tragic experiences in the Bataan Peninsula, Corregidor Island, in the Philippines, and other places . (19) In 2010, the Government of Japan initiated an annual visitation program for former United States POWs of Japan and family members to visit Japan for remembrance, reconciliation, and healing. (20) It is time to recognize the ordinary men and women who found uncommon courage in extraordinary circumstances to fight the impossible and endure the unimaginable for freedom from tyranny and oppression. (21) The Congressional Gold Medal is an appropriate way to honor the service of the United States POWs held by Imperial Japan in World War II and to highlight the unique imprisonment of these Pacific War heroes and their poignant history of sacrifice, perseverance, patriotism, and faith. 3. Definitions In this Act— (a) the term prisoners of war of Imperial Japan includes any individual who— (1) was taken prisoner— (A) by Japan while serving honorably in the service of the United States at any time during the period beginning on December 8, 1941, and ending on September 2, 1945