March 28, 1958 was quite a day at Fort Hood in Killeen. For Presley, however, being away in Germany was not all happy times. [citation needed], Introduced to amphetamines by a sergeant while on maneuvers, he became "practically evangelical about their benefits"not only for energy, but for "strength" and weight loss, as welland many of his friends in the outfit joined him in indulging. 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. 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. Elvis had finished all of his remaining work by March 14, 1958. Furthermore, each performance would have been recorded and filmed for sale to television stations worldwide. Dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Shelby County allocates $5 million, creates committee to study reparations. Two months later, he was granted emergency leave to see his ailing mother, whom he deeply adored. Hassan ", 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. And the two went on to become married several years later. At that time, he went back to Memphis and recorded a few songs before heading back into training. It also got a lot of things wrong, especially where the pop singer's longtime manager "Colonel" Tom Parker is concerned. March 24, 1958: Elvis is inducted into the army in Memphis. January 28, 2023, 4:29 pm, by The 2022 biopic Elvis got some things right. 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. Elvis Presley weighing in during his induction . We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Before entering the Army, Presley had caused national outrage with his sexually charged performances and rock and roll music. . During this assignment he completed basic and advanced military training. Elvis returned to service on August 24, and sent overseas to see active duty the next month. G.I. Like most young men his age, Elvis registered with the Selective Service in January of 1953. She died in August 1958, with her son present. Around this time Presley's father, Vernon, had been getting close to a woman named Dee Stanley, the wife of army sergeant Bill Stanley. They thought I couldnt take it and so forth, and I was determined to go to any limits to prove otherwise, not only to the people who were wondering but to myself, said Elvis. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Elvis Presley served in the military for two years after being drafted in 1958 and was honorably discharged in 1960. 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. List of halls of fame inducting Elvis Presley, 1953 Elvis Presley would visit Gene Smith at the Halls Grocery located at 1588 Mississippi Boulevard. His induction was a major event, with hundreds of overlookers and media there to witness it. 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. 1 Year-Later She Realizes Her Huge Mistake, Bebe Buell Reveals Everything About Her Rock Star Romances, The Real Reason Peter Lawford Got Kicked Out of the Rat Pack, Pam Dawber is Unrecognizable Today (Try Not to Gasp), Why Jan Smithers DISAPPEARED After WKRP in Cincinnati, Celebrities Who Died Due to Medical Malpractice, The ONE Time Dolly Parton Got Naked in Public, Rare Photos of Lynda Carter Not Suitable for All Ages, How Each Gilligans Island Cast Member Died, The Tragic Death of Robert Urich & His Wife, The Tragic Life and Demise of Angie Dickinson. Paul Beaulieu married the former Anna Lillian Iversen-Wagner (b.1926), on September 11, 1948. Elvis Presleys first RCA album came out in 1956 and was a big success, especially the single Heartbreak Hotel. [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. Blues is a 1960 American musical comedy film directed by Norman Taurog and starring Elvis Presley and Juliet Prowse.The movie was filmed at Paramount Pictures studio, with some pre-production scenery shot on location in Germany before Presley's release from the army. On November 27, 1958, Elvis was promoted to private by his superior, Captain Edward Betts The promotion to Specialist 4th Class took place on June 1, 1959. Below are nine quick facts about Presleys time in the Army. c) He met Charlie Hodge, who became Elvis' confidant, a best friend and a Graceland resident for 17 years. Elvis Presley - why did he join the Army? 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. On August 11, after calls from her doctor, Presley requested emergency leave to visit with his mother. 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. [13] Two days in Munich were followed by over a week of partying in Paris where, on several occasions, Presley would invite the whole chorus line of girls from The 4 O'Clock club back to his hotel. [13] Fans would congregate outside the house to see Presley as he came and went to work, and a sign was put up stating that autographs would be given between 7:30 and 8 p.m.[13], On January 20, 1960, Presley was promoted to sergeant. Military career of musician Elvis Presley, Gaar, Gillian G. "Ernst Jorgensen: Chronicler of Elvis' Life. . 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. Join Facts Verse as we explore the truth about Elvis Presleys military career. What are the industries and jobs that will receive a boost thanks to the President's initiatives? His time was brief, and Elvis Presleys military rank would peak as an Army Sergeant (E-5). To his credit, he did not try to use his celebrity to evade the draft, and served his two years honorably, achieving the rank of sergeant. And had proudly submitted his draft card as soon as he had turned 18 years old. He used the same salon and stylist as . Presley, not interested in dinner with someone he knew was considerably older, sent his father in his place. However, Presley remained true to his words about not wanting to receive special treatment and instead sought to experience his whole time in the Army like everybody else. As soon as Elvis finished with basic training, tragedy struck. [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". This was a popular American sitcom that ran over 12 seasons and 380 episodes from 1960 to 1972. Speaking of Elviss pain at his mothers passing, his friend Judy Spreckels said: I have never seen anyone as sad as Elvis was. Elvis acceptance of his draft into the United States Army only helped cement his cultural legacy that much more. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING VETERAN JOURNALISM - JOIN SOFREP+ , PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States, P.O. 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. Armed with a substantial amount of unreleased material, they kept up a regular stream of successful releases. Mickey Rooney. Army of the Dead release date: When is Army of the Dead on Netflix? 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. [23], On September 13, 1959, airman Currie Grant, who had met Presley a couple of months earlier, introduced him to 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu during a party at Bob's home. Facts Verse Fans were eager for new music by Elvis Presley, and "Stuck On You" hit #1, becoming his first chart topping hit of the 1960s. E-4 is not an unusual rank for a trained tanker, as Elvis was. 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. [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 serving during the subsequent release of the film King Creole a month later. Before entering the Army, Presley had caused national outrage with his rock and roll music. [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. His natural hair color was sandy blonde, and he dyed it jet black. RecPak is a meal replacement for the outdoors that saves you weight, space and time in the most challenging environments, just add water. 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. July 2, 2021, 6:38 am, by What is the history of Elvis Presley's military career? I blushed and said nothing, not willing to reveal that I was only in the ninth grade. His magnitude could be seen across the world, and frankly, his impact continues to be seen today. Facts Verse Presley was drafted into the United States Army in December 1957; on March 24, 1958, he entered the Army at the . In between his basic and advanced training, Presley received a two-week leave, and he used that time to record five songs in Nashville. Many fans waved goodbye to him at the airport in Germany before he flew back to the United States, where he was greeted by an even larger crowd of fans who were overjoyed to see that the young artist was back to do some rock and roll. Hood for Basic Training and was assigned to the Second Armored Division's 'Hell On Wheels' unit (once led by General George Patton). Parker was given the title of colonel in the Louisiana State Militia by Louisiana governor Jimmie Davis in 1948. Sign up for a free Military.com membershipto have job postings, guides and advice, and more delivered directly to your inbox. 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. Verify your free subscription by following the instructions in the email sent to: Search the largest free Veteran Job board to find jobs with veteran-friendly companies. 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. His pay now increases to $ 122.31. While enjoying the holidays in preparation for Christmas at the now-infamous Graceland, Uncle Sam called upon the biggest star in the world for service. And while Williams sadly is no longer with us, Pam Dawber is still alive and well. And the film met with positive reactions from both critics and audiences alike. Facts Verse Besides the Good Conduct merit, he also earned a medal for expert marksmanship all by himself. W hen Elvis Presley reported to be inducted into the Army on this day, March 24, in 1958, his legions of fans weren't exactly taken by surprise. 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. Required fields are marked *. Military service is admirable, but the potential fallout should never be overlooked. I was in a funny position. After a short press conference arranged by Parker, which also involved Presley walking up and down the plank of the USSGeneral George M. Randall eight times for cameras, the ship set sail and Presley would spend the rest of his service overseas. Again he politely refused, and was instead given the task of driving the commanding officer of Company D, Captain Russell. Fast and Furious 9: How will Brian O'Conner return to F9. However, there is an anomaly, photographs of Elvis arriving home in M. Elvis serving during the subsequent release of the film King Creole a month later. February 19, 2023, 6:22 am, by Some of which used in King Creole and some of which released as singles while Elvis was serving overseas. Love and Monsters 2: Will there be a Love and Monsters sequel? Hes honorably discharged from service on March 5, and subsequently travelled back to his home state of Tennessee. [6], Presley spent four days at Fort Chaffee before being transferred to Fort Hood, Texas. Elvis Presley in the barracks (Image: Getty) Elvis rejoined the army, despite this sorrow, and soon his luck changed when he was taken to Germany with his troop. 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. Weve seen plenty of celebrities who have served in the American Armed Forces, but none quite like the King. Get the best viral stories straight into your inbox! Elvis Presley on the day of his induction into the army March 24, 1958. Hes ready and willing to rise to the challenge of climbing right back to the top of it, just as he had met the challenge of serving overseas during the war. Although the Army offered to allow him to "serve" as an entertainer in special services, he declined, opting inste. Elvis henceforth receives a salary of $ 109.37. In the mid-'50s, Elvis was often spotted with his signature comb. [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. He was glad to have the opportunity to try it out. On February 1, 1958, then 23-year-old Rock and Roll star Elvis Presley recorded his last single before joining the U.S. Army. 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. [3], On January 4, 1957, Presley attended Kennedy Veterans Hospital in Memphis for a pre-induction army medical. Despite being offered the chance to enlist in Special Services to entertain the troops and live in priority housing, Presley was persuaded by his manager to serve as a regular soldier. He also became reliant on barbiturates and stimulants. Parker, who was often a visitor to Presley's home, would attempt to reassure his client. Though shes only fourteen years old at the time, Elvis introduced to Priscilla Beaulieu by one of his army friends. Ultimately, its regarded that his time as a Soldier would also begin what would become his demise. At the time of his draft he was the most well-known name in the world of entertainment. The day marked the start of his military service - a brief but significant period of his life that features in director Baz Luhrmann's new movie biopic of the . Between March 28 and September 17, 1958, he belonged to Company A, 2d Medium Tank Battalion, 37th Armor, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. They thought I couldnt take it and so forth, and I was determined to go to any limits to prove otherwise. Yes, Elvis Presleys military career happened, as he was drafted into the U.S. Army on December 20, 1957. Its certainly admirable that Elvis didnt try to get out of drafted and actually saw some time in active duty. 1,593 Views. [22] Dee Stanley Presley died on September 28, 2013. [16] RCA also managed to generate four albums compiling old material during this period, most successfully Elvis' Golden Records (1958), which hit number three on the LP chart. Elvis began going through basic training, and didnt take his first leave until June. Rock stars are infamous for their insatiable appetites for all things in excess. And so [] More, Sex, Drugs, and Rock n Roll. More info. However, disaster struck in his early days in the army: his mother, Gladys, died after being diagnosed with hepatitis. The Army introduced Presley to karate which he studied seriously and later incorporated into his live performances. The singer had already defined what it meant to be a popular music idol. The press made a huge deal out of Elvis induction into the United States Army. Just prior to his return, Elvis reflected on his experiences in an interview for Armed Forces Radio and Television: "I was in a funny position. 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". And his outfit also said to have gotten quite a bit of field duty. On January 20, 1960, Elvis was promoted to acting sergeant (platoon leader). The official cause of death was listed as heart attack, but the Presleys refused an autopsy to verify it. Your email address will not be published. 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. In his eyes, after a year of negative publicity, this was the perfect opportunity to change the view that older Americans had of him. Although Presley nodded along in agreement with his manager, he was not really convinced that he could return to what he had known previously. 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. Having a successful career in the military is a major accomplishment. He left active duty at. The armed forces would own the exclusive rights to these recordings, meaning all of the profits would be retained by the government. [11] 20th Century Fox had agreed upon a $200,000 fee for one Presley film, with options on a second for $250,000 and a 50/50 split on profits. For Elvis Presley, military service was an important part of his life. Sadly, his mother, Gladys Presley, passed away in August 1958, which granted him emergency leave. Ninth what? Grade, I whispered. [3] He knew that two years out of the limelight would mean hard work when he returned, and so he gave his all in that film to show the world that he had the potential to return as a serious, dramatic actor. As his famously tousled hair was shaved down to regulation length, he cracked, "Hair today, gone tomorrow." On March 24, 1958, Elvis Presley was officially sworn in as a private. 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. Elvis stars as an Air Force pilot trying to convince his cousins in the Great Smokey Mountains to let the military construct a missile base on their land. June 20, 2021, 9:06 am, by He was actually grateful for the opportunity to serve his country. 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