When writing a retroactive award narrative...do you refer to the soldier by their current rank or what they had at the time of the event?

SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 13:32:09 -0400

Pretty straight forward.
While writing a narrative for an award, the soldier has been promoted since the awarding event took place, so, in the narrative itself, do I refer to him with his current rank or what he was at the time?

Thanks in advance!

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jun 11 at 2015 1:52 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 13:52:53 -0400

While I was in the Navy I would write to his rank when it occurred.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2015 1:58 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 13:58:17 -0400

You can do a couple of things, you can write the award with his then rank, or you can use his current rank and in the narrative you could possibly write "Then (insert rank at the time) Snuffy"

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jun 11 at 2015 2:59 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 14:59:10 -0400

Before I even started drafting an award, I took a walk to see the S-1/Admin Shop. Had to do a couple "after-the-fact" write-ups.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 11 at 2015 7:43 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 19:43:13 -0400

As an example, Awarded to Cpl Carpenter, but References LCpl Carpenter

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an Automatic Rifleman with Company F, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1, 1st Marine Division (Forward), I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on 21 November 2010. Lance Corporal Carpenter was a member of a platoon-sized coalition force, comprised of two reinforced Marine rifle squads partnered with an Afghan National Army squad. The platoon had established Patrol Base Dakota two days earlier in a small village in the Marjah District in order to disrupt enemy activity and provide security for the local Afghan population. Lance Corporal Carpenter and a fellow Marine were manning a rooftop security position on the perimeter of Patrol Base Dakota when the enemy initiated a daylight attack with hand grenades, one of which landed inside their sandbagged position. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Carpenter moved toward the grenade in an attempt to shield his fellow Marine from the deadly blast. When the grenade detonated, his body absorbed the brunt of the blast, severely wounding him, but saving the life of his fellow Marine. By his undaunted courage, bold fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of almost certain death, Lance Corporal Carpenter reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."