Following World War I, Congress passed a law that advanced a Navy commander by one grade if they were retiring and had been decorated during the war. It was intended as a one-time fix for a decorated officer whose career was compromised by an accident which kept him from promotion. However, the law, which applied only to the Naval Service, remained in effect until 1967 when it was repealed. Marines who retired and had received personal decorations were routinely promoted to the next rank the day after retirement. The effect was most noticed with colonels who, the day following retirement became flag officers.