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보/고/서

ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 2907　17 January 1951

FIELD REPORT (164 MISDI - 1299)　5 January 1951

Semi-cooperative: PW was evasive at times and seemed to be with-holding information.

Information seems fairly reliable.

PW conscripted into the NKA at WONSAN (CU 6535) 25 Oct 49 and assigned to the 7th Div, 31st Regt in WONSAN.

31st Regt was engaged in basic training and maneuvers at WONSAN until 20 Jun 50.

On or about 20 Jun 50, the 31st Regt departed from WONSAN by train and arrived at KANSONG (DT 5347) on or about 22 Jun 50.

On or about 22 Jun 50, the 31st Regt departed from KANSONG and marched through YANGGU MYONG (DT 1620) crossing the 38th parallel on 25 Jun 50 near NAEPYONG-NI (DT 0300).

The 7th Div engaged ROK Units at CHUNCHUN (CS 8893), WONJU (DS 0733), CHUNGJU (DR 0592), TANYANG (DR 3987), and ANDONG (DR 7646).

During Jul 50, the 7th Div was redesignated the ANDONG 12th Div at ANDONG. 31st Regt was redesignated the 2nd Regt. Other redesignations unknown.

The 12th Div marched southwestward and captured POHANG DONG (EQ 3388) during Aug 50.

12th Div also captured ANGANG-NI (EQ 2181) (Farthest extent of advance) Aug 50. Aug 50 and Sep 50, the 12th Div attacked the POHANG Air Strip, capturing and losing the airfield several times, but was forced to abandon the field because of UN counterattacks.

12th Div retreated northward o/a 1 Oct 50. Troops traveled in groups of 10 to 100, passing through the SOBAEK and TAEBAEK Mountain Ranges.

PW’s group reached KANGGYE (BA 9737) o/a 25 Nov 50. Signs were posted at various places designating the assembly area of each division. Some groups from the 12th Div retreated into MANCHURIA but were recalled to KANGGYE.

The 12th Div was reorganized at KANGGYE during the period from 18 Nov 50 to 28 Nov 50.

The 12th Div departed KANGGYE on 28 Nov 50 and marched through MUPYONG-NI (BA 8405), HUICHON (BV 3849), YONGDOK (BU 9744), crossing the 38th Parallel near INJE (DT 2813) o/a 26 Dec 50.

Many troops of the 12th Div who were hiding in the mountains joined the 12th Div while enroute southward from KANGGYE.

After crossing the 38th Parallel, the 12th Div marched through mountainous terrain, avoiding contact with UN Units.

1 Jan 51, the 12th Div was attacked by ROK Units at 12 Km South of HONGCHON (DS 0271).

PW was wounded and was taken to the rear for treatment. PW and twelve other wounded persons were captured by ROK, when the 12th Division retreated 3 Jan 51.

The 12th Div was composed of 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Rifle Regts, 1 Recon Co, 1 Signal Co, and a Rear Service Unit.

2nd Regt was composed of 3 Rifle Bns, 1 Recon Plat, and Rear Service Unit.

1st Rifle Bn was composed of 3 Rifle Cos, 1 HMG Co, 1 82mm Mortar Co, 1 Signal Recon Plat, and a Rear Service Unit.

PW stated that there were no artillery units in the 12th Div.

Personnel losses were chiefly caused by UN air and artillery.

Approximately 40% of the personnel with the 12th Div served with NK Units during the offensive in Jul 50 to Sep 50.

The mission of the 12th Division was to operate behind the UN lines as an organized guerrilla unit.

The units of the 12th Division were to attack and destroy small units but avoid engagements with large forces, attack villages for supplies, and to construct road blocks.

On 1 Jan 51, the entire 12th Div was attacked by a ROK Force at 12 Km South of HONGCHON (DS 0271).

The 12th Div was almost surrounded before retreating to an unknown location 3 Jan 51.

PW heard that more NK Units will be sent behind the UN lines to conduct guerrilla warfare.

KIM, Chol (金철), Colonel (大佐), CO, 2nd Regt, 12th Div.

YANG, Chin Kyu (양진규), Captain (總尉), CO, Rear Service Unit, 1st Bn, 2nd Regt, 12th Div.

Approximately 60% of the troops with the 12th Div were recruits who joined the unit during reorganization at KANGGYE (BA 9737) during the period from 18 Nov 50 to 28 Nov 50.

Only other expansion of the 12th Div was the acquiring of former NKA troops during the Southward movement.

While stationed in North KOREA, the 12th Div received food from the People’s Committee. After entering South KOREA, the food, usually unhulled rice, was “obtained” from farmers.

No ammo was issued since entering South KOREA.

PW believed that the plans are for all troops of the 12th Div to be armed with U.S. Weapons. The M1891/30 Rifles were to be discarded after using up the present supply of ammo and were to be replaced by equipment as it was captured. The weapons and ammo were expected to be captured from ROK Units.

Morale of the troops with the 12th Div was low because of the absence of NK Air and artillery support.

PW observed 3 Wireless transceivers with the 2nd Regt, 12th Div but heard that they were not in operation due to the lack of batteries.

At the time of this interrogation PW was wearing a cotton padded reversible coat. It was OD color on one side and white on the outside. PW states that these coats were issued to the 12th Div troops at KANGGYE during reorganization of that unit o/a 20 Nov 50. PW heard that the coats came from CHINA.

a. Did you surrender voluntarily? If so why?

No

b. Did you see any United Nations leaflets or hear any loudspeaker broadcast?

Yes. PW saw some UN leaflets during Sep 50.

c. Can you describe what they said?

UN leaflets stated that UN troops landed at INCHON, further resistance was useless, and urged troops to surrender.

d. What was your reaction to them?

PW believed that it was just propaganda. He believed what he was told by his superior: “If you surrender, they will kill you”.

e. Did you hear other soldiers discuss leaflets or broadcasts? What did they say or do?

No

For the AC of S, G-2: