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ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 4102　21 March 1951

FIELD REPORT (163 MISDI 0299)　21 February 1951

While guarding hill, 12km N of WONGJU, PW deserted and, with Safe Conduct Pass in hand, made his way to UN lines where he was captured. Sought chance to surrender for a long time. Not recommended for further interrogation. Talked freely, but accuracy of information not judged.

Mission: 196th, 197th, and 198th Div plan to defend present area until warm weather at which time a larger force in rear is to begin its offensive. Regt of 196th Div are deployed on present front in ten day intervals. Only one Regt is committed at a time. 588th Regt was on its fourth day.

(1) Original Strength: When entered North KOREA, Oct 50.

196th Div: Approximately 6000

197th and 198th Div strength similar to 196th Div.

20th Army Group: 66th, 67th and 68th Corps, no other Corps.

66th Corps: 196th, 197th, and 198th Div.

67th Corps: 199th, 200th and 201st Div.

196th Div: 586th, 587th and 588th Regt.

Units directly attached to Division:

Transport Unit. Reconnaissance Co.

Medical Co. Guard Co.

Signal Unit. 82mm Mortar Co. (six mortars)

Mess Unit

Code Names:

66th Corps: "FENG HWA PU" (春華部)

196th Div: "YUN SHAN PU" (雲山部)

Code Numbers:

588th Regt: "23" Unit

586th Regt: "21" Unit

587th Regt: "22" Unit

All code names and numbers originate when entering KOREA.

(2) Present Strength:

196th Div: 3000

588th Regt: 1000

One Bn: 300

Many casualties suffered from frostbite while coming nouthward. As of 20 Feb 51 588th Regt located approximately 16 Km or north of WONGJU. 586th Regt located about 4 Km north of 588th Regt. 587th Regt located about 4 Km north of 586th, near Div Hq.

Oct 50 - 66th Corps entered KOREA near SINUIJU and followed after 4th Field Army. No UN troops encountered until arriving near 38th Parallel. Troops traveled on foot.

1 Jan 51 - 196th Div engaged ROK 2d Div near 38th Parallel. ROK unit retreated, many ROK prisoners captured and turned over NKA.

12 Jan 51 - 66th Corps moved to KUMHWA for rest.

3 Feb 51 - Departed KUMHWA and moved Southward. Troops fought through HONGCHON and other places until arrival at present location.

17 Feb 51 - 588th Regt first to be deployed at present front.

20 Feb 51 - While PW Platoon maintained guard on hill, troops were told to be careful about firing into their own troops for a bridge demolishing group was heading their way. About 2400 hours, heard two loud explosions which he assumed was the bridge being blown. Immediately after this explosion PW deserted.

HMG Co. CC: TZAN Tzu Loo

High ranking officers called by numbers.

4 LMG to rifles Co.

4 HMG to HMG Co.

All troops armed with either US or Japanese rifles.

3 x 60mm Mortar to a Co.

6 x 82mm Mortar to a Regt.

82mm Mortar Co attached to Div also possessed 6 x 82mm Mortars.

3 to 4 Hand Grenades per soldier.

5 Antitank grenades to a Platoon.

No Artillery.

Telephone communication was used as far down as battalions.

Two wireless transmitters, (battery run) used by Regt Hq for communication with Div Hq.

70 horses each Regt used in transporting supplies.

No vehicles.

No resupply of food or clothing; but ammunition transported by trucks to certain points where picked up and transported by animal packs to each unit.

Heard that 40th Corps has secured west flank of 66th Corps. 3rd Field Army is in vicinity of KUMHWA, North KOREA. Troops are being resupplied with additional weapons and clothing and are preparing for a big offensive as soon as warm season comes. (This information was given to all the troops).

North Korean troops were seen in the rear of 196th Div. PW believed North Korean troops will be used as reserves.

All troops do not care to fight, they want to return to their own country. If they should die they would rather die in their own land. Many want to surrender but cannot do so at will for they are too well guarded. Aircraft are most feared by troops because there is no effective weapon to counter air attacks. Troops were told that war cannot be won if they were to fight at a distance because of UN superior weapons. Troops are deployed as close to enemy as possible and apply mass assault. PW stated of cases where tanks are attacked by grenade armed individuals. Troops will crawl towards tank, one by one, until they are close enough to throw their grenades.

PW is a former Chinese Nationalist solider. Captured January 1949 and later conscripted into CCF. More than half of CC troops in KOREA are former Chinese Nationalist soldiers. Main CC Forces still remain in CHINA. PW education - 6th months primary school. Age: 20

For the AC of S, G-2: