In 1953, like all other young American men of the time, Elvis Presley, age 18, registered for the US Selective Service System.  If a young man was of good health, under the draft system, he was expected to be available to serve two years of active duty in the military, and then four years in the reserve.

At the time, the US was not involved with any major wars or conflicts.  However, with news surfacing that Elvis Presley had been registered, the Navy and the Air Force offered bids for his services.

On this day, December 20, in 1957, Elvis received his draft notice.  However, in a letter he wrote a few days later, he formally asked for deferment.  He was in the process of filming a movie, King Creole.  Luckily for him, the Memphis Draft Board granted Elvis a deferment until March 20, 1958, so he could finish his filming.