A prisoner of war is a person, whether a combatant or a non-combatant, held captive by a belligerent power during or immediately after an armed conflict. Defense Secretary James N. Mattis praised those who wore the uniform, those who suffered in captivity or went missing in distant lands, and their families for enduring terrible challenges with fortitude, honor, courage, and uniquely tested heroism, and said they are owed an irredeemable debt of gratitude. Among those named are PFC Salvatore A. Scalzo of the U.S. Army, held at Stalag 4 B, Muhlberg, Sachsen, Germany, from December 16, 1944 to April 26, 1945; PFC Walter Spodaryk of the U.S. Army, held at Stalag II B, Germany, from December 26, 1944 to April 28, 1945; Cpl. William P. McKeever of the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne, held at Stalag XII A, Germany, from June 9, 1944 to April 28, 1945; PFC John J. Cuozzo of the U.S. Army, held from Stalag 12A to 9B, Limburg an der Lahn, Hessen-Nassau, Prussia, from June 1945 to December 1945; PFC Anthony F. Stencel of the U.S. Army, held at Stalag 13 B, Weiden, Bavaria, Germany; Sgt. Anthony W. Argenziano of the U.S. Army, held at Stalag VII A, Moosburg, Bavaria, Germany, from August 16, 1944 to April 29, 1945; and Pvt. Henry J. Wintjen Jr. of the U.S. Army, held at Stalag II B, Hammerstein, West Prussia.