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ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 2894　16 January 1951

FIELD REPORT (IX CORPS MISD – 0206)　19 December 1950

Prisoner was cooperative during interrogation but due to his youth, rank and lack of education, information was vague and incomplete although it was believed to be reliable. Not recommended for further interrogation.

a. The 8th Ind Inf Regt was under an unknown Corps. PW heard that a 9th Div and a 34th Regt were under the same Corps but other details were unknown.

b. The 8th Ind Inf Regt was organized approximately two months ago at ICH’ON (NK) and was composed of NK stragglers and deserters. It included approx 450 men, organized into 3 Bns with approx 50 men in each Co. The PW observed one 60mm Mortar (with 100 rds) which was in the 2nd Bn, and 2 HMGs in the 3rd Bn. He also observed 4 LMGs in the Regt, one of which was in his company. About 90% of the men were armed with Russ M1891/30 rifles and Jap model 38 and 99 rifles. All men carried 300-400 rds each. PW heard that prior to the departure of the Regt from ICH’ON (three days after it was organized) approx 200 rds, which was brought to ICH’ON from CHINA on the backs of Koreans from village to village, was donated to each man by the “Chinese Woman’s Association”. After departing south from ICH’ON, the Regt was stationed in unknown mountains villages and travelled by unknown mountain trails during which time it did not engage any enemy. About a week ago, it arrived at YONGHON to engage the ROK unit reportedly stationed there. However, not meeting the enemy the Regt proceeded south the following day and marched 4 kms on the main road. At this point the Regt turned right onto mountain trails and travelled 2 kms after which they crossed the IMJIN River 15 Dec. Approx 800m SW from the river was a main road running NW to SE. Here the Regt Hq and the 3 Bns established their CPs, including the PW’s Company Cp. Location was unknown. 16 Dec at 0100 hrs, PW and 11 others were sent to reconnoiter an area, within a 16 kms radius of the Regt CP, for defense positions and enemy dispositions. The group travelled 4 kms in a westerly direction along the main road, crossed a bridge, proceeded 1 km further W and turned S into a secondary road for 1 km, after which they arrived at a small unknown village at 0600 hours on the same day. At 0700 hrs the group was challenged by an enemy unit there, and all of the reconnaissance group fled except the PW, who was captured. PW heard from his captors, that the name of this village was KUNGPYONG NI.

c. PW observed 4 US PsW (One Negro, 3 White) at YONCHON. These PsW were taken along with the Regt when it proceeded south to their last (known) CP area. PW stated that the US PsW were well-treated.

After the 8th Ind Inf Regt was reorganized, all men were instructed by the Regt Comdr to treat all PsW well.

d. PW stated that the 8th Ind Inf Regt reconnoitered enemy withdrawal routes between 0400 and 0600 hrs, after which a suitable location (preferably mountainous) for an ambush would be chosen. Troops were instructed to bring the greatest fire power possible, at once, upon enemy from a 5 to 6 meter distance, when possible.

e. PW stated that members of his unit were identified only by a white brassard around their left arm.

PW heard that the CCF troops were attacking P’YONGYANG. He was not sure, when he heard this, nor did he know of any other particulars.

For the AC of S, G-2: