Army Buddy Larry Martin

First I'd like to thank Elvis.com for letting me use this beautiful photo of Elvis for this article.

Now I'd like you to meet Larry Martin who served in the Army with Elvis from May 14th, 1959 until March, 1960.

We'd like to walk in your shoes for one brief moment Larry. Describe exactly where you were and how you felt, when you first met Elvis.
I first met Elvis at the Battalion Motor Pool. I felt thrilled and fortunate to be able to actually meet him in person. I shook his hand and introduced myself. I said, it is a pleasure to meet you Elvis and he said, the pleasure is mine.

Were you a huge Elvis fan before you met him?
I was always a big fan and loved listening to his music.

Was he anything like you thought he'd be?
Yes, he seemed to be just about what I thought he would be. He was kind, fun and also a gentleman.

In uniform, did he still radiate that magnetic charisma everywhere he went, or did he just seem like a regular guy.
He was one cool GI. He always looked neat in his Uniform. He wanted to be like the rest of us.

Did he expect any special treatment or did he just go along with everything everyone else did?
He did not want to be treated special. He said, I want to be treated just like everybody else. I want to be like one of the regulars.

Did the other soldiers act any different towards him? Was he as much fun as we've heard? Do you any good fun examples you could tell us about?
Yes he was fun to be with. He would joke around with us, especially when we talked about women. We could even tell jokes, and he would laugh and enjoy being with us. He knew how to relax and be cool. He made us feel cool right along with him. We loved every chance we could be with Elvis.

Did he ever sing while there -- for the guys, or just clowning around? If so what did he sing?
No, Elvis did not sing for us but he said he loved performing for all his Fans.

How long did you two serve together?

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