Elvis Presley

[Hoss68]

Elvis Aron Presley entered the United States Army at Memphis, Tennessee, on March 24, 1958, and then spent three days at the Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, Reception Station. He left active duty at Fort Dix, New Jersey, on March 5, 1960, and received his discharge from the Army Reserve on March 23, 1964.

During his active military career Mr. Presley served as a member of two different armor battalions. Between March 28 and September 17, 1958, he belonged to Company A, 2d Medium Tank Battalion, 37th Armor, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. During this assignment he completed basic and advanced military training.

Mr. Presley's overseas service took place in Germany from October 1, 1958, until March 2, 1960, as a member of the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32d Armor. For the first five days of that period he belonged to Company D of the battalion, and thereafter to the battalion's Headquarters Company at Friedberg.

While in Germany Mr. Presley wore the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 3d Armored Division.

[DeathDealer6]

Originally Posted by Hoss68

Mr. Presley's overseas service took place in Germany from October 1, 1958, until March 2, 1960, as a member of the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32d Armor. For the first five days of that period he belonged to Company D of the battalion, and thereafter to the battalion's Headquarters Company at Friedberg.

While in Germany Mr. Presley wore the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 3d Armored Division.

Not sure if the Kasserne is even still there, but they used to have several references to Elvis at Friedberg. I've never been a big Elvis fan, like some of his stuff and don't like some, but it was interesting to see his service remembered.

[Hoss68]

My Dad was in Germany with him... He said Elvis knew his job and did it well, but other than that he was not impressed with the man...

I guess i got my cue from Dad, never liked him much either.

[jerseydevil]

I live about 15 minutes from "Graceland", I have been there and do not remember seeing any of his Svc. items. As I remember he does not have an "I love me wall" as many other Svc. members do, showing theier pride in what they have accomplished, completion of courses or awards. So, Why did he enlist? Was he not proud to serve? Or was this a propaganda stunt to increase enlistments of enlisted personal during this time?

I was active duty as a Navy Seabee and while in school I had the chance to visit the Seabee museum. The history of the "Bees" is true, they did make a movie out of it staring one John Wayne and when the movie was over, they had recruitment trailers waiting outside. Famous people do sell the military.

Dont get me wrong, I am not a big fan of Elvis either. I am from New Jersey, but you cant talk bad on Elvis in these parts because, the locals may get upset. They believe that he had walked on water. When your in the gift shop do not make the same mistake as me, by asking for pictures of FAT ELVIS, because that's how you remember him. They dont ever want to believe that he had ballooned up to over 3 hundred pounds. You would have thought that I just urinated on the Alamo or something.
My feelings are; I am glad to see the man serve his country. But I feel it took away from the average soldier who was faithfully serving his country. Thanks just needed to vent. I really hope that I did not upset any avid Elvis fans.

[DeathDealer6]

I don't remember the history, but I think he may have received an 'Uncle Sam wants you!" invitation. From what I've heard/read (I too am not a fan who can quote dates/times etc) he did his job and didn't really play off his celebrity status too much.

[Hoss68]

jerseydevil~ According to what I have read, he was still treated like a celebrity whenever he left base... Heck, that's where he met Priscilla. How old was she again? We went to Vegas 2 years ago, our (the ex-fiance) one stipulation was ABSOLUTELY NO ELVIS!!!!! Neither one of us like him. We achieved our goal!
I agree with you about taking away from the "average" soldier though. He seems to be the ONE service member that joined AFTER his celebrity status was obtained. I could be mistaken though...
BTW~ The only music I like of his was more along the gospel side, and I am NOT religious by any means... But he did those songs justice!

DeathDealer6~ I'll see if I can find that info...

[XTankLT]

Originally Posted by Hoss68

Elvis Aron Presley entered the United States Army at Memphis, Tennessee, on March 24, 1958, ......
During his active military career Mr. Presley served as a member of two different armor battalions. Between March 28 and September 17, 1958, he belonged to Company A, 2d Medium Tank Battalion, 37th Armor, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. During this assignment he completed basic and advanced military training.

Mr. Presley's overseas service took place in Germany from October 1, 1958, until March 2, 1960, as a member of the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32d Armor. For the first five days of that period he belonged to Company D of the battalion, and thereafter to the battalion's Headquarters Company at Friedberg.

While in Germany Mr. Presley wore the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 3d Armored Division.

Well, I'll be a SOB.... I never knew that the King was with the 37th Armor. I always knew about him being in Hell on Wheels, but not the 37th!

I guess that puts Ironsides and me in some bragging rights.... then again... Elvis was in the 2nd Battalion and not the 1st Battalion.