While serving in the United States Army Elvis Presley was promoted to the rank of sergeant and was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal. He was also qualified as an expert marksman with multiple weapons.
Before entering the U.S. Army, Presley had caused national outrage with his rock and roll music. Many parents, religious leaders, and teachers groups saw his draft as a positive thing. Despite being offered the chance to enlist in Special Services to entertain the troops and live in priority housing, Presley decided to serve as a regular soldier. This earned him the respect of many of his fellow soldiers and people back home who previously viewed him in a negative light.