Oct. 2, 1950
THE 2D INF. DIV. IN KOREA-He looks like the average
schoolboy playing soldier. His thin shoulders do not look strong
enough to support the U.S. Army carbine he carries. But Jung Hon-Shu,
13, is not playing soldier. The little refugee from Kyongju is a
real soldier-a grim and purposeful one. He is the last of his family.
The Reds killed his mother and father, two brothers and a sister.
Jung's American name is "Sammy." He speaks English, having once worked
for an American captain. He joined the 2d Division immediately after
it landed in Korea and offered his services as interpreter.
But he did not confine himself to interpreting.
For instance, on one occasion Sammy scanned a nearby hill with field
glasses, grabbed his carbine and without a word took off. He soon
came back, prodding a Korean twice his size ahead of him.
"This guy is no good," Sammy said. "Better check
up." Interrogation proved Sammy was correct. The prisoner was a
member of a now defunct North Korean unit, assigned to infiltrate
American positions.
Sammy's questioning is efficient, especially in
cases where prisoners are stubborn or lying. "He's worth his weight
in gold," said one division officer. "Our main worry is keeping him
far enough behind the lines to do his interpreting."
