During his deployment in Friedberg, Germany, from October 1958 to March 1960, iconic U.S. army soldier Elvis Presley found himself entangled in a lesser-known romantic escapade with German actress Vera Tschechowa. Contrary to the common narrative, which predominantly features Priscilla, Elvis's encounter with Priscilla Beaulieu didn't occur until September 1959. Thus, for nearly 11 months preceding Priscilla's entry into his life, Elvis was immersed in a dating spree with various German women.
While still linked to a girlfriend back home named Anita Wood, Elvis's arrival in Germany saw him engaging romantically with several women. Noteworthy among them were Margit Buergin, Janie Wilbanks, and Elisabeth Stefaniak, the latter serving as Elvis's live-in secretary and clandestine companion.
Amidst this array of connections, one standout was Vera Tschechowa, an 18-year-old actress who initially pursued Elvis. Despite her initial attempt to meet him during field training exercises in Grafenwoehr, Vera's fortunes changed when she was hired for a March of Dimes campaign, leading to a photo shoot and subsequent quality time with Elvis.
Their interaction resulted in a formal portrait featured on the cover of the German magazine Funk Illustrierte. The duo also visited the Frankfurt Zoo, creating enduring memories, as attested by Presley's driver, Oskar Mallmann.
Captured in candid moments, Vera and Elvis were seen together at Ray Barracks, driving in his white BMW sports car. Vera extended an invitation for Elvis and his friends, including Janie Wilbanks and Elisabeth Stefaniak, to attend a screening of one of her movies in Bad Nauheim.
The German press sensationalized Elvis and Vera's relationship as a full-fledged romance, diverting attention from his connection with Margit Buergin. Headlines like "Elvis fell in love with Vera" and "Elvis Quits Sales Girl for Starlet" echoed through newspaper articles.
In a surprising turn of events, when Elvis obtained leave from his army duties in the first week of March, he made an unannounced visit to Vera in Munich. The four eventful days that followed saw Elvis accompanying Vera to her performances, visiting Bavaria Film Studios, and exploring the set of the American television series "Tales of The Vikings."
Photographers documented their every move, from a boat ride at Lake Starnberg to playful moments at nightclubs, including Elvis arm-wrestling with choreographer Irene Mann at the Eve Bar. Ada, Vera's mother and talent agent, recognized the publicity value and invited a photographer from Bild Zeitung, a German gossip tabloid, to capture the moment.
The captivating saga of Elvis and Vera's affair unfolded, shrouded in the enchanting backdrop of Munich, creating a chapter in the King of Rock and Roll's life that often remains overshadowed by his more prominent love stories.
