March 24th in Elvis History

It's March 24th, and on this day in 1958, Elvis Presley reported to the draft board at 6:35 a.m., accompanied by his girlfriend Anita Wood and his parents, Vernon and Gladys. After being assigned the serial number 53 310 761, he underwent a physical examination before being put in charge of a group of recruits, traveling by army bus to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.

During this pivotal moment, Elvis met Rex Mansfield, who would go on to become one of his closest friends during his time in the army. As Elvis stood for his army haircut—at the cost of just 65 cents—members of the press eagerly collected his hair clippings, reportedly for a souvenir. Meanwhile, outside, Colonel Parker handed out "good-bye" balloons to the media and fans who had gathered to witness this historical moment.