On March 14, 1958, the legendary rock and roll musician Elvis Presley was inducted into the U.S. Army at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. This event marked a significant turning point in his career and personal life, as he had to put his music on hold to serve his country.
At the time, Elvis was at the height of his fame, with numerous hit records, movies, and sold-out concerts. His manager, Colonel Tom Parker, initially sought to have Elvis enlisted in the Special Services, which would have allowed him to continue performing for the troops. However, Elvis insisted on serving as a regular soldier, not wanting to receive any special treatment.
During his time in the Army, Elvis served in Germany as a member of the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Division. He was stationed in Friedberg, where he met his future wife, Priscilla Beaulieu, who was only 14 years old at the time.
Despite being away from the public eye, Elvis remained popular throughout his military service. His absence from the music scene led to a surge in sales of his previous recordings, and his fans eagerly awaited his return.
After completing his service in March 1960, Elvis returned to the United States and resumed his music career. He recorded several successful albums and starred in numerous films throughout the 1960s, cementing his status as a cultural icon.
Elvis Presley's induction into the Army on March 14, 1958, remains a significant event in music history, as it demonstrated his commitment to serving his country and his ability to maintain his popularity even during a two-year hiatus from his career.
