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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

Mike Albiniak - May 11, 2020

The Gunny has received new permanent orders. He has joined the ranks of the many Marines who have preceded him, guarding the streets of Heaven. RIP Gunny. Semper Fi.

MGySgt Will Pentecost, USMC Ret. (75-99) - May 11, 2020

One true Marine. A Marine’s Marine. I have an 8X10 autographed picture of the Gunny addressed to me and will cherish it even more. I served as a DI at PISC two tours (3rd Bn), and watch Full Metal Jacket as many time as I can. It brings back to so many memories: chrome domes, rose garden, sand flees etc. He will be missed. Semper Fi.

Gunns - May 11, 2020

So grateful that Gunny Ermy was loaned to us and our country. He was so loved and will not be forgotten!

Greg Gaynor - May 11, 2020

Semper Fi Gunny.

Alex Martinez - May 11, 2020

SEMPER FI Gunnery Sergeant!

jonathan muhl - May 11, 2020

we will miss you gunny semper fi j p muhl memdet #2 USMCL

Paul J Lennon, Eagle, Idaho - May 11, 2020

I met the Gunny on an Alaska Air flight from Reagan National to LAX, back in 2009. I was with US-DHS at the time and heading overseas and the Gunny was heading home after visiting the Glock plant in Maryland. We just happened to wind-up being seated together in First Class and I initially thought: “Where do I know this guy from?” ..when I looked at him and heard his voice! When he introduced himself simply as “Lee” …I immediately responded “GUNNY!” …and we both laughed, and shook hands. I had been in the Marines from 1961 to 1965 and, thus, a further bond was established during our flight to L.A. In the next 5 hours I really did get to see another side of the ‘man’ and the ‘Dad’, that he was …as well as the Marine that all of us sensed and knew him to be. He was very interested in my post-Marine Corps career, and my then-current role and work at the U.S Department of Homeland Security. The hours of that flight literally ‘flew’ by (it was so enjoyable) and after landing, we sensed that our paths may not cross again. Our last comments were: ‘Semper Fi’…

Elaine Holas , daughter of a Marine veteran WWII - May 11, 2020

Rest in the arms of Jesus. You are a fine example of a good man. Semper Fidelis.

Sgt Larry - May 11, 2020

Mixing two movies together. “ Saving Private Ryan” and Full Metal Jacket” at the end of Saving Pvt Ryan, he says, “ Tell me I made a difference”. With the Gunny in Full Metal Jacket, he did not need to ask anyone that. A Marine Corps Drill Instructor makes a difference in 1000s of young men’s lives every year. They don’t have to ask. Sometimes they might not even recognize it. But those who see them when they come home after 13-14 weeks with a Gunny Hartman sees the difference.

THOMAS J MURPHY (USMC Retired) - May 11, 2020

“To Die a Marine, Is to Live Again.” Semper Fi, Gunny.

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