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보/고/서

ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 2592　8 December 1950

FIELD REPORT (Ⅸ CORPS - LDI - 0174)　17 November 1950

PW was cooperative and willingly gave information, which appears reliable. However, only limited details could be obtained due to his low rank and lack of education. Further interrogation not warranted.

PW conscripted into Chinese Nationalist Army, 20 Aug 49. 15 Dec 49, his Co was sent to defend MUNGHSIEN, CHINA, against the CCF; five days later the company was captured intact by the CCF. It was taken to MANCHURIA, where it became part of the 1st Bn, 340th Regt, 114th Div, 38th Army, and designated the 2nd Co. It then trained for two months, and PW trained as a LMG ammo bearer. 18 Oct 50, at 1900 hours, the 340th Regt arrived by rail at an unknown place at YALU River, and crossed into Korea by wading across with their clothing and equipment atop their heads. The remainder of the 114th Div, and the 113 Div also made the crossing at the same time. After crossing over into Korea, the 340th Regt separated from the other units and continued south. They marched for 8. days sticking to the main highway, until PW was told by his squad leader that they were west of HUICH’ON. O/a 7 Nov 50, at a point approx 7 km west of HUICH'ON (BV-6849), while the Regt turned eastward toward HUICHON, the 2nd Co separated from it to minimize the danger of enemy air attacks. Moved only at night and hid during the day. It finally reached a point approx 1 km southeast of Hill 814 (BV-5201), on the night of 13 Nov, around 2200 hours. As it kept going in march formation, the Company was attacked on Hill 814 receiving mortar, machinegun, and rifle fires, against which the company fired for approx 30 minutes. PW’s IMG crew moved to a high ground approx 500 meters west of the company position, and delivered fire into opposing positions. However, in a matter of a few minutes, two of the PW’s group were killed, and one slightly wounded by opposing machinegun fire. While the wounded man left to contact the squad leader, PW remained with the ammunition. He did not move until the following morning, when at 0500 hours, he descended from his position to investigate his area. He found 8 dead, including his company commander, platoon leader, and squad leader. Thereupon he climbed Hill 814 and surrendered to the ROK troops there.

2nd Co was composed of 3 rifle platoons of three squads each. Attached to the Co was a mortar squad, mixed medic and mess squad and a cultural section. Co strength was 11 officers and 88 enlisted men. 1st Bn was composed of 3 Cos, plus an independent 60mm Mort Co. 340th Regt was composed of 3 Bns. The 114th Div was composed of 3 Regts, one of which was the 340th.

PW heard at the time of the YALU River crossing that the 113th Div was also under the 38th Army. Whether there were others, he did not know, His Sqd Ldr told PW 10 However, the 1st Bn and the 340th Regt Hq were located at HUICH’ON. Disposition of PW’s company was unknown after it was attacked near Hill 814, although he believed that it withdrew north toward HUICH'ON.

2 days rations of kaoliang and bread were issued for meals to be taken to KOREA. Only corn after the original rations were consumed. After this they were issued North Korean currendy to purchase food from local villagers.

500 rounds for each LMG, 100 rounds per rifle, 50 shells per mortar, and 60 rounds per SMG were issued his company prior to departing MANCHURIA. No resupply was received since then. Each man carried 2 grenades.

2nd Co had 18 Jap model 38 rifles, 3 DPM LMGS, 12 SMGS and 260mm mortars, Plat Ldrs carried US carbines, while the Co CO and his executive had mozelle pistols. The Mortar Co attached to the Bn had 6×60mm mortars.

The length of service of the men in his company were 50% - 1 yr, 30% - 2 yrs, and 20% - 3yrs. About 80% were former members of the Chinese Nationalist Army.

Intervals of about 1 meter between persons were maintained. Intervals of 20 to 50 meters between platoons, and about 50 meters between companies were maintained. When attacked everyone went into prone positions of the spot. Marches were made only at night, and at daybreak wooded area about 1 km from the road were used for bivouac, ahd foxholes were immediately dug and camouflaged.

PW first heard that he was going to KOREA 15 Oct 50. He was not informed as to why he was going or that he was to engage in combat in KOREA. When his company was attacked on Hill E14, he did not know who made the attack, and only learned after capture that the United States Army was fighting the CCF. In his opinion, all the enlisted men of his company were unenlightened as he was concerning the war.

Lack of food and proper footwear, and fear of enemy aircraft were factors in lowering the morale of the troops. PW did not believe how the CCF can win the war due to the lack and inferior quality of equipment compared to the opposing forces. He was never told that he would be killed upon being captured.

For the AC of S, G-2: