We The People: This Day in History, December 20
Elvis Presley Receives Draft Notice at Graceland
Published: Dec. 20, 2025 at 7:56 AM CST
KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) - On December 20, 1957, while enjoying the holidays at Graceland, rock-and-roll icon Elvis Presley received his draft notice for the United States Army.
At the peak of his career, with hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog,” Elvis was a national sensation.
Despite pleas from fans to spare him, he was sworn in as a private on March 24, 1958.
Elvis completed his basic training at Fort Hood, finishing up on September 19, 1958.
From March 28th that year, he trained on post, living in a rented house in Killeen, and even spent many weekends exploring Waco.
Copyright 2025 KWTX. All rights reserved.
