Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill, titled the "Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act," authorizes the collective award of a Congressional Gold Medal . It is intended for individuals who fought for or with the United States against Imperial Japan in the Pacific theater and became prisoners of war (POWs) between December 8, 1941, and August 15, 1945. This recognition honors their profound personal sacrifice and service during World War II. The bill defines eligible individuals as those who served honorably in the United States Armed Forces or at their command in defensive battles in the Pacific from December 8, 1941, to June 9, 1942, or became POWs of Imperial Japan, including civilians later granted veteran status. It highlights the initial attacks on Pearl Harbor and subsequent coordinated Japanese assaults, leading to the surrender of undermanned U.S. and Filipino forces, including the infamous Bataan Death March . The findings also specifically acknowledge the role of New Mexico National Guardsmen and the first U.S. military women taken captive. Following its award, the gold medal will be given to the National Museum of American History of the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with a recommendation for display at other relevant historical locations. The Secretary of the Treasury is responsible for designing and striking the medal with suitable emblems and inscriptions. Additionally, duplicate bronze medals will be made available for public sale, with the proceeds covering production costs and deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.