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ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO 3604　27 February 1951

The following information was obtained from recovered American military personnel, who were interrogated upon arrival in JAPAN from KOREA by Central Interrogation Center, TIS. The interrogation was conducted at Tokyo Army Hospital by Capt GERARD.

About 1100 12 Feb 51, Co “K” 9th Inf was surrounded and those remaining alive (about 20 or 30) were captured by the Chinese in the vicinity of WONJU. Since the area was being strafed by UN aircraft, source and 7 others were taken to a nearby house and searched. The Chinese seemed to be very happy to get the M-1 and Carbine ammunition carried by their prisoners. Source also lost his harmonica and 2 pictures of girls which were in his billfold. Nothing else was taken. Propaganda leaflets were passed out. Source was able to remember only that they were written in English and Korean. The text as nearly as can be remembered was, “Fear not, you will not be harmed and will be properly cared for and none of your personal items will be taken. You are our friends.” and another said, “You should be home with your loved ones instead of fighting for someone’s profit.”

The 8 PW stayed in this house until dark. Source stated that there were over 100 other captured Americans in the same area however he was unable to make any contact with them. After dark this group of 8 were given a lecture on Communism (in poor but understandable English). Source slept through this lecture.

For a period of 4 days the prisoners were marched north at night and rested during the day. At one stop (location unknown) the group of ■ was joined by an American Maj, 2 Capt and 3 Lt (names unknown). All were taken to a Korean home and interrogated individually by a “kind-looking man” who spoke English quite well. The interrogator, a Chinese, said his name was TONG and that he was a “small officer” (probably NGO). He wrote down answers to all questions that were asked during the interrogation. Source recalled the following questions:

What is your name?

Rank?

Serial No?

What job did you have before coming into the Army?

What state are you from?

After the interrogation TONG gave a lecture on Communism during which he accused the American forces of shelling Chinese cities with battleships. He also told them that over 100 of the group of prisoners in the vicinity would be sent to a Communist school about 20 mi N of HOENGSONG where they would learn to be Communists in about 2 or 3 weeks.

While being held here source saw a large number of horse drawn artillery pieces being taken south. He counted up to 50 but there were many more. The artillery pieces were pulled by either 4 or 6 small Manchurian horses. Source estimated that the guns were American 105 mm because of the pintle. The guns (covered with canvas) were described as “quite high with a long barrel and a pintle exactly like the American 105 mm Howitzer.” Many carts of supplies were also in evidence.

On 17 Feb, approximately 11 wounded prisoners, source included, were lined up and given a “Safe Conduct” pass which read “If caught again you will be shamefully destroyed. We are your friends. You will be guided to your lines safely.” The 11 were released and started south. They were picked up by Australian troops and evacuated.

For the CO, TIS: