포로신문
보/고/서

ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO 4117　22 March 1951

FIELD REPORT (163-MISDI-0326)　9 March 1951

(Atchd 1st Mar Div)

7 Mar 51, heard a surrender broadcast from an airplane. 7 Mar 51, PW Co (2d Co) withdrew to rear of hill DS0257 Y. Taking this movement as an opportunity PW and 2 other men deserted and headed ESE toward UN line. 081000, surrendered in vicinity of DS0656 L (Hill 505). Cooperative during interrogation.

The mission of 586th Regt 1 Mar 51 was to set up defense positions vicinity DS0257 Y (Hill 737) to DS0356 J (Hill 773) and protect positions in every possible way.

b. Strength of unit: (Nov 50 at SINUIJU, North KOREA).

(1) Original Strength:

586th Regt - 3000

3d Bn - 800

9th Co - 130

3d Plat - 45

Code Names and APO number: 196th Div - “SSU SHIHI PU” (41 unit)

586th Regt - “ERH SHIHI PU” (21 unit)

(2) Present Strength: 5 Mar 51 vicinity DS0257 Y (Hill 737).

586th Regt - 500

3d Bn - Deactivated 1 Mar 51 near HONGCHON (DS0272)

9ht Co - Deactivated

3d Co - 70

2d Plat - 22

Bn and Co of 586th Regt were deactivated o/a 1 Mar 51 and reorganized as 1st, 2d and 3d Co assigned directly to 586th Regt. This was due to heavy casualties from frostbite and air attacks.

Nov 50 - 66th Corps crossed at ANTUNG, MANCHURIA, into SINUIJU, North KOREA.

1 Jan 51 - 196th Div engaged in a fire fight with ROK troops at 38th Parallel. 30 WIA and 10 KIA. Approximately 1000 troops were stricken with severe cases of frostbite. Believed these troops were sent back to MANCHURIA. Evacuation hospital was in KUMHWA, North KOREA.

15 Feb 51 - 586th Regt traveled S on W side of HONGCHON (DS0272). Heard 196th Div Hq was to be following in the rear.

28 Feb 51 - Before arriving vicinity DS0257 Y, PW became acting Sqd Ldr.

3 Mar 51 - 586th Regt arrived vicinity DS0257 Y (Hill 737) and dug in.

6 Mar 51 - 2d Co, moved to vicinity DS0456 J (Hill 773). Regt CP was at DS0257 U (Hill 737). 586th Regt was committed to relieve 586th Regt. At present 587th Regt is in rear of 586th Regt. 587th Regt sustained heavy casualties, and PW believes they are heading back toward North KOREA.

7 Mar 51 - PW found opportunity to desert his unit and headed ESE.

8 Mar 51 - Surrendered at DS0656 L (Hill 505).

d. Weapons and Equipment: 586th Regt (7 Mar 51 at DS0257).

2 x 82mm mortars

2 HMG (500 rd ea)

6 LMG (500 rd ea)

2 to 3 x 60mm mortars (16 rd ea)

PW heard 66th Corps had 10 to 12 arty pieces (75mm) upon entering KOREA.

5 to 6 hand grenades per soldier.

Ammo - All ammo was picked up from dead troops.

Food - Procured in villages. Food was the most scarce item.

Clothing - Only what they were.

Shelter - Taken on eastern slope of mountain, as morning sun was only means of keeping warm.

On west flank of 586th Regt was one division of 40th Corps. Heard that on east flank of 586th Regt was 197th Div.

Most troops had low morale because majority were former CNA troops.

Troops feared attacks the most. Artillery was also feared.

For the AC of S, G-2: