Was Elvis In The Army? Facts About His Service
Elvis Presley, known as the “King of Rock and Roll,” joined the U.S. Army in 1958. This was a big change for him, as he had already become famous. He decided to serve his country for two years, from 1958 to 1960.
Even though he was a star, Elvis chose to be just another soldier. He earned respect from his comrades and fans alike. This showed his dedication and love for his country.
During his time in the Army, Elvis was part of the 3rd Armored Division in Friedberg, Germany. He did regular soldier tasks, like driving a jeep and learning map skills. He even cleaned latrines. Elvis’s ability to fit in and follow orders showed his strong character.
Key Takeaways
- Elvis Presley served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960, a significant period in his life and career.
- Despite his immense fame, Presley chose to serve as a regular soldier, embracing military discipline and earning the respect of his fellow service members.
- Presley was stationed in Friedberg, Germany, as part of the 3rd Armored Division, where he performed a variety of military duties, including driving a jeep and training in map and compass reading.
- Presley’s willingness to adapt to military life and integrate with his fellow soldiers was a testament to his character and the enduring legacy he left behind.
- The U.S. Army faced challenges in handling a celebrity like Elvis, as evidenced by the large press presence and public interest during his time in Germany.
Was Elvis in the Army: Draft Notice and Induction
On January 8, 1956, at 21, Elvis Presley became draft-eligible. He had a pre-induction medical check on January 4, 1957. Then, on December 20, 1957, he got his draft notice.
Despite offers from the Navy and Army for special service, Elvis Presley chose to be a regular soldier.
Famous Military Haircut
On March 24, 1958, Elvis Presley showed up for induction at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. Two days later, on March 26, 1958, he got a haircut that would be famous forever. It was his military-style haircut.
| Key Dates | Events |
|---|---|
| January 8, 1956 | Elvis Presley became eligible for the draft at age 21 |
| January 4, 1957 | Elvis Presley underwent a pre-induction medical examination |
| December 20, 1957 | Elvis Presley received his draft notice |
| March 24, 1958 | Elvis Presley reported for induction at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas |
| March 26, 1958 | Elvis Presley received his famous military haircut |
The elvis presley draft and elvis presley army enlistment were big changes for the famous singer. He put his music career on hold to serve his country.
Basic Training at Fort Hood: Military Life Begins
After being drafted, Elvis Presley went to Fort Hood, Texas, for basic training. This was the start of his life as a soldier, leaving his fame behind.
He was in Company A, 2d Medium Tank Battalion, 37th Armor. Elvis enjoyed the tank obstacle course and became a skilled pistol shooter. He also faced homesickness and worries about his career.
The elvis army years at Fort Hood lasted about 10 weeks. It was a big change for Elvis Presley. He learned to follow military rules and left his celebrity life behind.
“I’ll never be the same again,” Elvis said at Fort Hood. He was talking about how his elvis soldier years changed him.
Military life was tough, and he lost his mother, Gladys Presley, during this time. But Elvis was determined to do his duty. He wanted to come out of this experience stronger and more resilient.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Length of Basic Training at Fort Hood | Approximately 10 weeks |
| Elvis’s Military Specialty | Pistol Sharpshooter |
| Elvis’s Military Assignment | Company A, 2d Medium Tank Battalion, 37th Armor |
| Monthly Rent for Elvis’s House in Killeen, Texas | $1,500 |
From Entertainment Icon to Regular Soldier
Elvis Presley joined the U.S. Army in 1958, leaving his fame behind. He became a regular soldier, learning to follow strict rules and routines. Elvis worked hard to be seen as just another soldier, earning respect from his comrades.
Adjusting to Military Discipline
Elvis’s Army life was very different from his days as a music star. He woke up at 5:45 am and started work at 7:00 am, just like everyone else. The strict rules and schedule were tough for him, but he was determined to serve his country.
Fellow Soldiers’ Reactions
At first, Elvis’s fellow soldiers were unsure about having a famous singer in their unit. But as they saw his dedication, they began to respect him. Elvis’s willingness to do his part and follow the rules helped him fit in well.
Living Off Post with Family
Elvis was allowed to live off-base with his family and friends, a special privilege. This let him keep some comforts from his civilian life while serving. Elvis valued the time with his loved ones, finding comfort in their presence.
Changing from a famous singer to a regular soldier was hard for Elvis. But his hard work and flexibility earned him respect from his peers. This set the stage for the next exciting chapter of his life and career.
Personal Tragedy During Service: Loss of Gladys Presley
During his time in the army, Elvis Presley faced a huge personal loss. In early August 1958, his mother, Gladys Presley, got very sick. Elvis was stationed at Fort Hood and was rushed to a hospital in Memphis on August 9.
Elvis asked for emergency leave on August 12, but it was denied at first. Sadly, Gladys Presley passed away on August 14, 1958, at 46 years old. This loss hit Elvis and his father, Vernon, very hard.
Elvis was “near hysteria” during his mother’s funeral. A huge crowd of fans, mostly women, attended, making up 95% of the chapel. This event left a lasting impact on Elvis during his army time.
“Gladys Presley expressed her wish for Elvis and Vernon to always be together,” a close family friend recalled, underscoring the profound bond shared between the trio.
The Army gave Elvis five days off to mourn and attend to his mother’s funeral. After returning to Fort Hood, Elvis said he would go back to duty as planned. This showed his dedication to serving in the army, even after such a personal loss.
On his way overseas, Elvis cried during a stop in Memphis. He was thinking about his mother’s passing. Gladys’s death made critics see Elvis in a new light. They praised his loyalty to his mother and his actions as a dutiful son.
Deployment to Germany: 3rd Armored Division
In September 1958, Elvis Presley joined the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor, 3rd Armored Division in West Germany. He was based at Ray Barracks in Friedberg, near the Fulda Gap. This area was a key invasion route for the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Elvis drove a jeep for reconnaissance platoons, playing a key role in the military’s readiness.
Ray Barracks Assignment
Elvis Presley was stationed at Ray Barracks, the heart of the 3rd Armored Division’s operations in Germany. The Division was known as “Hell on Wheels” for its World War II combat. By the late 1950s, it was reactivated and sent to Germany to show American strength and commitment to freedom.
Daily Military Duties
- Elvis Presley was assigned army serial number 53 310 761 and served as a jeep driver for reconnaissance platoons.
- His jeep carried three soldiers, including himself, on daily patrols and missions.
- Elvis Presley’s military duties required him to adapt to strict discipline and the routine of army life, a significant change from his life as a global entertainment icon.
Cold War Significance
Elvis Presley’s deployment to Germany during the Cold War was crucial. The 3rd Armored Division’s presence near the Fulda Gap was a deterrent against Soviet aggression. Elvis’s service highlighted the military’s role in protecting America’s interests and the free world during tense times.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Deployment to Germany | Elvis Presley was deployed to West Germany with the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor, 3rd Armored Division in September 1958. |
| Stationed at Ray Barracks | Elvis Presley was stationed at Ray Barracks in Friedberg, a town located near the Fulda Gap. |
| Military Duties | Elvis Presley served as a jeep driver for reconnaissance platoons, carrying three soldiers, including himself, on daily patrols and missions. |
| Cold War Significance | The 3rd Armored Division’s presence near the Fulda Gap was a deterrent against communist aggression during the Cold War era. |
Military Achievements and Recognition
During his elvis soldier years, Elvis Presley showed his dedication and professionalism. In January 1960, he was promoted to sergeant. This was a sign of his excellent conduct and duty performance. He also received the Army Good Conduct Medal for his discipline and dedication.
Elvis was known for his generosity during his service. He bought extra fatigues for his unit with his own money. He also gave TVs to the post to boost morale. Plus, he donated his Army salary to charity, showing his caring side.
| Rank Achieved | Award Received | Charitable Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Sergeant | Army Good Conduct Medal | Donated entire Army salary to charity |
Elvis’s time in the military was marked by his commitment and kindness. He kept his public image strong, even in tough military times. His achievements and recognition made him a true American icon, known for his service and selflessness.
Impact on Elvis’s Public Image and Career
Elvis Presley’s time in the military greatly affected his public image and career. The king of rock and roll army enlistment drew international attention. News crews and fans gathered to see the famous singer in uniform.
While Elvis was away, new artists began to shine. But his military service made him seem more responsible to some. The elvis presley army enlistment boosted his image as a dedicated and patriotic person. This made him even more of a cultural icon.
Media Coverage During Service
Elvis’s entry into the king of rock and roll army got a lot of media attention. News teams followed him to army bases, showing the world his new life as a soldier.
Fan Reactions Worldwide
Fans worldwide were excited to see Elvis in the military. The Army had to manage huge crowds of fans. This showed how much people loved the king of rock and roll army member.
Life-Changing Encounters in Germany
During Elvis Presley’s military service, his time in Germany was a turning point. It was here that he met two people who changed his life and career.
One key event was meeting Priscilla Beaulieu, who would become his wife. She was 14 and the stepdaughter of an Air Force captain. Their meeting turned into a lasting relationship, leading to their marriage in 1967.
Elvis’s time in the army also introduced him to new cultural experiences. He started practicing karate, which he would later show off on stage. This added to his unique stage presence.
“Elvis’s time in Germany was a formative experience that shaped both his personal and professional life in profound ways.”
Elvis’s time in Germany was truly transformative. It set the stage for his future as a cultural icon and a major influence in entertainment.
Honorable Discharge and Return to Civilian Life
Elvis Presley served in the U.S. Army for two years. He was honorably discharged on March 5, 1960, at Fort Dix, New Jersey. His fame didn’t fade, thanks to his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, who helped him smoothly return to music.
Elvis arrived at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey on March 3, 1960. He then headed back to Memphis, Tennessee. Fans were excited to see him, with over 200 people waiting at Union Station in Memphis on March 7, 1960, even in the snow.
His time in the military changed Elvis’s life and career. With Colonel Parker’s help, Elvis quickly got back to performing. This made him even more famous as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” to his fans around the world.
Common Queries
What was Elvis Presley’s military service?
Elvis Presley served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960. He was drafted and had the service number 53310761. He was part of the 3rd Armored Division.
When was Elvis Presley drafted into the army?
Elvis became eligible for the draft on January 8, 1956, at age 21. He got his draft notice on December 20, 1957. He was inducted at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas on March 24, 1958.
Did Elvis Presley receive any special treatment during his army service?
Despite offers for special treatment, Elvis chose to serve as a regular soldier. This earned him respect from fellow soldiers and the public.
Where did Elvis Presley complete his basic training?
Elvis moved from Fort Chaffee to Fort Hood, Texas, for basic training. He completed his training by June 1958. He became a skilled pistol sharpshooter.
How did Elvis Presley adjust to military life?
Elvis adjusted well to military discipline and routine. He woke at 5:45 am and reported for duty at 7:00 am. Fellow soldiers were initially skeptical but came to respect Elvis for his efforts to be “just one of the boys.”
What happened during Elvis Presley’s service in Germany?
In September 1958, Elvis was deployed to West Germany. He served as a jeep driver for reconnaissance platoons. His presence had Cold War significance near the Fulda Gap.
What accomplishments did Elvis Presley achieve during his military service?
Elvis was promoted to sergeant in January 1960. He received an Army Good Conduct Medal for his exemplary conduct and performance of duty.
How did Elvis Presley’s military service impact his public image and career?
Elvis’s military service significantly impacted his public image and career. His induction was covered by international news crews. His absence from the entertainment scene created space for new musical acts to emerge. His military service also helped improve his image among those who previously viewed him negatively.
What life-changing experiences did Elvis Presley have during his time in the army?
During his service in Germany, Elvis met his future wife, Priscilla Beaulieu. He also learned karate, which he continued to practice throughout his life. His time in Germany exposed him to new cultural experiences that influenced his later music and performances.
How did Elvis Presley’s military service end?
Elvis received an honorable discharge from the Army on March 5, 1960. He returned to the United States. His manager, Colonel Tom Parker, had arranged for album and movie releases upon his return. This allowed Elvis to quickly resume his entertainment career and solidify his status as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
