포로신문
보/고/서

ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 4122　22 March 1951

FIELD REPORT (IX CORPS - MISDI - 0335)　8 March 1951

Cooperative and willingly gave information. But due to unfamiliarity with place name and dates, information is considered only fairly reliable.

66th Army composed of the 195th, 196th, and 197th Div and other units. 196th Div composed of the 586th, 587th, and 588th Regt. Each Regt composed of Rifle Bn with 3 Rifle Co and a Hv Wpn Co under Regt. Each Co comprised of 3 Plat and, 3 Sqd in each Plat.

As of 3 Mar 51 the 1st Bn strength was about 150. 1st, and 2d Co had been combined and designated as the 1st Co. 3d Co and Hv Wpn Co were combined and designated as the 2d Co and had a strength of 50.

Prior to withdrawal, the 1st Bn of the 588th Regt was situated in mountain near SINDAE. Heard from Co CO that the 588th Regt CP was approximately 2 km NE of SINDAE as of 3 March 51, 587th Regt was located to the S and, 586th Regt was to their east.

As of 3 March 51, the 2d Co was armed as follows: 4 HMG with 700rd/ea; LMG with 400 rd/ea; two 82mm mortars with 20 rd/ea; two 60mm mortars with 20 rd/ea; 22 Japanese model 38 rifles with 150 rd/ea; and 4 handgrenades per man.

Since 18 Feb 51, at a mountain near SINDAE, men were sent to Regt Hq to receive ammo every 3d day. Sufficient ammo was issued to fill each man’s basic allotment of 150 rounds.

Food consumed by the troops were confiscated from the villages they moved into. The present food was insufficient and sometime ate only once in two days. The troops were suffering from hunger.

At NAMSI-DONG troops of the 588th Regt received socks and canvas shoes. Around 30 Jan 51, all troops of the 588th Regt were issued one pair of shoes at KUMHWA.

21 Oct 50, the 588th Regt crossed over a bridge between ANTUNG, MANCHRIA and SINUIJU. The Regt proceeded southward and arrived NAMSI-DONG after about 10 days of march. After about 15 days of rest proceeded southward and arrived KUMHWA o/a 10 Dec 50. Enroute to KUMHWA engaged UN Forces twice. Stayed at KUMHWA for about 15 days to prepare for the crossing the 38th parallel. 5 Jan 51, arrived at the N bank of the HAN River and remained for 5 days. O/a 10 Jan 51, headed back N and arrived at mountain vic KUMHWA. Heard from the Bn CO that the 66th Army was to rest here for 2 months and to receive replacements because the units of the Army had incurred heavy casualties. The 2 months rest was shortened to only 1 month. During the above period all troops were given indoctrination on why they are fighting this war. O/a 10 Feb 51 the 66th Army proceeded southward and arrived in the SINDAE area o/a 18 Feb 51 via CHUNCHON and HONGCHON. 1st Bn of the 588th Regt was situated in mountain near SINDAE and dug foxholes and trenched for 4 days. Between 22 Feb to 3 Mar 51 they received heavy UN arty and air bombardments. 061300 Mar 51 he was separated from his unit when it withdrew. 601300 Mar 51 he was captured by the 6th ROK Div while hiding in a house at SINDAE.

20 Feb 50 at a mountain near SINDAE the 588th Regt CO told the troops that their mission is to defend their present defense line and wait for supporting units or replacements.

WANG Chong (王成), 45, Regt CO

KWO Si (郭賜), 40, Bn CO

WANG Mo San (王■山), 35, Co, CO

In the 2d Co 5 men suffered from stomach ailments and 5 others from frostbite.

Troops were told by the Regt CO that they are fighting against the UN troops in KOREA because they are trying to disturb the world peace. Also told that they have to fight for the liberation of KOREA to protest their country.

588th Regt engaged the UN Forces 4 times. During the above engagements his Co of 120 men was decreased to 50 men by arty bombardment and air attacks.

For the AC of S, G-2: