Where and when was Elvis Presley stationed in Germany? A look at the military service of the King of Rock 'n' Roll

Where and when was Elvis Presley stationed in Germany? A look at the military service of the King of Rock 'n' Roll An overview of Elvis Presley's military service, his stationing in Germany and formative experiences Rolling Stone editorial team 07.01.2025 Elvis Presley on the "USS Randall" in Brooklyn Harbor. His military service in Hesse began on September 22nd. Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock 'n' Roll", spent an important period in Germany from 1958 to 1960. But why was he there in the first place? When exactly did he come to Germany, and which places played a central role in this phase of his life? An overview of Elvis Presley's military service, his stationing in Germany and the formative experiences he had there. After his worldwide breakthrough as a musician and actor, Elvis Presley was drafted into the US Army in 1958. Unlike many celebrities of his time who applied for special arrangements or exemptions, Elvis consciously decided to do military service as a soldier. Elvis in the barracks in Friedberg, October 1, 1958 On March 24, 1958, Elvis began his service in the US Army and was initially stationed at Fort Hood in Texas. After basic training, in October 1958, the order came to transfer Elvis to Germany. The destination was the Ray Barracks in Friedberg, Hesse. Elvis Presley in Germany: Stationed in Friedberg On October 1, 1958, Elvis Presley landed in Bremerhaven, where he officially set foot on German soil. From there, the journey continued to his station: the Ray Barracks in Friedberg. Friedberg, a small town in Hesse, suddenly became internationally famous thanks to Elvis's presence. Elvis was assigned to the 3rd Panzer Division and worked there as a private soldier. He served as a tank driver and regularly completed training sessions. There is no evidence that he was regularly beaten by his comrades as a celebrity. In fact, the superstar is said to have insisted on not getting any special treatment. Living situation: Elvis lived in Bad Nauheim But: During his stationing in Friedberg, Elvis Presley did not live in the barracks, but rented a house at Goethestrasse 14 in Bad Nauheim together with his father Vernon Presley and a few close companions. Bad Nauheim, a spa town just a few kilometers from Friedberg, became Elvis' home for the next two years. The choice of Bad Nauheim was no coincidence. The quiet surroundings offered the star privacy away from the military barracks. Nevertheless, his presence in the city quickly became known, and fans from all over Germany and the world traveled there to catch a glimpse of the superstar. Highlights and anecdotes from Elvis' time in Germany Elvis and Priscilla Presley: During his time in Bad Nauheim, Elvis met Priscilla Beaulieu, who was only 14 years old at the time. She was the daughter of an officer and later became his wife. Their love story began in Germany and was to become one of the most famous relationships in pop culture. Music despite military service: Although Elvis did not release any new songs while stationed there, he occasionally recorded songs or practiced guitar in his free time. The time in Germany served as a short but necessary break in his career. Places in Bad Nauheim: Many places that Elvis visited in Bad Nauheim have been preserved to this day and have become real pilgrimage sites for fans. These include the house on Goethestrasse, the Usa Bridge in Bad Nauheim, where Elvis was often photographed, and the famous Elvis memorial. Training and everyday life: Reports from comrades show that Elvis was disciplined and took his service seriously. He regularly drove tanks and took part in military exercises. His colleagues valued him as a down-to-earth and friendly person. The end of the deployment and the return to the USA On March 2, 1960, Elvis Presley's military service in Germany ended. He was ordered back to Fort Dix in New Jersey and honorably discharged from the army. Elvis Presley and his years in Germany The deployment in Germany from 1958 to 1960 was a formative phase in Presley's life. In Friedberg he served as a soldier, while in Bad Nauheim he led a quiet life far away from the hype of stardom. Here he met Priscilla, lived an almost normal life and left traces that still attract fans from all over the world today. Friedberg and Bad Nauheim have become important places for Elvis fans who want to follow in the footsteps of the "King of Rock 'n' Roll".