The King of Rock and Roll
Elvis was born in Tupelo, MS. By 1956, he was a superstar of recordings, films and concerts and one of the nation's greatest performers.
Elvis reported to Kennedy Veterans Hospital in Memphis for an army pre-induction physical, on January 4, 1957. By January 8, his twenty second birthday, the Memphis Draft Board held a press conference and announced Elvis would be classified 1A and would probably be drafted sometime that year.
The Navy and the Air Force, after learning Elvis was drafted by the Army, offered special bids for his services. But, he turned them down because he did not want special treatment. He was going to serve like any G.I.
On Monday, March 24, 1958, he reported to the Memphis Draft Board. After being processed and sworn in, Elvis said his good-byes and Private Presley was bused with others from Memphis to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas for further processing.
He was assigned to the Second Armored Division's "Hell On Wheels" unit which was formerly led by General George Patton and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.
This unit was to be stationed in Friedberg, Germany. They left Fort Hood for the Brooklyn Army Terminal where, on September 22, 1958, Elvis boarded the U.S.S. Randall and sailed for Germany.
Elvis's mother Gladys became seriously ill and he went home on emergency leave to visit her. She died on August 14, 1958 at the age of 46.
He earned a sharpshooter badge for the .45 pistol and M1 rifle and a marksman badge for the M2 carbine. He received a Good Conduct Medal and a 3d Armored Division Certificate of Achievement, for faithful and efficient performance of duty.
He was twenty-three years old when drafted and twenty-five when he was promoted to sergeant E-5. Elvis completed his 18th month stint in Germany and arrived back in the U.S. in 1960.
At Fort Dix, New Jersey he was honorably discharged from active duty and for his service, he received a check for $109.54.