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보/고/서

ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 2698　13 December 1950

FIELD REPORT (ADVATIS Special Report No 0220)　25 November 1950

PW was intelligent and very cooperative after the first day of interrogation. Memory was good. Reliability, fair.

Born in TUNGFUSA (洞佛寺), MANCHURIA, Completed 6 years of primary school at TIENCHIAOLING (天橋嶺) and 1 year of middle school at YENCHI (延吉), MANCHURIA.

Mar 45 - Jul 45: Attended the Locomotive Stokers Training School in TUMEN (圖門), MANCHURIA.

Aug 45 - Oct 48: Engaged in farming at TIENCHIAOLING-CHU, CHUANKUAKLIN-TSUN (天橋嶺区 轉角楼村)

5 Oct 48: Volunteered for service with the Northeastern People's Liberation Army (東北人民 解放軍) CCF.

Oct 48 - Nov 48: Received preliminary training with 3.00 Koreans in WONGCHAN (汪精), MANCHURIA.

12 Nov 48: Assigned to the Independent 11th (164th) Division, 3rd Regiment (492nd Regiment), 1st Battalion, 3rd Company, heavy mortar squad, located in HSINCHING (新京).

Nov 48 - Jul 49: Engaged in field training and maneuvers in preparation for battle with Nationalist Forces.

24 Jul 49: Departed HSINCHING with the entire Independent 164th Div, which comprised Koreans only.

27 Jul 49: Upon arrival at NANAM (羅南), the 164th Div was redesignated the 5th Div.

In Nov 48 PW joined the Independent 11th Division (獨立 十一師團) in HSINCHING (新京). The Division Was comprised of Koreans conscripted in MANCHURlA, following the capitulation of JAPAN. After 15 Jan 49 the Independent 11th Div was redesignated as the 164th Division of the TSUNGWA LENMIN CHEFANGJIN (中國人民 解放軍) Chinese People's Liberation Army, 4th Field Army. At that time, the personnel strength of the Fourth Field Army was in excess of one million.

Prior to JAPAN’s surrender, the nucleus of the Chinese Communist Forces was the 8th Route Army (人路軍), supported by the New Fourth Army (新四軍 SHINSU Army). Soon after JAPAN’s defeat, the Northeastern People’s Liberation Army (東北人民 解放軍) was organized under the supervision of officers from the 8th Route Army. On 15 Jan 49, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army was formed through the amalgamation of the 8th Route Army, the SHINSU Army and the Northeastern People's Liberation Army. Four field armies were organized under the Chinese People's Liberation Army, the fourth of which was formed by the Northeastern People's Liberation Army, commanded by LIN, Piao (林處).

Organization and Equipment of the 164th Division of the Fourth Field Army, Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

(NOTE: No Unit designations were used by the 164th Division while stationed in HSINCHING. See attached diagram for organization of the 164th Division.)

Organization was triangular in nature. Three companies; three platoons per company; three squads per platoon; three sub-squads per squad.

Platoon leader and assistant platoon leader held officers ranks and were referred to respectively as BANZAN (班長 leader) and PU BANZAN (副班長 assistant leader). Same designation applies to squad leader and assistant squad leader, although they later were NCOs.

Sub-squads were known as JO (組) and each was composed of 3 EM: one NCO and two privates.

Four officers were assigned to each company, a company commander (連長), an ass’t company commander (副連長), a political leader (指導員), and an ass’t political leader (副指導員).

An independent "Administrative Platoon" was attached to each company. A 40mm Mortar Squad of eleven men and a Mess Squad of twelve men were attached to the Administrative Platoon, which was under the direct command of the company commander, assisted by the assistant company commander, political leader and assistant political leader. In addition a bugler and two messengers were attached to the Administrative Platoon.

Equipment:

(NOTE: Weapons were all exchanged for SOVIET Arms after the 164th Div arrived in NANAM, North KOREA on 27 Jul 49.)

Three Japanese manufactured type "99" rifles were issued to each sub-squad. Three Manchurian hand grenades, with wooden handles, were carried by each infantryman.

1st Squad - Three 7.6mm Canadian manufactured light machine guns; one US made automatic rifle (manned by the squad leader) (grease gun or BAR), and one type "99" rifle (manned by the assistant squad leader). Canadian and American weapons were those captured from the Nationalist Army.

2nd and 3d squads - one US made automatic rifle per squad leader and one type "99" rifle per man.

Platoon - Platoon leader carried a Manchurian made 12 round CHIOZU (小銃) captured pistol or a Japanese type "14" pistol. Assistant platoon leader had a US made automatic rifle (grease gun or BAR).

Administrative Platoon - 40mm Mortar squad, three 40nm mortars. Squad leader - US automatic rifle. Assistant squad leader - type "99" rifle.

Mess Squad - No weapons.

Company - each officer was equipped with a pistol. Messengers and clerks carried Japanese type "39" infantry or cavalry rifles.

Battalion Units - In addition to three companies, to each of the three Battalions in the Regiment was attached a supply platoon, a medical platoon and a heavy machinegun and 60mm mortar co.

Organization and Equipment of Supply Platoon:

An administrative officer and a supply officer were in charge of the Intendance Squad (経理班) and the Mess Squad (炊事班), each equal having a strength of 10 men. The two officers were equipped with pistols. Balance of the personnel of the Supply Platoon were unarmed. Two horse carts were assigned to the Intendance Squad.

Medical Platoon - Commanded by a medical officer. 16 medical personnel composed the strength of this platoon. American medical supplies, captured from the Chinese Nationalist Army, were utilized. Only the medical officer was armed. No ambulance cars were observed. Platoon was equipped with stretchers only.

Heavy Machine Gun and 60mm Mortar Co - Commanded by 4 officers, the company leader, assistant co leader, instructor (指導員) and assistant instructor. Consisted of six, platoons - three heavy machinegun platoons and three sixty mm mortar platoons. Organization of squads and sub-squads. was similar to that of the rifle companies.

Company officers were armed with pistols. Each of the three heavy machinegun platoons in the 1st Battalion was equipped with two Japanese type "92", air-cooled, heavy machineguns, Heavy machinegun platoons in the 2nd and 3rd Battalions were equipped with water cooled U.S heavy machineguns and air cooled German heavy machine guns.

Two horses were used to haul each heavy machinegun. Squad leaders were armed with US automatic rifles. Platoon leaders were armed with pistols. Assistant platoon leaders were armed with US automatic rifles (grease guns or BAR). Each of the three 60mm mortar platoon had two US or Manchurian made 60nm mortars. Manchurian mortars were manufactured in HARBIN. Weapons carried by platoon leaders, assistant platoon leaders and squad leaders were the same as in the heavy machinegun platoons.

Independent Regimental Units:

81mm Mortar Co - Three platoons, each consisting of three 11 men squads. Each platoon had two US 81mm mortars. First and second squads had one 81mm mortar each. The third squad functioned as an ammunition and pack squad, using 4 horses to transport the mortars and shells. Squad leaders carried American grease guns. Platoon leaders were armed with "SHIOZU" pistols.

45mm Gun Co - Three Platoons, three eight men squads to each platoon. First and second squads each had one 45mm gun, captured from the Chinese Nationalist New 7th Army. Third squad had 4 horses. Platoon and squad leaders were armed with "SHIOZU" pistols. The gunner for each 45mm gun was armed with a US automatic rifle.

Medical Unit - Stationed at Regimental Hospital. Organization unknown.

Rear Echelon of Regiment (圛石方部) - Approximately company strength, and organized into three sections. 1) the Intendance Section; 2) the Food Section; 3) the Clothing Section.

Independent Units Immediately Attached to the 164th Division:

1. Artillery Battalion. Organization unknown. This Battalion had no artillery as of Jul 49. Training equipment available consisted only or training manuals.

2. Engineering Battalion. Organization unknown. PW believed the Signal and Communication Units were included within this unit.

3. Medical Unit Battalion strength, including approximately 50 nurses. Unit was stationed at the field hospital.

4. Rear Echelon. Battalion size. Functioned as a supply agency for arms, ammunition, food and clothing.

PW heard that the 164th Division, 8th Division and a part of the 10th Army Corps of the CCF surrounded. HSINCHING (新京) in the middle of Jun 48. Chinese Nationalist troops defending the city at that time were the 68th Army and the New 7th Army (新七軍). HSINCHING fell to Communist hands on 17 Oct 48. The CCF 164th Division, then referred to as the 11th Division, remained to occupy the city, while the CCF 8th Division and the 10th Army proceeded to MUKDEN (奉天) soon after the occupation of HSINCHING.

Three former Japanese-Army medical officers were assigned to the 164th Division Hospital in HSINCHING.

In July 1949 the 164th Div Hq, 3d Regt, 10th Regt and the Arty Bn were in HSINCHING.

On 24 Jul 49 the entire 164th Division departed HSINCHING on freight trains and arrived at NANAM (羅南), North KOREA, on 27 Jul 49, where it engaged in training untll the beginning of Jun 50. In NANAM, the 164th Division was redesignated as the 5th Division of the NKA.

The 166th. Division of the CCF, Fourth Field Army, departed MUKDEN in May 49, arid trained at SINUIJU, North KOREA, until the outbreak of hostilities. This Div was comprised solely of Kreans conscripted in MANCHURIA, and was renamed the 6th Div of the NK Army. Replacements for PW’s 5th Div in NANAM were sent in Apr 50 by the 7th Div located in P'YONGYANG. PW heard from these replacements that the 7th Div was organized in P'YONGYANG by Korean veterans collected from various CCF Units which had engaged in campaigns on the coastline opposite HAINAN ISLAND.

As of Dec 48, males between the ages of 18 and 30 were subject to military service. Volunteers under 18 years of age and above 30 were accepted after physical examinations. Subsequent to vigorous propaganda campaigns, each village was notified of its draft quota. Villagers were told that soldiers were required to protect their land from Chinese Nationalist troops. Village youths usually responded to the draft call voluntarily since they were grateful for the land, clothing, food, horses, cows and other domestic animals given to them by the CCF. Moreover, youths were eager to wear uniforms and bear arms. If the quota was not satisfied by volunteers between the ages or 18 and 30, propaganda was intensified by the Communist officials until the required number was filled. If the propaganda failed, lots were drawn by all eligible males, under the supervision of village authorities. The draft was net regarded as compulsory conscription since youths were almost always willing to volunteer for their villages.

As of Jul 49, wages of privates, squad leaders and all soldiers below the rank of platoon leader were the same, 36,000 Yuan (圓) per month. The pay scale of other personnel was unknown. Price of a pack of twenty, high quality cigarettes was 15,000 Yuan. Motion picture admission fee was 3,000 Yuan.

No Soviet equipment was issued while the Div was stationed MANCHURIA.

Three meals per day were served from May to October (summer). From November to April, only two meals were served daily, but the quantity of food remained the same. Meals consisted of Kaoliang, Chinese cabbage radish, soy bean oil and, on occasions, soy bean cakes. On Sundays soldiers ate rice and pork with vegetables.

One cake of soap, toothbrush, tooth powder, and towel were issued about once every four or five months. Two summer uniforms and one winter uniform, padded with cotton, were issued once a year. One overcoat, padded with cotton or goat hair, was issued in the winter. Two Pairs of white cotton underwear were issued in the summer. Only one pair was supplied in the winter. Uniforms and overcoat were either yellow or khaki colored. Other articles of clothing issued were as follows:

Communist indoctrination courses and debates were held at irregular intervals. Political instructors lectured on the status of communism, world trends and imperialism. The CCF propagandized the "inseparable relations" of the Chinese people and its troops and promised the people that they would be treated with kindness.

The wealthy, who had their property confiscated, were opposed to the CCF, but were compelled to conceal their feelings. Attitude of farmers was favorable, since the CCF dispatched troops. to assist in the cultivation of land during the busy farming season and was ready to send soldiers to help the needy. General attitude of the civilian population as regards. Communism and the Communist Army, was favorable.

Reveille: 0500 hours.

Running exercises with rifles: 0505 to 0600 hours

Cleaning of barracks and personal cleanliness: 0600 to 0800 hours. Political instructors lectured for about 30 minutes two or three days a week from 0600 to 0630 hours.

Breakfast: 0800 to 0840 hours

Military training, drills, marching, rifle practice, grenade practice, and guard duty, 0840 to 1200 hours (Rest periods were given at the discretion of platoon leaders).

Noon rest period: 1200 to 1230 hours

Lunch: 1230 to 1330 hours (summer only. In the winter, lunch was not served. Soldiers rested during this period).

Noon siesta: 1330 to 1430 hours (summer only)

Daily afternoon schedule differed in the summer and winter.

Summer

Military training (as prescribed by platoon leader): 1450 to - 1730 hours

Supper: 1800 to 1830 hours

Recreation time (tennis, basketball, baseball, etc): 1831 to 2000 hours

Criticism of daily attitude and training: 2000 to 2030 hours

Repair of clothing and other personal effects, study, etc: 2030 to 2138 hours

Roll call: 2130 hours

Taps : 2200 hours

Winter

Political indoctrination: 1330 to 1430 hours

Supper: 1530 to 1600 hours

Recreation time: 1600 to 1730 hours

Political instruction: 1730 to 1830 hours

Discussion of daily training: 1830 to 1900 hours

Recreation time: 1900 to 2030 hours

Roll call: 2030 hours

Taps: 2100 hours.

Sunday was the regular holiday in the winter and summer. Soldiers were allowed to leave the barracks freely. Saturday, morning was devoted to training with the balance of the day as free time.

Major General KIM, Chang Dok (金昌德) alias LEE, Tok San (李德山), 56 years of age, former commander of the Korean Independent 164th Division of the CCF Fourth Field Army in HSINCHING (新京), native of HAMGYONG PUKTO, (咸鏡北道), North KOREA; moved to MANCHURIA while still a child; married, one son age, 20, and two daughters ages. about 16 and 12; wore thick glasses with biack and yellow dotted celluloid frame; 1.7 m tall, large round face, fat build, weight at least 80 kg. KIM's son was a student in a higher middle school in NANAM (羅南), when the 5th Division was stationed there. KIM was quartered in a house located 300 m NW of the People's Theater (人民 劇場) and 750 m NW of the NANAM Railroad Station.

Sr Colonel (總佐) CHO, Kwan (趙官), about 32 years of age; former commander of the Third Regiment, Korean 166th Division of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, in MUKDEN (奉天); small freckled face, weight about 70 kilograms, 1.7 m tall, slender build.

Sr Colonel (總佐) LEE, Tok Won (李德原), about 42 years of age; former political leader of the 164th Division in HSINCHING, MANCHURIA; married; small eyes, slender build. 1.68 m tall (was often erroneously believed to be the brother of the Division Commander.)

Colonel (大佐) LEE, Ung Pyo (李應表), 37 years of age; former ass 1t regimental commander of the Korean 166th Division in MUKDEN and former commander of the 492nd Regiment of the 164th Division in HSINCHING, (CHANGCHUN); left lower molar teeth missing; long lean face, tall; college graduate.

Major (少佐) LEE, Ke Hwa (李桂花) 32 years of age; formerly Operations Officer for the Korean 164th Division, 491st Regiment in HSINCHING, MANCHURIA; native of KYONGSANG PUKTO (慶尙北道), South KOREA; slender build, long narrow face, 1.7 m tall; two upper incisor teeth gold plated.

Captain (總尉) CH'OE, Un Sik (崔運植), 24 years of age; native of HAMGYONG PUKTO (咸鏡北道); former commander of the 6th Co, 2nd Bn, 492nd Regt, 164th Div in HSINCHING. Previously resided in SURIPIN, CHILIN-SHENG, WANGCHAO-HSIEN, SHIHRIPING (吉林省 汪精縣 十里坪); height 1.69 m, slender build, long narrow face, large mole on rignt side of forehead and under nose.

Captain (總尉) CH'OE, Chae Do (崔制道), in charge of political indoctrination of soldiers; 23 years of age; native of HAMGYONG PUKTO (咸鏡北道); graduated higher middle school (高等中學校) in MUTANCHIANG City (杜丹江市), MANCHURIA; former cultural executive officer (指導員) of the 3rd (9th) Co, 3rd Bn, 492nd Regt, Korean Independent 164th Div in HSINCHING; received two months training, from Jul 49 to Sep 49, at the First Officers Training School (第一 軍官學校) in P'YONGYANG. Height 1.67 m, slender build, narrow race, pale complexion. Seriously injured in the right leg, face and chest by 105mm shell fragments during the battle of KWANGOU (江口), 8 km south of YONGDOK in the middle of Jul 50; hospitalized at KUMGANGSAN (金剛山).

Lieutenant (中尉) KIM, Chang Sik (金昌植), 24 years of age; former resident of LIAOHO (療河) MANCHURIA; former commander of the 3rd Platoon, 3 Co, 1st Bn, 492nd Regt, Independent Korean 164th Division in HSINCHING; 1.6 m tall, weight 65 kilograms, round face, daak complexion, two lower and one upper middle teeth gold plated.

Officers of the CCF, Fourth Field Army, 164th Division (as of Jul 49).

Following are names of officers identified by the PW:

CO of Fourth Field Army: LIN, Piao (林彪)

CO of 164th Div: LEE, Tuk San (李德山) Manchurian alias of KIM, Chang Dok (金昌德)

Political Commissioner of 164th Div: SONG (FNU) (宋)

CO of 492nd Regt: LEE, Ungpyo (李應表)

Political Commissioner of 492nd Regt: LEE, Tok Won (李德原)

Chief of Staff, 492nd Regt: PAK (FNU) (朴)

CO of Rear Echelon, 492nd Regt

(Ammo, food and clothing supply officer): HWANG, Hyon (黃鉉)

CO of 1st Bn: HO, Min Ji (許民致)

Political Instructor of 1st Bn: CHON, Won Il (全元一)

CO of 3rd Co, 1st Bn: KIM, Tae Jun (金泰俊)

Ass't CO of 3rd Co, 1st Bn: SIN, Tong Hwa (申東華)

Political Instructor of 3rd Co: PAK, Tong U (朴東禹)

Ass't Political Instructor of 3rd Co: HAN, Bong Chol (韓鳳喆)

CO of 1st Plat, 3rd Co, 1st Bn: CHOE, Hwangyong (崔焕龍) (dead)

CO of 3rd Plat, 1st Bn: KIM, Chang Sik (金長植)

Political Instructor of 3rd Bn: YON, Do Hwa (亷度化)

Chief of Operations of 491st Regt, 164.th Div: LEE, Ke Hwa (李桂花).

CO of 6th Co, 2nd Bn, 492nd Regt: CHOE, Un Sik (崔運植)

Political Instructor of 9th Co, 3rd Bn, 492nd Regt: CHOE, Chae Do (崔制道)

PW did not have seen or heard of the capture of any UN Forces but later admitted that he had heard of the killing of 20 ROK PWs by the NK 5th Division. He insisted that the 5th Division had never captured any Americans.

On 20 Jul 50, PW observed 9 ROK PWs of the ROK 8th Division, 32 Regiment in PINGHAI-RI (平海里), in the custody of the 5th Division, 12th Regiment, 1st Battalion. These ROK PWs were imprisoned in a village farmhouse located 8 km south of P’YONGHAE-RI. The officer responsible for control and interrogation of ROK PWs was a captain (總尉) CH'OE, Un Sik (崔運植), Sr Adjutant (上級副官) of the 1st Battalion. Commander of the 1st Battalion was Major (少佐) LEE, Ke Hwa (李桂花). ROK prisoners were interrogated for tactical information by 1st Lieutenant (中尉) KIM, Chang Sik (金長植), commander of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Company, and CH'OE Un Sik. PW observed ROK prisoners being interrogated by the above-mentioned officers on 20 Jul 50. Questions were asked concerning troop strength, movements, equipment, and combat experience of the ROK Army in the same area. The interrogating officers threatened the ROK prisoners, telling them that they would be beaten and killed if information was concealed. However, the ROK prisoners spoke readily, and there were no cases of mistreatment or killing of prisoners. Major General (少將) KIM, Chang Dok (金昌德), commander of the 5th Division, had issued orders not to mistreat ROK PWs soon after the outbreak of hostilities.

Approximately 80 ROK prisoners (ROK 8th Division) were observed by the PW at YONGHAE (盈海) around 28 Jul 50. These ROK PWs were captured by the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Battalions of the 12th Regiment, 5th Division. Commander of the 3rd Battalion was PAK, Sangsu (朴尙洙), later killed in action. Senior Adjustant of the 2nd Battalion was Capt (總尉) SIN, Dong Hwa (申東華). ROK PWs were taken to the 12th Regimental Headquarters, then located about 2 km NW of YONGHAE (盈海).

On or about 7 Aug 50, approximately 60 ROK prisoners of the ROK 8th Division were captured by the NK 5th Division, 12th Regiment, 3rd Battalion, and were observed by the PN at YONGDOK (盈德). Two hundred ROK prisoners were taken by the 10th Regiment of the 5th Division on 20 Sep 50 near the airfield adjacent to the SORA River at P’OHANG-DONG (浦項洞).

Commander of the 10th Regiment was Colonel (大佐) PAK (朴), 36 years of age; former Chief of Staff of the 3rd Regiment, 11th Division in HSINCHING; graduate of a Japanese University. While retreating, soldiers of the 10th Regt shot and killed 20 of the ROK PWs in a mountain (name unknown) 2 km SW of YONGIL (迎日), 4 km SW of P’OHANG-DONG. PW heard that the ROKs were killed under orders issued by Colonel PAK, (FNU) Commander of the 10th Regiment. A report previously had been submitted to the Commander of the 5th Division in P’OHANG (浦項) by Colonel PAK, which stated to the effect that 200 ROK FWs had been captured at a point 4 km NW of the airfield. Since only 180 of the ROK PWs were taken to the Division Headquarters at P’OHANG-DONG, the Colonel was asked by Division Commander KIM, Chang Dok (金昌德) as to the whereabouts of the remaining twenty. The PW was standing about 10 m from the Division Commander when he heard the Colonel reply that he had executed 20 ROK prisoners while engaged in a retreating battle with the ROK 16th Regiment. The Colonel said that the ROK PWs were shot while attempting to escape. PW insisted that he had never seen any American PWs, but had read in a troop newspaper (published on 17 Aug 50 at the 5th Division Headquarters by the Cultural Dept (元化部) commanded by Sr Col (總佐) LEE, Tok Won (李德原), that the North Korean 7th Division had captured 170 to 180 Americans at P’OHANG-DONG on or about 14 Aug 50.

The 10th Regiment of the 5th Division scattered propaganda leaflets near the P'OHANG-DONG airfield during the early part of Sep 50, in an effort. to discourage American soldiers and persuade them to surrender. PW’s unit, the 1st Battalion of the 12th Regiment, received about arty copies of the leaflets but did not have the opportunity to use them. The leaflets contained photographs, names and ranks of American PWs of the 24th Division, who were captured at TAEJON (大田) and at TAEGU (大邱). Printing was done in the English language. Officer in charge of printing the leaflets was General (中將) KIM, Chaek (金策), commanding the front line Headquarters of the Korean People’s Army (朝鮮人民 軍線 司令部). In SEOUL, prior to the outbreak of tl:!c war, KIM, Chaek was responsible for executing the responsibilities of Vice-Cabinet Minister (內閣付 首相) of the North Korean Democratic People's Republic (朝鮮 民主主義 人民 共和國).

For the Commanding Officer:

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART OF SECURITY BN (As of March 48)

CHART - 1

* NOTE: Company Hq consisted of---

1 CO

2 Political Officer

2 Medical aid men

1 Clerk

1 Bugler

4 Messengers

10 Mess personnel

114 EMs

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART OF 3RD ARMY (As of March 47)

CHART - 2

Bn & Co Hq Consisted of the following:

CO - 1

Asst CO - 1

Political Officer - 1

Medics - 2

Mess personnel - 10-12

Bugler - 1

Clerk - 1

Messenger - 4

(Bn T/O was greater)

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART OF 4TH IND DIV AS OF JAN 49

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART OF THE CCF ARMY

NOTE:

1. The 1st sqd of each Plat was called, “Light MG (7.6mm) Sqd.”

2. There were 11 men per Sqd, 33 men per Plat plus 2 officers.