Rare Pictures Show Elvis Presley Serving In The Army

Jan 13, 2020 by apost team

Few can match the bravery and selflessness displayed by our men and women in uniform. Whether they’re serving in the Army, Navy, Airforce, or Marines, Armed Service personnel risk their lives to protect the freedoms we take for granted. The following Army man personifies this robust spirit of patriotism.

Many people forget that Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, served in the military. At age 23, Presley was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was on active duty for two years, spending his service time in Germany.

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Although he was already famous, Presley refused star treatment. He got paid the standard $78 monthly salary. He also received all the same meals and other necessary accommodations.

The Army photo-documented many of these everyday moments. Photographs were frequently taken of soldiers for the news or recruitment advertisements. A special collection of Army pictures containing Presley could serve either or both purposes.

These eight special pictures represent everyday occurrences in the Army. Near the beginning of his service, Presley can be seen getting a regulation haircut and having his height measured by an Army doctor. There’s even a photograph of Presley lined up for physical inspection, wearing just his white underwear shorts!

Most of the pictures feature Presley fully clothed. They show Presley involved in normal Army life doing things like sitting on the barracks floor shining his shoes, standing in line waiting to receive more Army clothing, and warming his hands while sitting around an outdoor fire. During his time in the service, Presley was promoted to Acting Sergeant, as illustrated by the uniform seen in a picture of him straightening his uniform before a mirror. No doubt this high-level preening paid off; another photo depicts Presley and two other Army men waving from a train to fans in 1958 Bremerhaven, Germany.

It’s hard not to have a heart swelling with American pride after hearing about such a marvelous collection of Elvis Presley photographs. Are you a Veteran? Perhaps you have a loved one currently serving our country. Trade war stories here or through other social media sites to help keep American pride alive.