established defensive positions on their left flank along the high ridge of TANGI (BV5205).

PWs heard from others that approx 500 North Korean troops were at (BV5409) and moving towards TOKCHON (BV6904).

PWs stated that approximately 20 troops were killed in air attack. PWs also mentioned that 12 Field Guns (size unk) which were drawn by 36 horses, were last observed at KUJANG DONG, however, PWs believe it all destroyed by UN air attacks.

PWs claim that the majority of the 342nd Regt personnel were formerly in the Chinese Nationalist Army and that they were willing to surrender at the first opportunity.

Morale of the 1st Bn of the 342nd was very low due to insufficient food and travelling strange country in a cold climate.

For the AC of S, G-2: