ELVIS GOES ARMY:
VIDEO: Elvis during Army Induction
December 1957 was a wonderful time in Elvis' life. His record sales were at an all time high. His acting ability, in Hollywood movies, were successful. Elvis' health was excellent and Christmas, Elvis' favorite Holiday, was upcoming. The only "cloud" hanging over Elvis' head was the persistent rumors that Elvis was soon to be drafted.
In fact, Elvis was approached by the US Military and offered a "sweetheart deal" whereby Elvis would "volunteer" and in return for his "volunteering" he would be assigned with many other people solely from the Memphis area.Elvis politely "declined" the offer and said that he would "take his chances".
On December 20, 1957 Elvis' "chances" went to 100% as he was hand delivered, to his residency at Graceland in Memphis, TN, his "offical draft notice" by the local Memphis Draft Board Representative.
Elvis receives his "Official Draft Notice" on December 20, 1957 at Graceland
Elvis' Mother, Gladys, was...heartbroken. Her fears, concerning Elvis' life, were now confirmed "in black and white" on an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper. All of the anguish, guilt, and tears flowed down her face in a sea of mascara smudged tears. She put her head down and said "first Jesse Garron and now this". Elvis went over to her to comfort her, as he had all these years and she had comforted/protected him as well, and told her that "it was God's will and he would make her proud". Vernon soon joined in and Graceland, in spite of the glistening Christmas tree and festive decorations, was inhabited by a combination of "sadness and inpending doom". As the loving Son (Elvis), hugged and kissed his loving Mother (Gladys) over and over, the Father (Vernon) was quite "taken aback" with his thoughts...which included the knowledge that in all the years they had been married that Gladys' "feelings" (i.e. predictions) were never - ever...wrong.
Elvis' Army Induction Letter (courtesy of Jeff Schrembs Collection - all rights reserved)