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보/고/서

ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 2720　18 December 1950

FIELD REPORT (IX CORPS MISD - 0189)　23 November 1950

PW had limited education and was seemingly unintelligent. He had approx one year of military service. During interrogation he was cooperative but was unable to recall place-names or dates. Further interrogation is not recommended.

(1) PW forced to join the 3rd Bn of the 42nd Army at FUAN ZANG, MANCHURIA o/a 15 Oct 49. After being placed on non-military status and working as laborers and working on farms, the 3rd Bn (strength approx 450) moved to TUNGHWA, MANCHURIA. O/a 14 May 50 where again they served as laborers and engaged in farming. O/a 16 Oct 50 the 3rd Bn departed TUNGHWA, MANCHURIA and marched across the border, crossing a railroad bridge at night o/a 23 Oct 50. Passing through MANPOJIN and marching approximately 1 kms the 3rd Bn stopped at a village on the main road to the south. The following night, the 3rd Bn proceeded south and arrived o/a 12 Nov 50 at a hill (NAM SAN - BV73O4) located approximately 3 kms E of TOKCH'ON (where the main road and the railroad ran into TOKCH'ON). Upon arrival there were approximately 115 troops in the 8th Company.

O/a 16 Nov for the first time, they were attacked by ROK units resulting in his units retreat. He was left behind, due to his feet which led to his surrender.

(2) The 42nd Army was composed of the 124th, 125th and the 126th Divisions. The PW's 125th Div was composed of the 373rd, 374th and 375th Regts. The 374th Regt had 3 battalions of 3 companies each. Each Co composed of 3 platoons of 3 squads each. PW's Co had 115 men. There was also a section of 60mm Mortar in his company. Each squad had from 9 to 10 men, 6 rifles and one LMG.

(3) Rations were secured with certificates issued through the NK Government. They ate twice daily, a meal consisting of corn and vegetables. They had no meat after arriving in KOREA.

(4) He was last issued a set of winter uniforms at TUNGHWA, MANCHURIA.

(5) Only means of communications was through the use of runners.

(6) Horsecarts were used at battalion level and lower and observed that trucks were used in Regiment.

(7) The 3rd Bn Hq was located approximately 3 km N of the railroad bridge in TOKCH'ON. During daylight hours the Bn Hq personnel would hide in the village and after dark would move into the mountains.

He heard his squad leader mention that the entire 42nd Army entered KOREA, however, the location and date of entry were unknown.

(8) Prior to departing TUNGHWA, MANCHURIA the Bn CO (HAN, Fam) made a speech stating that they were going to KOREA to fight but did not give any reasons.

Bugles were used in signalling.

90% of the troops did not have the will to fight because they did not wish to leave their country.

For the AC of S, G-2: