Synopses & Reviews
What happened when Elvis entered the army in 1958? Although many have speculated, for the first time we get the inside story. Rex Mansfield, the co-author, was inducted on the same day as Elvis in Memphis, went through basic training with him in Texas, and travelled with the King to Germany as well. Early on, Rex discovered that by not speaking with reporters, he could stay in Elvis inner circle, and ultimately became a close-knit member of the extended Presley family. Once overseas, Elvis befriended Elisabeth Stefaniak, a young German girl, and hired her to answer his fan mail. Elisabeth became romantically involved with him, but soon discovered Elvis wandering eye and double standards. Eventually, Rex and Elisabeth began to date secretly, and concealed it from Elvis. Torn between Elvis and Rex, Elisabeth was forced to choose and she chose Rex. On June 4, 1960, they married. Elvis never again spoke to either one of them. And though glimpses of their story have been recounted in several Presley biographies, the two have remained silent for four decades. Until now.
What will be revealed in Sergeant Presley? We learn about the beginning of Elvis addiction to prescription drugs. We see Elvis initial meeting with Priscilla Beaulieu, his eventual wife. And we hear about the daily goings-on both on the army bases and in the homes Elvis rented in Texas and Germany.
More than the revelations, however, this is a story about three people: Rex, who becomes a close friend of Elvis; Elisabeth, who becomes one of Elvis girlfriends; and Elvis himself, during the ""missing years.""
Synopsis
Elvis Presley's army years are often considered the lost years” because so little is known about them. Elvis's fellow soldier and friend, Rex Mansfield, along with his wife, Elisabethwith whom Elvis was once romantically linkedreveal a fascinating portrait of young Elvis the soldier. Tales of Elvis and Rex's induction in Memphis, basic training in Texas, and travels to Germany are recounted, and stories of the genesis of Elvis's addiction to prescription drugs, his initial meeting with Priscilla Beaulieu, and his daily life on base and in the homes he rented in Texas and Germany are revealed. Included are many previously unpublished photographs from this important time in Elvis's life.
About the Author
Rex Mansfield and
Elisabeth Mansfield live in Tennessee.
Marshall Terrill is the author of
Steve McQueen: Portrait of an American Rebel and
Flight of the Hawk: The Aaron Pryor Story.
Zoe Terrill is a pop culture historian who worked for NBC's
Unsolved Mysteries. They live in Mesa, Arizona.