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From the Bresslers to the Preslars to the Presleys. A verified account of family histories in the Presley lines.

Included is the true story of Rosella Elizabeth Presley as has always been known to the family, and as we learn more about from cousin, Mackey Hargett. Mackey kept a promise he made to Vernon not to disclose this knowledge until after a certain amount of time had passed. Mackey has now told his story and, thus, what had been a complete mystery to Presley family historians, and Elvis' fans alike, has now been revealed to the public.

The truth is out, and with DNA proof that John Wallace of MS was the biological father of five (5) of Rosella's children, one has to wonder why a descendant of Noah Presley (not one of the five) is questioning this proven lineage? DNA does not lie, and neither does Mackey Hargett. The account of Rosella Presley herewith is the TRUE AND CORRECT account of her life, of her children, and of John Wallace.

The Kin of Rock and Roll would like to thank other family members who have contributed information for the family history. Every bit helps and adds missing pieces to this very big puzzle...thank you!

The Hood Family History

The Hood Family descendants of Captain Teunis Hood of North Carolina. Among the Hood family members was CSA General John Bell Hood. The Hoods, like the Preslar's have two distinct family lines from cousins. Elvis' grandma "Dodger" was Minnie Mae Hood married to Jessie D. McDowell Presley.

The Helms Family Connections

From the line of George Helms, Sr. and wife, Mary Faukenburg/Fortenberry descend many allied families including Presley, Preslar, Winchester, Love, Polk, Chaney, Crowell, Belk, Hargett, Tackett, and more. The Helms families originated in Anson and Union Counties in North Carolina and with families relocating later on to Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi. Some notable Helms were Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC) of Monroe, North Carolina, Richard Helms, former head of the CIA, and singer, Bobby Helms.

Sam Davis Presley and the USS Presley

USS PRESLEY from the “Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships,”(1970) Vol. 5, pp.375-376.

The following photo is an official report on the USS Presley.

Sam Davis Presley, born at Carthage, Miss., 17 December 1918, enlisted in the Navy 7 November 1939. On 30 September 1942, he became Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class. He received the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, 26 October 1942. As his ship, aircraft carrier ENTERPRISE (CV-6), came under sustained enemy air attack, Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Presley voluntarily abandoned the shelter of his normal battle station. Climbing into a plane parked on the flight deck, he manned the flexible guns in the rear cockpit and commenced an effective fire against the attacking aircraft. As the battle continued, a bomb explosion blew the plane overboard. AM1 Presley was listed as “missing in action,” and presumed dead 27 October 1943.

DE-371

Displacement: 1,745 t. (full load)

Length: 306’0”Beam: 36’7”

Draft: 13’4”Speed: 24 k.

Complement: 22

Armament: 2 5”; 6 40mm; 3 21”

torpedo tubes;8 depth charge projectors;

2 depth charge tracks;

1 hedge hog

Class: JOHN C. BUTLER

PRESLEY (DE-371) was laid down by the Consolidated Steel Corp., Ltd., Orange, Tex., 6 June 1944; launched 19 August 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Willie Lynn Presley, and commissioned 7 November 1944, Lt. Comdr. Richard S.Paret, USNR, in command. After shakedown off Bermuda, PRESLEY transited the Panama Canal 24 January 1945 and proceeded to Pearl Harbor for further training. She arrived at Noumea 22 March, and departed 3 May to escort a group of transports to Leyte Gulf. She subsequently touched at Manus, Saipan, and Ulithi before making two trips toOkinawa. The end of the war found her anchored in Ulithi Harbor.

On 19 September, PRESLEY proceeded to Guam for duty making two trips to Truk where she served as harbor patrol and station ship pending the occupation of that enemy post by U.S. forces. On 5 November, the ship was ordered to the United States to be placed in an inactive status.

The USS PRESLEY was decommissioned 20 June 1946, and joined the Pacific Reserve Fleet berthed at San Diego. She was struck from the Naval Vessel Register 30 June 1968.

TheUSS PRESLEY was sold 2 April 1970.

Sadly, no photos exist of Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class, U.S. Navy, Sam Davis Presley. Sam descended from Thomas Presley, Sr. through his great-grandson, Barney Harrison Presley. We believe that had Elvis known about Sam and the USS Presley, he might have purchased the retired ship. :-)

The Kin of Rock and Roll is proud of all of our family members who served in the military, during all wars, and in peacetime. May their service and heroic deeds go rewarded in Heaven, by the Grace of God, as, surely, they had "laid down their lives for their friends..."

The Citation Awarded to Sam Davis Presley

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Machinist's Mate First Class Sam Davis Presley, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against the enemy during the operations of the U.S. Naval Forces north of the Santa Cruz, Islands, on 26 October 1942. As his ship came under sustained enemy air attack, Aviation Machinist's Mate First Class Presley voluntarily abandoned the shelter of his normal battle station. Climbing into a plane parked on the flight deck, he manned the flexible guns in the rear cockpit and commenced an effective fire against the attacking aircraft until, as the battle continued, a bomb explosion blew the plane overboard. The conduct of Aviation Machinist's Mate First Class Presley throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 314 (May 1943)

WWII Presley Awards

Three Presleys were awarded the Navy Cross for distinguised service in WWII:

• Presley, Frank H., U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve) - World War II
• Presley, Sam Davis, U.S. Navy - World War II
• Pressler, Louis Philip, U.S. Navy (Reserve) - World War II