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.