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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

william b ransom jr - May 11, 2020

the gunny was a great man and an outstanding star on tv and in the movies i love to watch him all the time. god bless you gunny.

Ray Sullins - May 11, 2020

Semper Fi Gunny, While we will all miss you here, I trust that you are safe in the arms of Jesus. You were the face of the Marine Corps, and nobody could ever portrait the persona of a Corps Drill Instructor better than you did. I don’t know what your roll will be in God’s Heaven for eternity, but I know this: You will be Faithful to your assignment. Keep our Brothers in arms on Heavens Shores, and I look forward to meeting you when I arrive. Sgt. Sullins, USMC 1966-1969, 2nd Bn 26th Marines, Defenders of Khe Sahn.

Louis Irvin, Master Gunnery Sergeant, Retired, 8511 - May 11, 2020

Although we were Drill Instructors at the same time at MCRD, San Diego I didn’t know him then. It wasn’t until he became a member of the Drill Instructor Association. I had long before seen “Full Metal Jacket” when we met. He was also very involved with the “Toys for Tots”program at the Fourth Tank Bn. Reserve unit here in San Diego. He attended our DI Assn., annual reunions when his schedule permitted. The thing I will always remember about Lee is his personality on and off screen was the same. He “is” sadly missed by those who knew him, in particular we who are Marines, and those of us who were Drill Instructors! God Speed, Fair Winds and Following Seas GUNNY!

NYMarine - May 11, 2020

Semper Fi From one Gunny to Another Gunny

Michael Verrecchia - May 11, 2020

You were an inspiration to young Marines, Semper Fi, Gunny.

Joseph Parrish - May 11, 2020

Semper Fi Gunny. Your shows have always kept me faithful.. I always liked Mail Call..You will be missed..

Michael Stoppa - May 11, 2020

Semper Fi Gunny ,and report to the Sgt. of the guard for your final duty, RIP and prayers to your family

Mike Decker - May 11, 2020

The world has lost a good man and we can’t afford it. As the Marines Hymn says; “If the Army or the Navy ever looked on Heaven’s scenes; they would find the streets are guarded by UNITED STATES MARINES”. Godspeed Gunny! Semper Fi !! Mike Decker

Kendel Scaffe - May 11, 2020

I had always admired and respected Gunny. I raise my glass to you! Farewell and Godspeed. Semper Fi!

G.D. Miller - May 11, 2020

Semper Fi Gunny

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