Statement from R. Lee Ermey's long time manager, Bill Rogin:
It is with deep sadness that I regret to inform you all that R. Lee Ermey ("The Gunny") passed away this morning from complications of pneumonia. He will be greatly missed by all of us. It is a terrible loss that nobody was prepared for. He has meant so much to so many people. And, it is extremely difficult to truly quantify all of the great things this man has selflessly done for, and on behalf of, our many men and women in uniform. He has also contributed many iconic and indelible characters on film that will live on forever. Gunnery Sergeant Hartman of Full Metal Jacket fame was a hard and principled man. The real R. Lee Ermey was a family man, and a kind and gentle soul. He was generous to everyone around him. And, he especially cared deeply for others in need.
There is a quote made famous in Full Metal Jacket. It's actually the Riflemen's Creed. "This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine."
There are many Gunny's, but this one was OURS. And, we will honor his memory with hope and kindness. Please support your men and women in uniform. That's what he wanted most of all.
Semper Fi, Gunny. Godspeed.
His website states his service history:
Ermey spent eleven years in the Marine Corps, Two of which were spent as being a Drill Instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, India Company 3rd Recruit Training Battalion 1965-67, Arrived in Vietnam in 1968 spending 14 months attached to Marine Wing Support Group 17 and 2 tours in Okinawa. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and was medically retired for injuries received.
On May 17, 2002 he received an honorary promotion to Gunnery Sergeant (E-7) by Commandant James L. Jones, becoming the first retiree in the history of the Marines to be promoted.
8 comments:
Say it ain’t so!
He was hilarious in Saving Silverman.
A big hoorah in memory of Gunnie Ermy!!
"Once a Marine always a Marine"...rest with honor Sir.
A few weeks ago, I watched "Full Metal Jacket" on Netflix. The opening scene with him in the barracks is a classic. RIP
"To me, you are all equally worthless"
He wasn't working from a nailed-down script in "Full Metal"...it was all improv!
SEMPER FI Gunny.....thanks for setting the example to all of us that followed. It was people like you, who took me from a Marine Recruit to a Marine NCO...Catch ya on the flip side at the new "AO". I'm confident you'll have it squared away when I check in.
Marine Recruit Sept 68
Plt 2030, 2nd Bn
Parris Island, SC
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem."
Ronald Reagan, President of the United States; 1985
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