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Semper Fi Gunny, Godspeed!
April 16, 2018 Grunt.com Admin

Semper Fi Gunny, Godspeed!

Statement from R. Lee Ermey’s longtime 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.

Filed in: Marine Corps Stories
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Comments

Sgt Rash - May 11, 2020

There is a common thread with all these comments about Gunny. He will be greatly missed as a father and as a Marine. His commitment to making a difference in this world should be an inspiration to all us to make the same commitment. I know when the Lord calls me home I expect to find Gunny at Heaven’s gate welcoming us aboard. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t convince the Lord to paint yellow footsteps for all the new boots too follow. I know I will miss hearing his voice because every time I hear it I’m taken back to 1969 when I went from a boy to a man, to a Marine. Semper Fi, Gunny. Carry on.

Matthew Barker - May 11, 2020

The “Gunny” was everything the Corps stands for. He could be that hardass needed to accomplish the mission. He could also check his ego at the door a give more of himself than most people can even claim to. One thing is for sure… God got an ear full When Gunny reported for duty… “The Marine Corps lives forever. And tha means you will live forever Gunny.” Semper Fi!

James Norton, recovering Marine, ’67-’71 - May 11, 2020

I’m proud to say, I wore the same uniform as the ‘Gunny’, in the same time period as the ‘Gunny’ and likely stepped in his same footprints on the same parade deck, at MCRD SD. I was a 2811……….. “Ya gotta be shit’in me”…..” “Yeah, I was a Teletype/Telephone Repairman” I carried, cleaned, and qualified on my M-14, I have watched ‘Full Metal Jacket’, about ump-tine times. Jack Webb, move over, a new d.i. just reported in!.

Sgt Parrish - May 11, 2020

Not much of an artist myself, but would be honored to wear something in memory of this fallen brother if someone would be willing to design it. Semper Fi, Gunny. Carry on!

artymgysgt - May 11, 2020

I had the honor of meeting the “Gunny on several occasions at Camp Pendleton and at MCRD San Diego while visiting with my brother in law retired SGTMAJ Ted Arnold Jr. at D.I. reunions. I kind of felt sorry for him as he took the time to greet and chat with everyone who wanted to shake his hand. Semper Fi Gunny

R F Layher - May 11, 2020

Truly one for the ages. Makes me proud to be a former Marine. Semper Fi Gunny

MICHAEL S. WHITLOCK - May 11, 2020

MET HIM PERSONALLY (2012) & GOT AN AUTOGRAPHED PHOTO @ THE GRAND OPENING OF AN INDOOR SHOOTING RANGE, IN KATY, TX. FELT VERY COMFORTABLE & RELAXED IN HIS PRESENCE, AFTER STANDING IN LINE FOR 2 HRS. !!! GUNNY’S “EARTH SUIT” WENT INTO A STATE OF “PERMANENT INACTIVE DUTY STATUS”, BUT HIS SPIRIT-MAN DID NOT !!!!!! HE WAS SIMPLY TRANSFERRED TO HIS NEW “PERMANENT DUTY STATION” & PROMOTED BY FATHER ELOHIM TO “MCRD-CAMP HEAVEN” SENIOR DRILL INSTRUCTOR & WILL BE TRAINING ALL NEW ARRIVALS—–OOORAH. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING HIM AGAIN ONE DAY IN THE FUTURE——-SEMPER FI & SALUTE TO “GYSGT. R. LEE ERMEY, USMC (RET).

Arthur L. Romero - May 11, 2020

The first time I seen the gunny was in “Full Metal Jacket”. I told my wife Mary, “This man, at one time, was a Marine Drill Instructor”. She said, “He’s just an actor”. I said, “no way”, he may be an actor now, but you can’t act “Drill Instructor”. It is Marine Corps Training, from day one. Semper Fi Gunny. R.I.P. I enjoyed everything I ever saw you in, and will continue to enjoy seeing you for as long as God allows me. Corporal Romero. 2533/Comm, 1969.

The Deuce - May 11, 2020

Next duty station: Heaven. Semper Fi Gysgt

Gina Lee MSgt, USMC Ret ( 77-98) - May 11, 2020

Fair winds and following seas Gunny! God Bless you and your family, you will be missed.

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