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ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 2681　12 December 1950

FIELD REPORT (IX CORPS LDI - 0197)　28 November 1950

PW was very cooperative, willingly gave information and seems to have a good memory for place-names and things observed Information considered fairly reliable in view of his rank and short military service, but not recommended for further interrogation.

PW conscripted on 30 Jul 50 at TOGWON (?) and sent to SONGNAM NI to receive 15 days Infantry Training. After training, he was assigned to the 546 Navy Ind Rear Guard Bn and the entire Bn moved to a small harbor (name unk) about 16 kms N of WONSAN. The purpose of this movement was to stack torpedoes along side the harbor, ready to load on ships (type unk). Fishing boats were used to haul the torpedoes out to the ships, which were anchored off shore. O/a 3 Sep PW and 140 others moved to WONSAN, leaving approximately 20 officers behind. There, this group was redesignated the 680 Navy Ind Rear Guard Bn. O/a 5 Sep the 1st Co moved to P'YONGYANG, PW's 2nd Co moved to SEOUL and the 3rd Co remained in WONSAN. PW's Co guarded the area in which were located various Naval Shops. O/a 23 Sep the unit received orders from higher headquarters to establish defensive positions in the event of enemy attacks. Two days later, they were beseiged by the enemy and the disorganized unit scattered in the vicinity of SEOUL. PW deserted the unit and headed for his home (SUNCHOW). However, he was caught by the NKA o/a 25 Sep at UIJONG SU. This unit consisted of stragglers (about 50 men). After a day, the unit was caught in an air raid and it also became disorganized and scattered. PW, again deserted and headed for his home and once again was caught, this time by an Officer (who was from his 680 Navy Ind Rear Guard Bn) at UNSAN NI. After marching north for 13 days, he again deserted the unit at 40 kms N of KANGGYE. He subsequently passed CHONGHON, HUICHON SINHUNG DONG (BV5223) and surrendereld to ROK forces at a coal mine located N of TOKCHON.

While enroute to CHASONG (CAO493) PW’s unit consisted of about 500 troops. There were 4 companies of which 160 men were in PW’s 2nd Co.

In a squad, there was average of 1 rifle (w/75 rds).

There were 3 SMGs to the Bn (144 rds). About two hand grenades per man. No mortars or artillery observed.

There was one truck in the Bn. There were 6 ex-carts. The truck was used to carry gasoline, food, clothing and officers personal belongings.

PW did not know the present whereabouts of his unit except that he had heard that it was to go to CHASONG by 28 Oct 50. He also heard from his Asst Platoon leader that the unit may also go to MANCHURIA.

While the PW was at KANGGYE (30 Oct - 10 Nov 50), he noticed that all the homes in KANGGYE were occupied by CCF troops, while the NKA lived in houses on the outskirts of the city. The CCF seen were concentrated in the N, W and E Sectors of the town. He noticed, that during the day, the troops remained in the house, while at night, they seemed to come out of hiding.

101900 Nov 50 PW was forced to wait 2 hours on the main road crossing located 6 kms N of the city, before he could cross to the other side because of CCF troops (estimated 4,000) marching into KANGGYE from MANPOJIN in column of two’s and in platoon formation. These troops were armed with Jap rifles and LMGs. Distance between platoons was 20 m. Distance between troops 2 m.

At CHONCH'ON on 15 Nov PW observed CCF retreating to the north towards MANCHURIA. Observed approx 200 of whom 3/4 were armed with rifles and appeared to have been defeated in battle. Believed that maw NKA stragglers were included in the group. They were travelling on foot. These retreating groups carried no food.

On the same day, PW observed approx 400 NKA at a small village (name unk) about 3 kms S of CHONCH’ON. Type or number of weapons was unknown. However, at the same time, he observed approx 160 men leaving and heading south. Purpose of this movement was unknown. They were armed with approx 130 Russ rifles and 30 SMGs. They were all dressed in Chinese Army uniforms and were carrying their rations in their knapsacks, Present location of this group unknown.

PW also observed CCF troops in this same village on the same day. There were an estimated 50 men armed w/Jap rifles who were eating at the time. Further details unknown.

On about 19 Nov 50 approx 8 kms north of SINHUNG DONG, while heading for his home, PW observed approx 1,000 men of the CCF. Since he saw them at night the number and the type of weapons could not be determined. PW also observed several trenches dug and guards in them. These guards were also armed w/Japnrifles. At the same time he observed approx 10 trucks parked in the area but could not see what was carried because they were covered with canvas. All these troops were wearing Chinese uniforms.

While travelling from SINHUNG DONG to TOKCH'ON he met a group of CCF (about 300 men) on a road o/a 20 Nov 50 3 kms S of SINHUNG DONG.

Around 202400 Nov he met CCF troops 12 kms S of SINHUNG DONG below the MULKU RI Mountains and was forced to stay with them. There were about 60 uniformed men armed with 55 Jap rifles and 5 PPsh. Each man carried a day’s rations. PW stated that the troops were retreating to HUICHON for strategic purposes (he learned this, upon talking to me of the men). He was taken along with the group, to be turned over to the Home Ministry Guard, but he managed to escape and headed for TOKCH'ON once again on 21 Nov.

On 22 Nov he observed approx 60 men armed with Jap rifles, 6 kms N of the TOKCH'ON Coal mines. They were prepared to ambush enemy patrols passing near the area. When the PW passed, he states that, he was fired on but was able to escape.

For the AC of S, G-2:

IIDA