From March 1958 to March 1960, Elvis Presley served the U.S. Army as a regular soldier. He was already a very popular entertainment figure at the time of his draft.

His decision to serve as a regular soldier, despite offers to enlist him in Special Services to entertain the troops and live in priority housing, has earned him the respect of many of his fellow soldiers and the people back home who had previously viewed him in a negative light because of his sexually-charged performances and bold rock and roll music.

"People were expecting me to goof up. I was determined to prove otherwise." -Elvis Presley
 

Wearing only underwear, U.S. Army Pvt. Elvis Presley (third left) raises his arms along with several other inductees, Fort Chaffee, Ark.

Photo: Don Cravens/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images

Elvis Presley measures in at 6 feet 1/2 inch during the pre-induction physical examination, Kennedy Veterans Hospital, Memphis.

Photo: Don Cravens/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images

Army barber James Peterson giving Elvis a cut at Fort Chaffee reception center.

Photo: Don Cravens/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images

Elvis getting a shot from an Army doctor during the pre-induction physical at Kennedy Veterans Hospital.

Photo: Don Cravens/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images

Elvis Presley clad only in his skivvies while an Army doctor conducts his pre-induction physical at Kennedy Veterans Hospital

Photo: Don Cravens/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images

Elvis tries on his Army boots, Fort Chaffee

Photo: Don Cravens/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images

Elvis Presley in newly issued Army fatigues & jacket.

Photo: Don Cravens/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images

Elvis is sworn into the U. S. Army by Maj. Elbert Turner.

Photo: Don Cravens/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images

Private Elvis Presley heads for the barracks.

Photo: Don Cravens/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images

Elvis adjusts his new uniform after his induction at Fort Chaffee.

Photo: Don Cravens/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images

H/T Mashable