Despite their age gap, they kept in touch, and after Elvis left the army in 1960, he had Priscilla join him at Graceland. 23-year-old Elvis Presley was drafted for the U.S. Army in March 1958. While he was living in Bad Nauheim, he met his future wife, Priscilla Beaulieu. 32nd Tank Battalion, 3rd Armor Division in Friedberg, Germany, where he attained the rank of sergeant . Two days later, she passed away at the age of 46. [3], On January 4, 1957, Presley attended Kennedy Veterans Hospital in Memphis for a pre-induction army medical. She died in August 1958, with her son present. Another reason, according to Peter Browns Down at the End of Lonely Street: Life and Death of Elvis Presley, Colonel Tom worried about how Elvis reputation would be affected if he took an easy route in the Army, rather than serving like everyone else. Memphis police find 11 shooting victims over two scenes in Whitehaven. Army of the Dead release date: When is Army of the Dead on Netflix? Elvis Presley receives his draft notice for the United States Army. Besides Elvis family and friends, his manager was also there to see him off before he left to become inducted. Parker promised Presley that if he worked hard and served as a regular GI for two years, he would return "a bigger star" than when he left. Feeling that he had a professional obligation to finish the film. 4th of July 2022: Celebrating the Birth of Our Nation & Its Heroes, Military Appreciation Month 2022: Saluting Those Who Serve, Veterans Day 2022: Celebrating Those Whove Served, Famous Veterans: Youll Never Believe These Celebrities Actually Served, Elvis Presleys service in the U.S. Army helped his popularity skyrocket, Before He Was a Star, Young Tony Bennett Was a Hero, Here are 200 Remote Jobs for Veterans in 2023. However, Colonel Tom convinced him these were not the avenues for his act, partly because they would include performing for free, which was not part of the Colonels way. Colonel Tom Parker, Presley's manager, was well aware of his client's draft status and how it could affect his career. Parker had arranged for enough material and merchandise to be available to keep Presley's name in the public arena during his two years in the service. In Parker's words, "Taking any of these deals will make millions of Americans angry. This would begin an 18-month period of Elvis serving in Company D, 32nd Tank Battalion, 3rd Armor Division while stationed in Friedberg, Germany. His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. Elvis returned to service on August 24, and sent overseas to see active duty the next month. While Elvis couldve arguably used some of his connections to try and get out of serving in the war. c) He met Charlie Hodge, who became Elvis' confidant, a best friend and a Graceland resident for 17 years. In 1960, however, he was known in the United States Army as Sergeant Presley. On December 16, it was officially announced that Presley would be receiving his draft notice. He donated his army pay to charity, purchased TV sets for the post, and bought an extra set of fatigues for everyone in his outfit. Elvis received his draft notice on December 20, asked for his deferment on December 24. Hood for Basic Training and was assigned to the Second Armored Division's 'Hell On Wheels' unit (once led by General George Patton). [3] Over the course of the next twelve months, Parker led Presley to believe that it was still possible to avoid the draft completely,[3] while secretly planning to allow it. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. American singer and actor Elvis Presley served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960. The future King of Rock and Roll became a member of two different armor battalions during his active service in 1) Company A, 2d Medium Tank Battalion, 37th Armor, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, between March 28 to September 17, 1958, where hed complete his basic and advanced military training; and 2) 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32d Armor, 3d Armored Division in West Germany from October 1, 1958, until March 2, 1960, three days before his honorable discharge. Mork, of course, played by the late Robin Williams. He served admirably, but his time was also spent as a rock star. Parker, who was often a visitor to Presley's home, would attempt to reassure his client. Its also worth noting that while there was talk of having Elvis serve as entertainment to lift morale, he wanted no part of it. [13] Presley used the recorder to mess around with friends and family, singing mainly gospel and current hits, but none of these recordings was sent back for release by RCA. Weve seen plenty of celebrities who have served in the American Armed Forces, but none quite like the King. His induction was a major event, with hundreds of overlookers and media there to witness it. One of the friends that Elvis would have improvised musical jam sessions with while serving overseas in Germany was Charlie Hodge. People were expecting me to mess up, to goof up in one way or another. Elvis henceforth receives a salary of $ 109.37. Tom claimed that Elvis drafting had cost the singer around half a million dollars in income. It also got a lot of things wrong, especially where the pop singer's longtime manager "Colonel" Tom Parker is concerned. [3] Parker explained to Presley that this was a situation neither of them could refuse. Bidding started at $100,000 and climbed slowly before its final sale to an unnamed bidder. THE GENEROSITY OF ELVIS. Elvis Presley's army service began this week for the first time. [10], During the crossing Presley became a friend of a fellow soldier named Charlie Hodge. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. ", By February 1960 Elvis had been promoted to sergeant (E-5), and he finished his 18-month stint in Germany in March of that year. Military.com He was the rebellious King of Rock 'n' Roll, but Elvis Presley didn't shirk his duty when he was drafted by the U.S. Army and gained the more modest title of "sergeant." With. Elvis Presley served in the military for two years after being drafted in 1958 and was honorably discharged in 1960. Facts Verse Well, he said, what have we here? RCA agreed to release an album of Presley's press conference the day he left for Germany; titled Elvis Sails, the album would pay Presley $0.22 per sale in royalties, guaranteed up to at least 100,000 copies. Elvis in Germany At 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month attained a special significance in the post-war years. Dawber has married to NCIS star Mark Harmon for more than three [] More, Jan Smithers is a former television actress that is best known for her portrayal of the character Bailey Quarters on the television series WKRP in Cincinnati. Actually, thats the only way it could be. Circa 1958, American singer and actor Elvis Presley sits in a restaurant wearing his US Army uniform. In the mid-'50s, Elvis was often spotted with his signature comb. And he was also glad that he was serving his country. This was a popular American sitcom that ran over 12 seasons and 380 episodes from 1960 to 1972. In his eyes, after a year of negative publicity, this was the perfect opportunity to change the view that older Americans had of him. [22] Most biographers state that Dee was already in the process of divorcing her husband when she met Vernon, but some others claim that Vernon had gotten to know both of them together, and was even asked by Bill to help him save his marriage. Elvis Presley served in the United States Army between March 1958 and March 1960. G.I. Elvis Aron Presley entered the United States Army at Memphis, Tennessee, on March 24, 1958, and then spent three days at the Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, Reception Station. Her funeral was held on August 15, and Presley collapsed several times before, during, and after the service. Military service is admirable, but the potential fallout should never be overlooked. His natural hair color was sandy blonde, and he dyed it jet black. Elvis Aaron Presley served in the United States Army between March 1958 and March 1960. It was the saddest thing Id ever seen.. The singer was spending the holiday at his famous Graceland estate, and was amidst the peak of his career success. Thursday, 2nd March 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. March 2, 1960: Elvis leaves Germany on a military transport plane bound for the States. Going to the barber, roller skating, and going to the local drive-in theater with some of his closest friends. Get special job alerts, offers and insider tips on making the most of your military experience in the civilian workforce. These substances were legal in the United States until 1965, but Presley, who also suffered from insomnia, was soon also taking depressants to help him fall asleep at night. This wasnt just Elvis Presley in military garbs going to defend America. Between March 28 and September 17, 1958, he belonged to Company A, 2d Medium Tank Battalion, 37th Armor, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. January 19, 2022, 6:17 pm, by When Presley received his draft notice in 1956, his manager Tom Parker did everything he could to delay the rising stars enlistment. He wanted to serve as a Soldier just as any other, instead. I was in a funny position. At Fort Dix, New Jersey he was honorably discharged from active duty on March 5, 1960, receiving a mustering-out check of $109.54. When Presley was told that he would have to serve as a regular soldier, he was furious that Parker failed to get him out of the draft. One of Presley's instructors, Bill Norwood, who let Presley use his phone to call home on many occasions, recalls Presley breaking down in tears during many of these phone calls. Required fields are marked *. December 13, 2021, 6:22 am [24] In her autobiography, Priscilla says that despite his worries that it would ruin his career, Parker convinced Presley that to gain popular respect, he should serve his country as a regular soldier rather than in Special Services, where he would have been able to give some musical performances and stay in touch with the public.[25]. . Despite all of this and the insistence of tens of thousands of fans who wrote in to get Elvis out of service, he went through with it. ", Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Vernon and Gladys Presley: Elvis Presley's Mother and Father", "What is the history of Elvis Presley's military career? Elvis was stationed at Ft. [4], Worried that rock and roll was a passing fad, Presley wanted to make King Creole the best role he had ever acted. His time was brief, and Elvis Presleys military rank would peak as an Army Sergeant (E-5). trip beyond the USA and Canada, courtesy of his local draft board in Memphis, Tennessee. [17] The army also introduced Presley to karate, which he studied seriously, later including it in his live performances. Before the gold lam Nudie suit, Elvis rocked a red Nudie suit for the 1957 movie Loving You. . What was Elvis Presley's highest rank in the Army? Cold War madness hadnt reached its apex, but there were trends beginning to develop. Speaking of Elviss pain at his mothers passing, his friend Judy Spreckels said: I have never seen anyone as sad as Elvis was. There are advantages to an atypical job in terms of its work schedule beyond merely accommodating your biological clock's Positions and Skills Sought. Related: To create a personalized transition plan for yourself, and for transition guides and checklists, visit theMilitary.com Transition Center. His pay now increases to $ 122.31. What more could you ask for? But Presleys manager, Colonel Tom Parker, understood the importance of keeping Elvis fresh in the minds of his American audience. There's not much of a script, but . This was at the peak of the Kings success and toward the involvement of the United States in Vietnam. Presley arranged for her and Vernon to return to Memphis on August 8. He used the same salon and stylist as . Fellow soldiers have attested to Presley's wish to be seen as an able, ordinary soldier, despite his fame, and to his generosity while in the service. Presley was asked about his decision to serve as a regular soldier instead of as part of the service club. He enlisted in the Army on March 24, 1958, at the Memphis draft board. At what rank was Elvis Presley upon his discharge from the army? During his active military career Mr. Presley served as a member of two different armor battalions. The armed forces would own the exclusive rights to these recordings, meaning all of the profits would be retained by the government. Comment down below to share whether you think Elvis deserves respect for his time in the United States Army, or if you think he spent too much time on his improvised musical jam sessions and not enough time defending America. Upon his arrival, he was sent to . He was glad to have the opportunity to try it out. In 1948, Elvis and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee where he attended Humes High School. He and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948, and Elvis graduated from Humes High School . His arrival at Fort Chaffee became a major media event, with hundreds of fans greeting him as soon as he stepped out of the bus. Get the best viral stories straight into your inbox! On March 24, 1958, Elvis officially entered the U.S. Army. Apparently, they arent subscribers to the old adage that too much of a good thing can actually be a bad thing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Alice Cooper meeting with Elvis Presley nearly became a real horror story. Elvis Presley during national military service duty 1958-1960. Two days later, on March 5, Presley was officially discharged from active duty with his service officially notated as Honorable. Its certainly admirable that Elvis didnt try to get out of drafted and actually saw some time in active duty. 6. Since you've left the military, you have already had some civilian experience, but maybe it's time for a change in your education or career path. It has been reported that Elvis privately feared that his stint in the military would negatively affect the momentum he had building in his music and film career, but he needn't have worried -- over fifty years and a multitude of hits later, his legendary status and legacy as the King of Rock 'n' Roll is still secure. Elvis Presley did spend time drafted and active in military service. During this assignment he completed basic and advanced military training. [21] Originally Dee had written to Presley inviting him to dinner. He was in the middle of making a name in film and recording around this time, and Parker wouldnt want to lose the momentum of his career. It . In January 1956, Presley turned twenty-one and was now eligible to be drafted. The deferment period also allowed Elvis time to record several songs. The official cause of death was listed as heart attack, but the Presleys refused an autopsy to verify it. February 19, 2023, 6:22 am, by When it came time for Elvis to speak on his tenure in the United States Army in the years after his service, Elvis expressed that it was hard for him to feel as if he was meeting the expectations of the people. Elvis served as Private, and later as Sergeant, while earning respect from many of his critics Over the course of his military career, Elvis had risen to the rank of sergeant. Facts Verse According to the Washington Post, this idea ultimately sat well with Elvis, who was reported as saying: People were expecting me to mess up, to goof up in one way or another. For the record, here are Elvis' significant military dates. Having a successful career in the military is a major accomplishment. Elvis serving during the subsequent release of the film King Creole a month later. The rest, as they say, is history. On March 24, 1958, Elvis the Pelvis was sworn into the Army and would go on to complete basic training, mainly at Fort Hood. They followed him to Arkansas, and the singer receiving his G.I. But the date postponed to March 24 after the deferment. And the two went on to become married several years later. local. Copyright 2023 Military.com. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Sadly, his mother, Gladys Presley, passed away in August 1958, which granted him emergency leave. Answer (1 of 5): Written accounts agree that Elvis was discharged from the US Army as a Sergeant E-5 in March 1960, having been promoted from Corporal in February. Why, youre just a baby.. Support Veteran Journalism . There, hed bid his iconic hairstyle to receive his GI haircut and his celebrity status outside the boot camp to become soldier 53310761. Yes, Elvis Presleys military career happened, as he was drafted into the U.S. Army on December 20, 1957. One nice thing about the military was that you got thirty days of paid vacation (leave) each year. The fatigues and hat that Elvis wore during his service are now on display inside of the Rock Hall's newest featured exhibit. "Stuck On You" was the first hit single by Elvis Presley after he returned from two years of military service in the US army. I blushed and said nothing, not willing to reveal that I was only in the ninth grade. Elvis Aaron Presley, in the humblest of circumstances, was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935. After some early dabblingas a blues singer, Elvis had hooked up with Sun Records and its famous owner Sam Phillips, and with his strutting yet sensitive rockabilly style, had rattled off a number of hits by 1957 that are still classic to this day: "Heartbreak Hotel," "Blue Suede Shoes," and "Love Me Tender.". If youre enjoying this video so far, be sure to hit the like button to show your support! [22] When Presley heard of the relationship between his father and Dee he flew into a rage; in his mind his father had no business to be setting up with another woman so soon after the death of Gladys. Elvis Presley served in the US Army for a short time, in the middle of his recording and film career. On another trip, Elvis met 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu, the daughter of an Army officer, and he immediately began dating her. Many people still hold Elvis time in the army up to a critical eye and question whether or not the singer was truly the hero that many make him out to be. Later he was assigned to the Third Armored 'Spearhead' Division, and stationed in Friedberg, Germany -- it was here that he met Priscilla Beaulieu, who would eventually become his wife over seven years later. Elvis Presley on the day of his induction into the army March 24, 1958. Elvis Presley, in full Elvis Aaron Presley or Elvis Aron Presley (see Researcher's Note), (born January 8, 1935, Tupelo, Mississippi, U.S.died August 16, 1977, Memphis, Tennessee), American popular singer widely known as the "King of Rock and Roll" and one of rock music's dominant performers from the mid-1950s until his death. . For Presley, however, being away in Germany was not all happy times. [5][6], In early August, while in Texas with her son, Gladys Presley took ill.[7] She had recently increased her alcohol intake to cope with her son's fame and army commitments, and she had also begun using diet pills to attempt to lose weight. This time was incredibly important for him, with it marking the death and meeting of two. Elvis had a great deal of plans for his career when he returned home from serving in the army, and he jumped back into the saddle without missing a beat. Elvis Presley served in the military for two years after being drafted in 1958 and was honorably discharged in 1960. Weve come a long way since the time of Elvis Presleys military days, but its still a humbling reminder that we all have a responsibility to help those reentering civilian life through support and resources for mental and physical health. Not long before he was transferred to Germany,[1] his mother, Gladys Presley died of a heart attack brought on by acute hepatitis and cirrhosis at the age of 46. He was inducted at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas and reached the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged on March 5, 1960. Sign up for a free Military.com membershipto have job postings, guides and advice, and more delivered directly to your inbox. June 20, 2021, 9:06 am, by [11] Paramount, too, had signed deals to produce a number of new Presley films after his release; what would eventually become G.I. [5] To friends back home, however, he was less upbeat. Although people like his manager had feared that the time overseas would hurt Elvis career, it ended up only boosting the singers popularity in the long run. While Robert Urich was famous for doing battle with tough foes on the screen. This earned him the respect of many of his fellow soldiers and people back in the United States who previously viewed him in a negative light. However, disaster struck in his early days in the army: his mother, Gladys, died after being diagnosed with hepatitis. He completed basic training and traveled to Europe onboard the USS General George M. Randall (AP-115). He trained at Fort Hood, Texas, but was able to take breaks to record music, meaning he had a back catalogue ready for his return. He was honorably discharged, having achieved the rank of Sergeant-E5. How 'Elvis' highlights his complicated history with Black music. He was inducted in March 1958, two weeks after wrapping his movie King Creole, for which he sang part of the soundtrack. Presley had recorded a handful of songs before he left for overseas to cover his time away, but RCA was worried that they would run out of material before March 1960. His magnitude could be seen across the world, and frankly, his impact continues to be seen today. Popular, by So, it shouldnt really be that big of a surprise that, with numbers like those, celebrities would face the same risk of dying [] More, The Truth About Elvis Presleys Military Career, Kids Today Will Never Appreciate This About the 70s, Scientists Discovered Evidence That Exposes An Ancient Lie About Woolly Mammoths, Handlers Thought This Owl Was Male For 23 Years Then He Laid An Egg, This Baby Elephant Decided To Spend His Last Days Alongside This Creature, Woman Adpots Tiny, Adorable Puppy. According to Milton Bowers, head of the draft board and angered by the public outcry, Presley "would have automatically gotten the extension [anyway] if he hadn't been Elvis Presley the superstar". But in 1958 he made a surprising decision to join the US Army, shocking his fans. Articles Although the singers time overseas might not have been all that it cracked up to be by the singers many adorers. Its a bit odd for younger Americans to truly understand, but the man producing radio hits, movies that everyone wanted to see, and entertainment specials was now being brought into military life. Some theorists even [] More, Are you a fan of sitcom My Three Sons? Although Elvis grateful for the opportunity to defend his country after Americas entrance into World War II, fans terrified at the prospect of losing their new idol. On March 3, Presley's plane arrived at McGuire Air Force Base near Fort Dix, New Jersey, at 7:42 am. Elvis Presley, the "undisputed King of Rock and Roll", began his career in 1954 and became a national sensation in 1956 with the release of "Heartbreak Hotel."He went on to captivate audiences with his unique musical style, provocative hip gyrations, and electric personality. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Your email address will not be published. Tom did his best to keep releasing singles while Elvis was serving overseas. But Presley insisted on goingthough he later admitted that the 24-month spell as a GI would ruin his careerand days after wrapping up the filming of King Creole, he headed to the Memphis draft board to report. The show will include eight or nine songs, mostly ballads, and some rock 'n' roll. What are the industries and jobs that will receive a boost thanks to the President's initiatives? But alas, you take the good with the bad. Elvis Presley applied for United States Selective Service and received license #40-86-35-16. Your email address will not be published. March 28, 1958 was quite a day at Fort Hood in Killeen. Elvis Aron Presley entered the United States Army at Memphis, Tennessee, on March 24, 1958, and then spent three days at the Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, Reception Station. People were expecting me to mess up, to goof up in one way or another. While in Germany Mr. Presley wore the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 3d Armored Division. He simply wanted regular training and was offered $78 a month on top of another $1,000 from his record company. That night, Elvis was apparently so excited for his induction into the army that he was unable to sleep. Elvis Presley photographed in Bad Nauheim, Germany, March 1959. She had seen him live during one of his earliest performances in the fifties, and she was keen to meet a star of his stature. Elvis henceforth receives a salary of $ 109.37. All in all, it appears that Elvis had a very busy Christmas in 1957! The rebellious, edgy rock-n-roll sounds that would make Elvis a household name also made him a pariah to some. Presley was soon a ubiquitous presence-on the radio, where he scored eight more No. Learn how your comment data is processed. Many parents, religious leaders, and teachers groups welcomed his draft into the military. Every Elvis Presley Film Ranked From Worst To Best Every Elvis Presley Film Ranked From Worst To Best By Zoe Jordan Published Jul 10, 2022 The infamous King of Rock & Roll Elvis Presley acted in over 30 Hollywood films throughout his career - here they are ranked here worst to best. Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, Revolutionized American Warfare, Taylor Sheridan Is Taking on the Military World With New Spy Thriller, Mission Daybreak Rewards Those Fighting Against Veteran Suicide With Millions, Volunteers Needed for the Million Veteran Program. That same year Elvis starred in his first film, and for two years his face was everywhere in the USA. Armed with a substantial amount of unreleased material, they kept up a regular stream of successful releases. Box 378 Red Hook, New York 12571 United States. Little did he know that soon after graduating high school, he would be skyrocketing into the entertainment industry. As soon as Elvis finished with basic training, tragedy struck. [7] The officer who initially denied Presley his emergency leave was later disciplined for his actions. You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article. 14 Goethestrasse, soon to become the then Germany's most celebrated private address. An only child ] more, are you a fan of sitcom my Three?. Why, youre just a baby.. Support Veteran Journalism drafting had the! Boot camp to become the then Germany 's most celebrated private address his... States in Vietnam but Presleys manager, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow as! To Presley 's home, elvis presley military rank, being away in August 1958, with hundreds of overlookers media... Cooper meeting with Elvis Presley served in the US Army uniform closest friends now eligible be! 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