By the time his induction notice arrived, Elvis had already transformed American music. He’d had a string of hit singles, starred in films and earned nearly a million dollars in 1957 alone — then went to the draft board making $78 a month as Army serial number US53310761. The contrast was hard to miss, and the press made sure nobody missed it. Reporters showed up, cameras ready, when he drove his black Cadillac to the Memphis draft board accompanied by his parents.
What struck observers at the time was how straightforward he was about the whole thing. No special treatment was requested, and none was given — at least publicly. When the Army assigned him to Fort Hood, Texas, for basic combat training with the 2nd Armored Division, he told reporters he’d been all over Texas and was fine with it. “I’d like to do whatever they think I’m best suited for,” he said. Brig. Gen. Ralph Mace noted that Elvis “has conducted himself in a fine manner,” which, given the circus of press attention, was saying something.
He shipped out to West Germany in September 1958, assigned to the 3rd Armored Division in Friedberg. He served as a jeep driver and scout, earned the rank of sergeant and completed his overseas tour without any notable special accommodations. It was in Germany that he met 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu, daughter of an Air Force officer — a meeting that would shape his personal life for years to come. He was honorably discharged in March 1960, returning stateside to a career that picked right back up where it left off.
The fans who gathered outside his Whitehaven mansion to see him off were notably subdued. According to period accounts, about 75 of them waited for hours for a glimpse of him before he shipped out overseas. He signed autographs quietly, and they were quiet too. His parting words — “please don’t forget me while I’m gone” — carried real significance for a generation that had built its identity around his music. He served in West Germany, where he’d eventually meet Priscilla Beaulieu, and was discharged in March 1960 as a sergeant.
We’ve pulled together 20 vintage photos and newspaper clippings from the time of Elvis’ induction and early service days, giving you a look at this moment as it was actually reported and documented. The images show everything from his infamous Army haircut to his first days in uniform — the kind of primary-source detail that puts you right in the room.
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- Lang, Johnny (Author)
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Elvis swaps mansion for Army living (1958)
From The Deseret News (Salt Lake City, Utah) March 24, 1958
Elvis Presley swapped his plush $100,000 mansion for an Army barracks Monday after he breezed through a physical examination and was officially inducted into the Army.
The 23-year-old former truck driver, weighing in at 185 pounds and measuring 5 feet 11 inches tall, leaves behind a career that he began as a truck driver and rolled into a million dollar business singing rock ‘n’ roll.
Presley was assigned Army serial number US53310761. Elvis’ mother and father were permitted inside the examining station and posed with their son for pictures. It took less than three hours for the singer to be officially inducted into the Army at $78 a month.
The former truck driver who skyrocketed into an orbit of adoration by the younger generation admitted he was nervous.
Ironically, when the time came for the teenage rock ‘n’ roll idol to go to his draft board for induction, the loyal fans were absent. At the gates to the Presley’s $100,000 mansion and at the local draft board, only officials and a dozen newsmen were on hand to witness the passing of Presley from civillian to military life.
Presley answered the roll call at his downtown Main and Beale draft board. He drove there behind the wheel of a big black Cadillac, accompanied by his mother and a friend.
Presley wore black boots, black trousers, a grey jacket, blue shirt.
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- Linn, Brian McAllister (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Dig this, girls – Army’s sending Elvis to Texas
San Antonio Express (San Antonio, Texas) – Thursday, March 27, 1958
Pvt. Elvis Presley, who has “always liked Texas,” will go to Ft. Hood there Friday with 18 other recruits, the Army announced Wednesday.
The rock ‘n’ roll king will be sent to the 2nd Armored Division for eight weeks of basic combat training, Brig. Gen. Ralph Mace, commander of this camp told newsmen.
“The decision was made in Washington this morning,” Mace said.
The 23-year-old singer took the news placidly. With the courtesy and nonchalance he has maintained for three days in the glare of publicity, Elvis told newsmen: “I’ve been anywhere in Texas you can name… I’d like do whatever they (the Army) thinks I’m best suited for.”
ALSO SEE: How Bill Haley & His Comets rocked around the clock when rock ‘n’ roll was brand new
Initiation into the Army is just about over for Elvis. He put on an Army uniform and received his inoculations Wednesday.
Gen. Mace watched Elvis try on some Army clothing this morning. Presley said “sir” to the private first class corporal and sergeant who issued the clothing.
Mace told reporters earlier that “certainly Elvis has conducted himself in a fine manner… and has indicated he should make a tremendous operation out of his career in the Army.”
Elvis’ Army future after basic training is anybody’s guess, the general said.
Presley, whose 1957 income was nearly one million dollars, now makes $78 a month.
Elvis Presley army photos: First day
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- Hardcover Book
- Taylor, William (Author)
Elvis’ last words to you before going overseas
“In a few weeks, I’ll be going away . . .”
As he spoke to the crowd of about seventy-five faithful fans who had waited for hours outside his Whitehaven mansion for a glimpse of him, Elvis Presley’s voice trailed off in a note of wistful sadness.
Teenagers clambered around his tomato-red Lincoln Continental, holding out photos, scraps of paper, sketches of him for his autograph.
Silently, he signed them. The fans, too, were strangely quiet now. It was as if they, as well as Elvis, sensed that this was their last meeting for a long, long time . . . “How’s the Army treatin’ you, Elvis?” a boy called loudly, in a boisterous attempt to break up the gloom.
“No complaints,” Elvis reported with a grin. “Have tank, will travel!”
He started the motor. “Gotta go now,” he said, reluctantly. “Good-bye… Goodbye, all…” Slowly, he drove through the gates. Then, abruptly, he stopped and turned for a last, long look at the faces behind him.
“Thanks,” he called. “Thanks for everything. And please… don’t forget me while I’m gone.” With a final wave of farewell, he drove on. “Goodbye, Elvis, goodbye…”
The shouts echoed through the quiet of the warm southern afternoon. And long after he no longer heard them, they echoed in Elvis Presley’s heart.
Elvis Presley joins the Army: More photos
One Response
I haven’t been a fan of Mr. Presley, though there are a couple of his songs & movies I’ve enjoyed. What amazes me is How popular he was of the UK citizens! I was stationed, in the USAFE there for 11 years. I was amazed of his fame. Even though his manager, The Capt (?), never allowed Elvis to go there! Interesting 🤔