[5] Having his family close by cheered him up immensely, although he still spoke to friends about his fears for his career. Elvis began going through basic training, and didnt take his first leave until June. During his active military career Mr. Presley served as a member of two different armor battalions. Despite its short duration, his time in service changed him forever. Well, he said, what have we here? [9][5] He left Fort Hood on September 19, headed for Brooklyn Army Terminal in New York where he would ship out to Germany on September 22. . But soon after, he was back defending America. [4], Worried that rock and roll was a passing fad, Presley wanted to make King Creole the best role he had ever acted. [citation needed], On October 1 the USS General George M. Randall arrived in Germany and Presley was once again offered the chance to join Special Services. For Presley, however, being away in Germany was not all happy times. According to Alanna Nashs book The Colonel, Tom was instrumental in convincing Elvis to join up. Two days later, she passed away at the age of 46. Despite their age gap, they kept in touch, and after Elvis left the army in 1960, he had Priscilla join him at Graceland. News outlets were reporting regularly on stories, mostly released by Parker himself, about plans for Presley's return to entertainment. June 20, 2021, 9:06 am, by And the film met with positive reactions from both critics and audiences alike. On another trip, Elvis met 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu, the daughter of an Army officer, and he immediately began dating her. When he was finally drafted in 1957, he was already an international superstar and legions of fans were dismayed, to say the least. 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. During his time in Texas and Germany, Elvis kept a low profile, although he was already wealthy enough to bring his father and grandmother to live with him off-base. People were expecting me to mess up, to goof up in one way or another. However, there is an anomaly, photographs of Elvis arriving home in M. All in all, it appears that Elvis had a very busy Christmas in 1957! [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. Facts Verse During his time serving, Elvis slept in the snow and ate rations, both of which were new experiences for the singer. 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. [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. "Stuck On You" was the first hit single by Elvis Presley after he returned from two years of military service in the US army. 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. He enlisted in the Army on March 24, 1958, at the Memphis draft board. During his deployment in Ray Barracks, Germany, via USS Randall, Presley served as an armor intelligence specialist in October 1958. Elvis stationed in Friedberg, Germany. [5] Presley was given a physical and assigned army serial number 53310761, before being sworn in and made leader of his group. The singer had already released such classic singles as Hound Dog, Blue Suede Shoes, and Heart Break Hotel. Hes honorably discharged from service on March 5, and subsequently travelled back to his home state of Tennessee. After his release from the service, Presley found a new fan base among an older age group, thanks in part to his army career and releases of ballads compared to his earlier rock and roll songs. Like most young men his age, Elvis registered with the Selective Service in January of 1953. 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. And had starred in such hit Hollywood films as Love Me Tender. The show followed widowed aeronautical engineer named Steven Douglas and his three sons. . His secret drug abuse wasnt uncovered until later, as he went through his service with less drama, nor didnt commit any serious reprimands as some of the public eye expected from him. Elvis Aaron Presley served in the United States Army between March 1958 and March 1960. Ultimately, its regarded that his time as a Soldier would also begin what would become his demise. Ninth what? Grade, I whispered. Colonel Tom Parker, Presley's manager, was well aware of his client's draft status and how it could affect his career. Before entering the Army, Presley had caused national outrage with his sexually charged performances and rock and roll music. Elvis Presley photographed in Bad Nauheim, Germany, March 1959. In January 1956, Presley turned twenty-one and was now eligible to be drafted. All rights reserved. And had some time to relax with his family back in Memphis before officially inducted. There will be three or four girls, one French, one Italian and two Germans. Whether you want to learn more about other famous veterans, polish up your resume, find veteran job fairs in your area, or connect with employers looking to hire veterans, Military.com can help. Though shes only fourteen years old at the time, Elvis introduced to Priscilla Beaulieu by one of his army friends. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Elvis Presley did spend time drafted and active in military service. [4] The Army offered Presley the chance to tour the world and visit army bases to boost morale among soldiers and encourage other young men to enlist. local. The Navy, Air Force, and even The Pentagon were hoping to be the choice for the King. It was one of these buddies that introduced Elvis to a woman that would later become his wife. Below are nine quick facts about Presleys time in the Army. This was an incredible feat for a man who was already on top of the entertainment world. His natural hair color was sandy blonde, and he dyed it jet black. Everyone's familiar with Elvis Presley, but he has quite a wild backstory when it comes to romance. Presley accepted his request, but only agreed to play piano in the background; Parker had drilled into him that there would be no public performances of any kind during his service. Destroying American Monster Abrams: Pro-Russian Group Release A How-To Video, Two Iranian Warships Docks in Brazil Despite US Sanctions Threat, Decorated Navy SEAL Died in HALO Training Accident, The Weird World of the Desert Eagle and its Offspring, F-35 Fighters Increase Presence In Asia As Singapore Acquires Eight More, A Trickle of Tanks: Europe is Slow to Deliver on Its Promise, A Look at the Unconventional Tactics Used by Western Militaries Throughout History, SOFREP Cartoon: US Sends Stern Warning About Chinas Spy Balloons. Presley was drafted into the United States Army in December 1957; on March 24, 1958, he entered the Army at the . At Fort Dix, New Jersey he was honorably discharged from active duty on March 5, 1960, receiving a mustering-out check of $109.54. But one that he was ready and willing to meet. Facts Verse March 28, 1958 was quite a day at Fort Hood in Killeen. Why Did Elvis Presley Join The Army Elvis Presley joined the Army on March 24, 1958. Mork, of course, played by the late Robin Williams. Between March 28 and September 17, 1958, he belonged to Company A, 2d Medium Tank Battalion, 37th Armor, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. Parker was given the title of colonel in the Louisiana State Militia by Louisiana governor Jimmie Davis in 1948. The armed forces would own the exclusive rights to these recordings, meaning all of the profits would be retained by the government. Elvis' 1962 Lockheed Jetstar Sold At Auction: Elvis' 1962 Lockheed Jetstar which has been parked in the desert for close to 40 years sold at auction for $260,000 last month. Some of which used in King Creole and some of which released as singles while Elvis was serving overseas. Elvis had finished all of his remaining work by March 14, 1958. They granted him an extension until the middle of March. On March 24, 1958, Elvis Presley was officially sworn in as a private. Armed with a substantial amount of unreleased material, they kept up a regular stream of successful releases. | U.S. Army Center of Military History", "Dee Stanley Presley: Elvis' stepmother, who enraged the singer", From Memphis to Vegas / From Vegas to Memphis, Elvis Sings The Wonderful World of Christmas, From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee, Amazing Grace: His Greatest Sacred Performances, Command Performances: The Essential 60s Masters II, Suspicious Minds: The Memphis 1969 Anthology, The King of Rock 'n' Roll: The Complete 50's Masters, From Nashville to Memphis: The Essential '60s Masters, Walk a Mile in My Shoes: The Essential '70s Masters, Peace in the Valley: The Complete Gospel Recordings, The Frank Sinatra Timex Show: Welcome Home Elvis, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Military_career_of_Elvis_Presley&oldid=1136020935, Cold War military history of the United States, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia articles with style issues from April 2016, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2015, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Elvis Presley, who died 44 years ago this month, was not a drug abuser in the typical rock'n'roll lifestyle sense, a new book claims, but he was medicating to address a series of congenital. In a letter to his client, Parker explained that recordings of Presley with just a piano for accompaniment, singing gospel songs would be good enough; his fans would just want to hear him sing anything. 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. 34 with "Don't Ask Me Why," each featuring his longtime gospel backing band, the . The singer was spending the holiday at his famous Graceland estate, and was amidst the peak of his career success. 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. On the first Hot 100, dated Aug. 4, 1958, Presley ranked at No. Elvis Presley being inducted into the Army, JK Rowling The Christmas Pig: All about Harry Potter writer's new book. SUS DONACIONES AL HOSPITAL ST. JUDE. Some theorists even [] More, Are you a fan of sitcom My Three Sons? 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. However, hes also a bit of a controversial figure amongst the more conservative members of the population that hadnt yet gotten used to the world of popular music. American singer and actor Elvis Presley served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960. After his final goodbyes to family and friends, Presley and his fellow U.S. Army recruits were taken by bus to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. These tracks would give way to more ballad-centric tunes that resonated with older listeners. Memphis police find 11 shooting victims over two scenes in Whitehaven. On January 8, 1957 (the King's 22nd birthday), the Memphis Draft Board announced that Elvis had been chosen under the current selective service system to serve two years of active duty and four years in the Reserves. The movie won a 2nd place or runner-up prize Laurel Award in the category of Top Musical of 1960. [7] The next day Gladys' condition worsened so rapidly that she was rushed to a hospital. Around this time Presley's father, Vernon, had been getting close to a woman named Dee Stanley, the wife of army sergeant Bill Stanley. [7] The officer who initially denied Presley his emergency leave was later disciplined for his actions. Its good that he did, as the film has gone down in history as one of the singers most popular movies, as well as his own favorite. People were expecting me to mess up, to goof up in one way or another. Its also worth noting that while there was talk of having Elvis serve as entertainment to lift morale, he wanted no part of it. He was the man that elevated rock-n-roll like no other and created the rockabilly movement that still exists, in a much more niche way, today. January 27, 2023, 6:25 pm, Trending [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 was in the military as a sergeant, just as he was as a King. Hassan Hood for Basic Training and was assigned to the Second Armored Division's 'Hell On Wheels' unit (once led by General George Patton). At the time of his enlistment, he was widely regarded as the most well-known name in the world of entertainment. 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. Actually, that's the only way it could be. Join Facts Verse as we explore the truth about Elvis Presleys military career. Although the Army offered to allow him to "serve" as an entertainer in special services, he declined, opting inste. Facts Verse While there could be many reasons for Elvis agreeing to his conscription, there is one which seems to be the most likely: the influence of Elvis manager, Colonel Tom Parker. It was here he met the. This, coupled with a bad diet, had led to the deterioration of her liver. 2023 The SOFREP Media Group. The timing could not have been worse. 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At what rank was Elvis Presley upon his discharge from the army? 32nd Tank Battalion, 3rd Armor Division in Friedberg, Germany, where he attained the rank of sergeant . On March 24, 1958, Elvis Presley was officially sworn in as a private. March 2, 1960: Elvis leaves Germany on a military transport plane bound for the States. [4] The Pentagon, too, had been in touch to offer Presley the opportunity to join Special Services, entertaining the troops without having to train as a regular soldier; this was known by many soldiers and veterans as "the celebrity wimp-out". Elvis was first exposed to Karate in 1958 after he was drafted into the Army and stationed in Germany. This was at the peak of the Kings success and toward the involvement of the United States in Vietnam. On March 24, 1958, Elvis officially entered the U.S. Army. And he was also glad that he was serving his country. [11], Although Presley's manager had forbidden him from performing while in the army, pressure from RCA for him to record new material led to Parker sending a microphone and a tape recorder to Germany. Although Presley never liked Dee, he became very close to her young children and welcomed them to his home as the brothers he never had; in later years they were employed as bodyguards and drivers. Every service member leaves the military eventually. While fans around the country were upset by the news, parents and teachers groups were ecstatic; they viewed Presley as a menace to society. Parker, who was often a visitor to Presley's home, would attempt to reassure his client. Throughout Monroe and Kennedys alleged affair, Lawford supposedly acted as a liaison for the President. His arrival was a major press event, and many fans showed up to witness it. His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. 1935: Elvis is born Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935, in a two-room shotgun house in East Tupelo, then a separate municipality that some called the "roughest town in north Mississippi." Though poor, Elvis's parents, Gladys and Vernon Presley, were not unlike many others in Mississippi at that time, for the country was in the midst of the Great Depression. The show was a success due to its excellent writing and directing. Before serving in World War II, Elvis had certainly been one of the biggest celebrities in the world. Elvis Presley reported for duty in the United States Army in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas on March 24, 1958. Two days later, on March 5, Presley was officially discharged from active duty with his service officially notated as Honorable. 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