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ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO 2944　22 January 1951

The following information was obtained from recovered American military personnel, who were interrogated upon arrival in JAPAN from KOREA by Central Interrogation Center, ATIS. Interrogation was conducted at Camp Drake by Lt FUSCO.

Source was captured with 35 other members of his platoon on outpost duty when they were cut off by elements of the North Korean 4th Division on Hill 303 near WAEGWAN on 15 August 1950. They were disarmed and their valuables taken from them. They were moved about but were never more than 1000 yards from the point of capture. Other captured Americans joined the group until the number totalled approximately 42. Whenever the group stopped they were forced to lie face down on the ground with their hands tied behind their backs.

There were many instances of mistreatment by the North Koreans. Many were slapped, kicked, and butted especially when they refused to comply with the North Korean request that their radio be used to order the surrender of the battalion to which the captured Americans belonged. They were taken to a draw where they were told to sit down. A US counterattack was proving successful and the Americans were moving in. The North Koreans then ordered all the prisoners to stand up and without any warning opened up with their burp guns. Those who went down and were still moaning were shot again. The North Koreans went about the group and killed those who were still moving.

Source, although wounded, remained quiet and was overlooked. The enemy withdrew believing every one was killed. After a considerable length of time, the source dared to move and discovered by actual count that 36 were killed, 5 were wounded and one was not. The six survivors were rescued by the advancing US forces on 17 August 1950.

Source was captured with 4 other Americans by Chinese forces on 25 November 1950 near KUNU-RI. They led him to a CP where they took from him his watch, wallet, address book and photographs. Source and the other prisoners were interrogated as a group during 25, 26, and 27 November by a Chinese officer believed to be a Battalion Commander. This officer who spoke excellent English was described as about 46 years old, 5’ 6” tall, and between 160 and 170 lbs. His hair was greying at the temples. He did not wear glasses. He was very quick tempered and exceptionally agile in his movements. He was thoroughly cognizant of recent happenings in the United States. He was so well acquainted with the city of Seattle, Washington that the source believed he might have gone to college there.

One of the Americans, known to the source only by his nickname as “Blondie” was particularly offensive to the Chinese officer because of his tactless remarks and wisecracks. Sometime during the second or third day he was removed and never seen or heard from again.

The officer attempted to indoctrinate the source who was a negro. He knew considerable about Paul Robeson and Jackie Robinson and their attitudes towards communism. He wanted to know which of the two men’s viewpoints the source supported.

Source was captured alone by Chinese soldiers near KUNU-RI on 30 November 1950. He was taken to a CP where he was interrogated by an English speaking Chinese officer. He was told by the officer that a company of Japanese soldiers had been captured. He wanted to know if the source could help the Chinese locate the “Japanese Battalion” position. He was also interested in knowing which of the United Nations were supplying the pilots for the planes that are being flown over KOREA.

For the Commanding Officer, TIS: