Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) is widely known for his extraordinary music, performance style, acting career, and worldwide fame. In 1960, however, he was known in the United States Army as Sergeant Presley.
Here in the Still Picture Branch at the National Archives, we have a handful of photographs within our holdings that show a glimpse into Elvis’ time with the military.
On March 24, 1958, Elvis was inducted into the United States Army at the Memphis Draft Board in Tennessee. He arrived at Fort Hood, Texas on March 28, 1958 for Basic Training, where he was stationed for six months.
On October 1st later that year, he was assigned to the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division and stationed for the next 18 months in Friedberg, West Germany. It was in West Germany where Elvis met his future wife, Priscilla Ann Beaulieu, at a house party he hosted.
