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.
Sgt Grit wants to hear from you! Leave your comments below or Submit your own Story !
i briefly met “The Gunny” at Reagan Airport in Washington near a Taco stand in 2007 i love his TV show. SEMPER FI GUNNY!! Harry
Semper Fi. I was at P.I. Plt 3068 21 Aug 78-14 Nov. When anyone asks what boot was like i tell them to watch Full Metal Jacket and i had 4 D.I’s just like the Gunny. Would have been great to have met him, may his family be at peace.
You will be MISSED GREATLY, SEMPER FI. KEEP THEM HONEST UP THERE
Semper Fi Gunny!!!
Final Post, Heaven’s Gunnery Sgt.
R.I.P. Gunny. You were auch a great inspiration to all Marines and anyone that knew you. SEMPER Fi and God speed.
Semper Fi Gunny, Never met Him just saw Him in the movies and on TV. We all must walk our final post by ourselves and know that what we did here meant something Greater than ourselves. Marines we are Special We are All One there is no ME! Marines are called a lot of things that cannot be written here. The one phrase I will use is LOYAL to the CORPS and EACH OTHER. There is no greater bond. So today Gunny I stand at Attention and render You a Final Salute.
Semper Fi devil dog
Semper-Fi Gunny Godspeed
I never knew The Gunny but watched a lot of his shows. I know there is no other branch of the military that are as close to each other as the USMC!!! Rest in Peace!!!!!!
Guard the gates Gunny Semper Fi
jarheads dont die: they go to hell to be reassigned!!!! OOOOOHHHHRAH!!!!!
Semper Fi Gunny
I had always admired and respected Gunny. I raise my glass to you! Farewell and Godspeed. Semper Fi!
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
Semper Fi Gunny ,and report to the Sgt. of the guard for your final duty, RIP and prayers to your family
Semper Fi Gunny. Your shows have always kept me faithful.. I always liked Mail Call..You will be missed..
You were an inspiration to young Marines, Semper Fi, Gunny.
Semper Fi From one Gunny to Another Gunny
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!
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.
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.
“To Die a Marine, Is to Live Again.” Semper Fi, Gunny.
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.
Rest in the arms of Jesus. You are a fine example of a good man. Semper Fidelis.
we will miss you gunny semper fi j p muhl memdet #2 USMCL
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’…
SEMPER FI Gunnery Sergeant!
Semper Fi Gunny.
So grateful that Gunny Ermy was loaned to us and our country. He was so loved and will not be forgotten!
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.
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.
Fair winds and following seas Gunny! God Bless you and your family, you will be missed.
Next duty station: Heaven. Semper Fi Gysgt
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.
I told my wife the exact same thing during the movie “Full Metal Jacket”. If it walks like a duck, looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it has to be a duck. Semper Fi.
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).
Truly one for the ages. Makes me proud to be a former Marine. Semper Fi Gunny
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
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!
The same day that Gunny died… I WROTE Sgt.Grit & “suggested the same”…. make a T-shirt, hat, coin, windbreaker –something to honor the guy that No Doubt HELPED you to sell Marines lot of USMC Stuff! I Don’t SEE any yet! A T-shirt with Gunny pointing his finger Straight At You… with “What is your major malfunction?!!” below the image would be Great — In MY humble opinion. S/F
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!.
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!
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.
A truly honorable man and Marine. Semper Fi Gunny. I know you will guard the gates Heaven well.
Semper Fi, Gunny. You will be missed.
One of the Corps own. The Gunny was/is a Marine’s Marine. I liked his shows and the Willy Jeep he’d drive aroun in.. But, the one thing I truly will miss is the Gunnys voice. He truly had a Marine Corps DI voice. We love you Gunny and you’re going to be missed. SEMPER FI
Looks like Colonel Mike (Saint Michael the Archangel) needed an outstanding Gunnery Sergeant to fill a vacancy. He’s got the right man for the job. Semper Fi, Gunny. We will miss you.
Semper Fi Guns, keep our Marines up there in shape, you will be missed, should soon be with you, save a hooch for me.
I liked him in all his films and got a kick out of his shows on TV. Like the song says Heaven’s gate are guarded by the United States Marines and they had better make sure they are squared away because the Gunny is there to make sure they are. If a former soldier maybe allowed to say it Semper Fi, Gunny.
Ooh rah Gunny.
Truly be missed semper fi
You will be MISSED GREATLY, SEMPER FI. Go give’em hell Gunny!
I was very much saddened by the news of the Gunny’s passing, I loved his movies and his shows on the History Channel. As many have already said, I have watched Full Metal Jacket many times and watched clips of the movie on YouTube even more. I remember when I watch Full Metal Jacket for the first time at the movie theater, I was transported in time to my stay in Parris Island back in 1975, I have explained to my friends that he was not acting in the movie, he was just back to being a DI. Rest in peace, Gunny. Semper Fi!
The Marine Corps lost a good advocate , he will be missed by all especially Marines. Semper Fi brother!!!
R.I.P. Gunny and Semper Fi Marine !!!!
God took Gunny and then God took Mrs. Bush they need somebody escort Mrs Bush to heaven And what a better person than Gunny
Your six is secure for eternity Gunny. Now you can rest in peace knowing you left this world a better place for those of us still here. Thank you for your service to our great country and for showing the world what a real man should be. Semper Fi from a fellow Marine.
Better get every thing ship shape Marines. Gunny has received final orders. To those before us your getting one of the best, for the rest of us to follow we have it the Marine way. Semper Fi Gunny
GOD BLESS YOU GUNNY. MAY I REQUEST A POSITION IN YOUR PLATOON WHEN I GET THERE. SGT JERRY BATES USMC VIETNAM VET APRIL 1967 TO DECEMBER 1968.
Semper Fi Gunney, R I P, you are a Marine for all to measure up to. Buck Sgt. Jerry Cannon, 1st 8″ Howitzer Battalion, Camp Hague Okinawa,1956-1962.
My dad was in the Corp for 25 years, fought in WWII and Korea. He loved watching mail call and would relate to many of his stories. I loved watching gunny as well and was shocked and saddened by the news, a great man who will be greatly missed. Greg
It is my belief that Gunny was a Winger. If not mistaken he was MOS 6413 ..A/C Mech: I think we crossed paths in MCAF New River in 64 or early 65..could be wrong though..A Chesty Puller Marine for sure or could sure act like one…RIP and Semper Fi…
Simper Fi Gunny RIP H. P. Chilcott USMC. 1972-1976 Ooh Rah
It’s your turn to guard the heavens gates Gunny as you have always held our motto to heart SEMPER FI. I salute you and GOD speed. The OLD MARINE 64-68 SEMPER FI OORAH
Semper-Fi Gunny. With all the Marines up there to guard the streets of heaven, now The Gunny has his final orders. Gung-ho, GUNG-HO, good night Chesty wherever you are. The Gunny has his New assignment. OOH-RAH. Sgt. Charles J Thomas Jr, MAG-11 MABS-11, DaNang 1968-69
James Long former US Marine > Gunner I know you will form a detail to guard the streets of our last duty station. Semper Fi Go with God.
SEMPER FI GUNNY,–GOD SPEED; YOU ARE LOST, BUT YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN !!!!! M.M. GAROFOLO USMC VIET NAM 68-71 — 1st CAG, 1st RECON BATT, 1st MARDIV.
R.I.P. Gunny, Semper Fi Brother.
I just received this from our G-2. Gunny has been called out on a special mission. SOG needs him to recon the area and secure a perimeter for joining forces enroute to heaven. The gates are secure. The route home can be perilous, lock and load Gunny, see you soon. I hope you have room for an MP.
Guard those streets well Gunny. Keep our families up there safe. Semper Fi.
Gunny may be “Dismissed!” for now…. but his straight-up, bourbon-shot, true-blue-Marine humor “Lives On”….and if you haven’t taken the time to read his most famous quotes — do yourself a big favor… and read some! In your mind you can clearly HEAR HIM saying each one of them and that makes them even funnier.
All of us who went through the three-month ‘job training course’ called Boot Camp can recall the remarkable ability of some of our D.I.’s to spew out stuff at us so fast it literally made our heads spin! It was hard NOT to laugh. And truly a High Art Form that some D.I.’s mastered better than others. Gunny Ermey WAS a truly MASTER!
(as you were) ….WAS truly a MASTER!
Loved his show on the History Channel; FTG2, USNR, 1968-74; Vietnam 1970; “I” Corp; DMZ, Da Nang, Cambodia, Gulf of Tonkin Yacht Club
We will see you at the gates Gunny, Semper Fi. Sgt K
Semper Fi Gunny, Not only did I greatly enjoy all of his movies and shows, I had the pleasure of meeting him at my last Marine Corps Ball in 1992 when he was the guest speaker for the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, held at the Golden Nugget hotel and Casino, Carson City, NV. At the time, Full Metal Jacket and an expressive Marine Corps career were his claims to fame. We had ALL seen Full Metal Jacket, some many times. I wish I had had the foresight to have a picture taken with him at the time. I have since tried unsuccessfully to get and autographed picture of him. If anyone knows where I can get one please let me know. As a Volunteer Van driver for Disabled American Veterans, Guilford County, Chapter 20 in Greensboro, NC I have had the privilege to transport retired First Sergeant Solomon Boyd. When I mentioned the Gunny’s name not to long ago, he stated that he had been one of the instructors for the class that R. Lee Ermey underwent to get his Smokey Bear. Solomon enlisted 2 months before I was born in JUL 1963 and retired a year after I was put out on a medical discharge in APR 1993. For the first 30 years of my life, including just 12 years shy on active duty, Solomon was a Marine, a Vietnam vet with multiple tours and about 15 years as a Drill Instructor at both PI and Quauntico/TBS. If anyone knows him and has a class picture of R LEE Ermey’s Drill Instructor Class photo, or an autographed picture of him. Please share, or tell me how to get one. Mike Clark, Semper Fidelis to all Marines, young and old. Mike Clark, OldMarineDAV@gmail. com
Quantico, where is auto correct when you NEED it?
Semper Fi , Gunny. Rest in Peace.
Mrs Bush is ready for her escort aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaatenhut, Gunny When a Marine dies he is never alone or forgotten. Semper Fi
Godspeed ‘GUNNY’, you were an inspiration to many…Semper-Fi Marine! (Hand-Salute).
Surprising how many civilians knew the Gunny. He left a lasting impression on us all. Carry on, Gunny. Semper Fi!
From one 8511 to another, SEMPER Fi Lee. First met the “Gunny” in Atlanta, crazier than I am. Not far off Don Cossey; of course all that background is available on Wikipedia.
Yes no Wikipedia for me I also was a 6413 at H&HS while at New River in 64 and also in 67 just before I got out..I was there when the 2 Helos ran into each other and I think it was 21 Fine Marines was Killed in that accident..I was less than a 1/4 mile from it..Oh well that another story..Semper Fi buddy
Gunny, Onto the next mission for all Marines-guarding the Gates of Heaven. Tell Chesty we’ll all meet one day. Semper Fi!
God has a hard-on for Marines. SEMPER -FI GUNNY. (salute)
RIP and prayers to your family. Semper Fi!!!!! Gunny.
Hey Gunny God Speed, Meet you at NSA Bahrain during your tour. We’ll miss you brother. Semper Fi.
Semper Fi Gunny and carry on, in which I know you will. Tell my wife up there I love her she’ll be proud to meet you. OOORAH Devil Dog.
Time to report for guard duty Gunny, Semper Fi.
Semper Fi Gunny! Rest Peacefully.
“You’re so ugly — you could be a modern art masterpiece!” Short & sweet and… “G”Rated, one of the few.
Thank You for that elegy. Semper Fi, Gunny!
I sit here typing this statement as a former U.S Marine as a person who’s love for my beloved Corps that will never die all because we as Marine earn that title and no man can take that from us. There are those who will never understand us all because we are The Few The Proud The United States Marines. Some say we are not right in our way of thinking or acting in civilian life some have the deepest of respect for our service to this nation. Some look down on us all because of this new thing Political Correctness thing going on now in the nation. But in the end this nation of ours will call upon those like the Gunny and many more of my fellow Marines like my son now a Marine. So Gunny I say to you job well done because you showed this what a true Marine is and we will dearly miss you sir (yes I know you work for a living ) But this time must address you with that name. Keep a place in heaven for will you Gunny I hope to see you soon.Ava8harrierusmc1
Loved everything you were involved with, would have love to have met you in person, you were the prototypical, charismatic, E7, Semper Fi and Godspeed, you will be missed.
Semper Fi Gunny, A true American Hero, one of the last of the old breed, you will be greatly missed!
SEMPER FI GUNNY. You will be missed. Now you can hang out with Chesty and the boys.
God bless you! Gunny! We’ll meet again! Semper Fidelis!
He was a man among men. He made all of us proud and gave us all a reflection of the Drill Instructor that made us what we are. R.I.P Gunny!
Rest in peace Marine, your watch is over. God bless you, and your family.
Gunny, Remember this, Marines die and that’s what we are here for, but the Marine Corp lives forever, therefore you live for ever. Gunny rest In Peace at the right hand of our Heavenly Father, Ooooraaaah!