Sgt. William A. Norwood was stationed as Fort Hood, Texas in 1958, when a youthful Elvis Presley was inducted into the Army. Sgt. Norwood was given the assignment of training Presley. It was by chance that the two became friends. One day during his training, Elvis received urgent news that he had to contact his agent or lose a lucrative business venture. All of the phones in the barrack's rooms were occupied, so he approached an officer and asked for help. Sgt. Norwood happened to be present that day, and the other officer asked the sergeant if it would be OK for 'Presley' to use his private telephone. Norwood agreed and that is how they became friends. From that day forward, Elvis spent everyday at the Norwood residence. Elvis would use the Norwood's phone to contact his agent, 'The Colonel,' and his mother. During this time, Elvis was dating Anita Wood. The couple spent time privately at the Norwood residence, and Wood soon became a family friend as well. Anita became friends with Olly Norwood, the sergeant's wife, and when Anita would travel, the two ladies would correspond. It was this chance encounter and the friendship between Presley and Norwood, that accumulated into a private collection of memorabilia. An impressive group of items consisting seven items. Highlight of this group is undoubtably a color glossy 3.5 x 5 snapshot of Elvis, in his military uniform and standing in front of his barracks, signed and inscribed on the reverse in blue ballpoint ''58' To Sgt. Norwood - 'Thanks for everything' Elvis Presley.' Also included are three glossy 5.5 x 3.5 candid snapshots, all stamp dated May 1958, one showing Elvis lying in his bed in his barracks, another of Elvis on his bed with another soldier and one of Elvis leaning against a post in his barracks with another soldier, as well as a 3.5 x 2.5 candid glossy snapshot of Elvis lying on his back outside, stamp dated July 1958.. A satin-finish 8 x 10 portrait photo of Elvis in uniform, stamped on the reverse 'Publication or public use of this photo requires release by the U. S. Army Public Affairs Office.' Two one page TLS to Sgt. Norwood are also included, one from Jeanie Hughes of Only Yesterday, dated July 3, 1990, asking Norwood to participate in the show regarding 'I understand...that you knew Elvis during his days at Ft. Hood. We would be very appreciative if you could spare a few minutes from your schedule to speak with us, and hopefully share with us some of your memories of one of the great entertainers of our time.' The second letter is to Norwood and his wife from the Elvis Presley Memorial Center of Texas, stating 'It was I who advised the NBC folks of your being Elvis' sergeant while at Ft. Hood. They had called me to inquire of someone who personally knew Elvis during hid stint while at Ft. Hood.' The final item of the group is the director's full length videotape with Sgt. Norwood, showing Norwood on camera answering the reporters questions and sharing his private memories of Elvis. In fine condition. Great vintage item with impeccable provenance. COA Roger Epperson/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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