포로신문
보/고/서

ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO 4086　21 March 1951

FIELD REPORT (IX CORPS MISDI NO 0324)　3 March 1951

PW in good physical condition, and were cooperative, but information limited.

18 Oct 50, 1st Bn, 378th Regt marched across the bridge spanning the YALU River in MANPOJIN, from TUNGHA, MANCHURIA. After engaging UN forces in UNSAN (CY3927) and TOKCHON areas, 378th Regt advanced to CHUNCHON, following an engagement with the UN Forces at the 38th parallel 1 Jan 51. 11 Jan 51, the regt departed CHUNCHON and rested for about a month. 1st Bn departed 20 Feb 51, and arrived at an unk point 3 days later. Then moved eastward about 28 km via mountain trails, forced to withdraw to the W when attacked by UN tanks.

Arrived at a ravine between what PW believed was Hill 861 (CS778589) and Hill 812 (CS775595) 24 Feb 51. 27 Feb 51 the two PW deserted their unit and after about 6 hours of walking they met an I & R unit of the 8th Cav at (CS782563) 280700 Feb 51 and surrendered.

42d army composed of 124th, 125th, and 126th Div.

126th Div composed of 376th, 377th and 378th Regt.

378th Regt composed of 3 rifle battalions, 82 mm mortar co, medical unit and guard co. Regt strength approx 700 men.

1st Bn composed of 3 rifle companies and HMG co. Strength of the battalion was approx 220 (1st Cav report states approx 180 men) as of 27 Feb 51.

HMG Co composed of 3 platoons and the company strength was approx 80 men just before desertion.

2d Plat of the HMG co composed of 3 sqd, and the strength of the platoon was 30 men. Strength of the PW sqd was 10 (including PW) 27 Feb 51.

Heard from a stretcher bearer 26 Feb 51, that the 378th Regt Hq was at a village approx 12 km N of Hill 861. There is a small road, which seems to be a trail running from point CS800595 to NW direction, leading to the village. PW bn CP as well as battalion personnel were at a ravine between Hill 861 and Hill 812 27 Feb 51 and their battalion was at rest. 3 rifle companies of the battalion were scattered approx 1 km apart in the ravine area whereas the HMG co was located close to the battalion CP area.

3d Bn was in a mountain area approx 3 km SE of Hill 861. 2d Bn was on a mountain approx 3 km SW of Hill 861.

Heard from Co CO that 376th and 377th Regt were approx 8 km SE of Hill 861 25 Feb 51.

Observed 38th and 39th Armies moving S early Feb 51.

The company political leader told PW 20 Feb 51, that 3 armies, the 3d Field Army, a mechanized unit, (including tanks, arty and aircraft) was to come to aid the 38th, 39th and 42d Armies within 15 to 20 days.

Each Plat leader of PW company and the asst political leader left in early Feb 51 for CHINA for replacements, which had not come as yet.

Present arms and ammo situation in PW Co:

Ammo supply scarce and they were not expecting any supplies of ammo or other arms and equipment in the future. To save ammo, they were told not to fire unless they were at close range.

Although they foraged food villages, they did not have enough; sometimes 1 meal per day and, at most, 2 meals. Mostly rice and beans were obtained from villagers.

Since entering KOREA, they received shoe issues 3 times. Last issue was early Feb 51. No clothing was issued after entry into KOREA.

Heard from their company commander, as well as from their political leader, daily until 27 Feb 51 that they were to defend their present location for about 15 to 20 days at which time reinforcements would arrive.

Wen (fnu) (王), 30, CO 1st Bn

KYU Ran Hai (刘連海), 26, CO HMG Co

KYU (fnu) (刘), 20, Co political leader

HON Chong Kai (孫成濱), 25, 2d Plat Ldr

20 cases of frostbite in their Co. No known epidemics or other sicknesses. Majority of their company were suffering from sore backs and legs, caused by sleeping in wet and cold places.

Recently everyone in the company read the surrender leaflets practically everyday. Everyone of them was willing to surrender but to escape from the co area was extremely difficult while under the watchful eyes of the political leaders and the Co CO.

Heard of and also observed Chinese civilian stretcher bearers. Heard they came to KOREA about 2 months ago and that there are approx 400,000 (SIC) civilian stretcher bearers who are evacuating the wounded to CHINA. They were conscripts 30-50 of age dressed like soldiers, but their coats were long and buttoned down the center.

For the AC of S, G-2: