Historical Context
Elvis Presley was the largest name in showbiz when he was conscripted in March 1958, after a short extension to complete the film "King Creole". Against expectations Presley elected to serve a regular soldier and not in Special Services where he would just primarily perform for the troops.
Presley did his basic training in Fort Hood in Texas, living off base afterwards. Presley's beloved mother Gladys took ill and died in August 1958, leaving Presley devastated. A month later Presley was attached to the 3rd Armored Division in Friedberg, West Germany, where he served the rest of his service, always under huge public scrutiny.
Photo Info
Related Events
- 1958-03-24 Elvis Presley joins the U.S. Army (serial number 53310761)
- 1960-01-14 US Army promotes Elvis Presley to Sergeant
- 1960-03-05 Elvis Presley ends 2-year hitch in US Army
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