Every person on active duty with the armed forces of the United States or employed by the United States Government on or after January 1, 1961, who was taken and held prisoner by hostile forces in Southeast Asia is entitled to receive compensation of $50 for each month or portion thereof he was held if (a) he had been a resident of the State of Illinois for at least 12 months immediately preceding his entry into the armed forces of the United States, or preceding his employment by the United States Government and (b) he is still on active service, is honorably separated or discharged from the armed forces, has been furloughed to a reserve unit or has been retired, or is still employed by the United States Government or has resigned or retired from such employment as the case may be.
     This bonus is to be paid in addition to any other compensation that the recipient is entitled.