September 22, 1958: Elvis leaves for Germany on a troop transport ship. He was honorably discharged, having achieved the rank of Sergeant-E5. When Elvis Presley walked off an army troop ship in Bremerhaven, West Germany on October 1, 1958, he was only 23 years old. 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. 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. Memphis police find 11 shooting victims over two scenes in Whitehaven. Parker was unwilling to allow anyone to enjoy Presley's talents let alone profit from them, effectively, for free. This would be part of the mounting reasons that Elvis Presleys service in the U.S. Army helped his popularity skyrocket. Presley politely told both parties that he would consider their offers. Elvis Presley photographed in Bad Nauheim, Germany, March 1959. On March 24, 1958, Elvis Presley was officially sworn in as a private. [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. What was Elvis Presley's highest rank in the Army? Did Elvis Presley serve in the military? After her role on that classic sitcom ended, Jan became more interested in being a mother than being an actress. Elvis returned to service on August 24, and sent overseas to see active duty the next month. Elvis Presley being inducted into the Army, JK Rowling The Christmas Pig: All about Harry Potter writer's new book. 14 Goethestrasse, soon to become the then Germany's most celebrated private address. There, hed bid his iconic hairstyle to receive his GI haircut and his celebrity status outside the boot camp to become soldier 53310761. At that time, he went back to Memphis and recorded a few songs before heading back into training. As his famously tousled hair was shaved down to regulation length, he cracked, "Hair today, gone tomorrow." He completed basic training and traveled to Europe onboard the USS General George M. Randall (AP-115). 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 But if you've been in for more than one tour, your life is about to change substantially. Presley was drafted into the United States Army in December 1957; on March 24, 1958, he entered the Army at the . But Presleys manager, Colonel Tom Parker, understood the importance of keeping Elvis fresh in the minds of his American audience. Presley had received his draft notice on December 20, 1957 and, according to History.com, received one draft deferment, delaying his entry into the Army until March 24 of the following year. The singer had already released such classic singles as Hound Dog, Blue Suede Shoes, and Heart Break Hotel. Elvis accepted the deferment not so much for his own sake but for the crews. His term lasted from March 1958 to March 1960, which was during the time that he was one of the biggest names within the entertainment industry. [13] Witnesses recall that Presley took an instant liking to Priscilla, and the pair were practically inseparable during the rest of his time in Germany. Charlie went on to work with Elvis in his musical career after both of them returned overseas, and he stayed a key member of Elvis band until the latters death. They thought I couldnt take it and so forth, and I was determined to go to any limits to prove otherwise. The singer also filmed the movie G.I. However, due to commitments at Paramount and the filming schedule of his latest film, King Creole, Presley had to personally write to the Memphis Draft Board to request a deferment. Shelby County allocates $5 million, creates committee to study reparations. What is the history of Elvis Presley's military career? Armed with a substantial amount of unreleased material, they kept up a regular stream of successful releases. On February 1, 1958, then 23-year-old Rock and Roll star Elvis Presley recorded his last single before joining the U.S. Army. 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". The show followed widowed aeronautical engineer named Steven Douglas and his three sons. Elvis Presley reported for duty in the United States Army in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas on March 24, 1958. "Stuck On You" was the first hit single by Elvis Presley after he returned from two years of military service in the US army. March 29, 2021, 4:49 am, by [4], Worried that rock and roll was a passing fad, Presley wanted to make King Creole the best role he had ever acted. Throughout Monroe and Kennedys alleged affair, Lawford supposedly acted as a liaison for the President. In June, with 15 days' leave to enjoy, Presley and his friends traveled to Munich and Paris. "[4], Presley was originally scheduled to be inducted on January 20, 1958. On March 3, Presley's plane arrived at McGuire Air Force Base near Fort Dix, New Jersey, at 7:42 am. And the film met with positive reactions from both critics and audiences alike. And the two went on to become married several years later. Despite their age gap, they kept in touch, and after Elvis left the army in 1960, he had Priscilla join him at Graceland. In letters to friend Alan Fortas, Presley described his homesickness and insisted that he hated the training. He left active duty at. 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. Before serving, the King continued to build a younger audience, whereas some of his antics were not well received by a more conservative, older audience. [22] Dee returned to the US in the summer of 1959, closely followed by Vernon, and the pair returned to Germany together. The armed forces would own the exclusive rights to these recordings, meaning all of the profits would be retained by the government. ELVIS PRESLEY in GERMANY Elvis in ArmyDecember 20 1957 Elvis Presley is drafted while spending the Christmas at Graceland March 7, 1960 Elvis Presley arrived back in Memphis, after 2 years in the U.S. Army. Elvis returned from Germany in 1960. 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. Praesidus brings homage to the military watch tradition. Facts Verse Colonel Tom Parker, Presley's manager, was well aware of his client's draft status and how it could affect his career. The two eventually married in 1967, divorcing in 1973. And the singer given emergency leave to go and visit her on her deathbed. He was inducted at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas and reached the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged on March 5, 1960. Elvis manager Colonel Tom Parker, and hes not too happy about the fact that his most prestigious and highest earning client had drafted. . Elvis serving during the subsequent release of the film King Creole a month later. And had some time to relax with his family back in Memphis before officially inducted. Knowing that the military had happened upon a good thing, the Navy and Air Force quickly made offers for him to join them -- the Navy was ready to start a specially trained "Elvis Presley company" and the Air Force had starry visions of using Elvis at their recruiting centers. And his outfit also said to have gotten quite a bit of field duty. Feeling that he had a professional obligation to finish the film. With robust designs and vintage classic style, discover the heritage of military timepieces today! In January 1956, Presley turned twenty-one and was now eligible to be drafted. [11] Paramount, too, had signed deals to produce a number of new Presley films after his release; what would eventually become G.I. . And then the Army entered the picture. Which is a vastly greater sum of money when adjusted for inflation. In the meantime, Parker wrote from the United States on a nearly daily basis to Presley about how things were going back home. Parker was given the title of colonel in the Louisiana State Militia by Louisiana governor Jimmie Davis in 1948. 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. But in 1958 he made a surprising decision to join the US Army, shocking his fans. He was glad to have the opportunity to try it out. 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. And was likely grateful that the war was about to take his mind off of it. There will be three or four girls, one French, one Italian and two Germans. Roughly a quarter million of these unlucky souls sustain injuries so severe that they end up dying. But she ended up spilling the beans on one of the most embarrassing chapters of her life instead. 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. The show will include eight or nine songs, mostly ballads, and some rock 'n' roll. Elvis' life was affected in a variety of ways during his service, beginning with the death of his mother. Join Facts Verse as we explore the truth about Elvis Presleys military career. [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. While fans around the country were upset by the news, parents and teachers groups were ecstatic; they viewed Presley as a menace to society. The Navy even suggested an Elvis Presley Company, which would include a battalion made up of Elvis friends, and private lodgings where he could sleep while performing in Las Vegas. There are advantages to an atypical job in terms of its work schedule beyond merely accommodating your biological clock's Positions and Skills Sought. The singer was offered various jobs in different branches of the military, including the Air Force and the Navy, which would have seen him performing for troops and avoiding much of the training of other soldiers. [5] Hodge, who had enjoyed some success as an entertainer himself before being drafted, encouraged Presley to help him put together a show for the troops. Hassan Photographers were also there, documenting every moment of his installation. The use of drugs and addiction would claim the Kings life at only the age of 42. [4] After discussing each offer with Parker, Presley decided to join as a regular soldier. [20], On March 2, with Priscilla in attendance, Presley waved goodbye to the fans and media of Germany and flew home to the U.S. On the way, his plane stopped at Prestwick Airport in Scotland to refuel; this was the one and only time that Presley would set foot in the United Kingdom, (although being confined to an airport, he was technically never legally in the country.). 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. 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. After buying his off-base property, Elvis continued working in the day but began having lavish parties at night. Many parents, religious leaders, and teachers groups welcomed his draft into the military. 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. This time was incredibly important for him, with it marking the death and meeting of two. Which was King Creole. [17] The army also introduced Presley to karate, which he studied seriously, later including it in his live performances. He enlisted in the Army on March 24, 1958, at the Memphis draft board. He and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948, and Elvis graduated from Humes High School . 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. Letters sent by the thousands to military offices asking for Elvis draft notice to rescinded. Like all of us, Elvis Presley's life was marked by different stages. If youre enjoying this video so far, be sure to hit the like button to show your support! Facts Verse Mr. Presley's overseas service took place in Germany from October 1, 1958, until March 2, 1960, as a member of the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32d Armor. While Elvis military career might not have seen the legendary singer acting like an all-out war movie hero, it is admirable that he didnt try to neglect his duty to serve his country like some other stars of the time. 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. Facts Verse The story . News outlets were reporting regularly on stories, mostly released by Parker himself, about plans for Presley's return to entertainment. He left active duty at Fort Dix, New Jersey, on March 5, 1960, and received his discharge from the Army Reserve on March 23, 1964. 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. Because of this, Elvis induction into the United States Army did a lot to help him garner the respect of the people. Two days later, on March 5, Presley was officially discharged from active duty with his service officially notated as Honorable. This would begin an 18-month period of Elvis serving in Company D, 32nd Tank Battalion, 3rd Armor Division while stationed in Friedberg, Germany. [8], On August 14, Gladys died from cirrhosis. The fatigues and hat that Elvis wore during his service are now on display inside of the Rock Hall's newest featured exhibit. Although Presley nodded along in agreement with his manager, he was not really convinced that he could return to what he had known previously. 34 with "Don't Ask Me Why," each featuring his longtime gospel backing band, the . And has gone down in history as the first of his kind. As a result, he became dependent on stimulants and barbiturates. Hot It's an amazing-looking outfit topped with a neckerchief and an acoustic guitar. People were expecting me to mess up, to goof up in one way or another. On November 27, 1958, Elvis was promoted to private by his superior, Captain Edward Betts. 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. January 27, 2023, 6:25 pm, Trending It just before Christmas in 1957 when legendary singer Elvis Presley received the news that hes going drafted into the United States Army. 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. Elvis henceforth receives a salary of $ 109.37. 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. On January 8, 1956, 21 year old Presley was now eligible to be drafted like most American men of that age. 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. He knew that people were waiting for something big to happen, but he proved them wrong. c) He met Charlie Hodge, who became Elvis' confidant, a best friend and a Graceland resident for 17 years. Besides Elvis family and friends, his manager was also there to see him off before he left to become inducted. He had acquired deals with RCA and 20th Century Fox to make sure Presley's return to public life would go as smoothly as possible. In between his basic and advanced training, Presley received a two-week leave, and he used that time to record five songs in Nashville. 32nd Tank Battalion, 3rd Armor Division in Friedberg, Germany, where he attained the rank of sergeant . He would end up having to fight an even tougher battle [] More, What could be more mysterious than an island filled with buried treasure? [7], After training at Fort Hood Presley was assigned to the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32d Armor, 3d Armored Division, at Ray Barracks, Germany, where he served as an armor intelligence specialist. | 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. Actually, that's the only way it could be. Elvis Presley was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War in 1957. What are the industries and jobs that will receive a boost thanks to the President's initiatives? Every service member leaves the military eventually. [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". It was one of these buddies that introduced Elvis to a woman that would later become his wife. When Elvis Presley Joined The Army @filmsprismdc Watch on Next Article Elvis Presley served in the U.S. Army from March 24, 1958, to March 5, 1960. He had become a pistol sharpshooter, and expressed his enjoyment at the "rough and tumble" of the tanks obstacle course. Local ID: 111-SC-570995 ( NAID: 266778417) Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 - August 16, 1977) is widely known for his extraordinary music, performance style, acting career, and worldwide fame. 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. Circa 1958, American singer and actor Elvis Presley sits in a restaurant wearing his US Army uniform. Having a successful career in the military is a major accomplishment. His pay now increases to $ 122.31. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Couldnt take it and so forth, and more delivered directly to your.. Adjusted for inflation was shaved down to regulation length, he entered the Army March. He made a surprising decision to join as a liaison for elvis presley military rank crews was also to. 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