Military releases pop icons’ files

Pfc. Steve McQueen was confined for being absent without leave, Lt. Clark Gable’s cameraman enlisted with him, and Pfc. Elvis Presley was a public relations headache for the Army, according to U.S. military documents released Thursday.

“Elvis Presley will not be released in a manner different from any other inductee serving overseas,” the Army’s adjutant general wrote to citizens after reports that the rock icon would get an early “good behavior” discharge.

Gable enlisted in 1942, six months after his wife, actress Carole Lombard, died in a plane crash returning from a war-bond drive. He was described as a “motion picture specialist.” A film cameraman enlisted and trained with him.

McQueen was locked up for 30 days after being AWOL from Camp Lejeune, N.C. He joined the Marines at 17 and worked as a tank driver and mechanic. He also received a commendation for rescuing five Marines in a training accident.