R. Lee Ermey (2024)

As the founder of MarineParents.com, I want to offer a tribute to a man who always supported the troops (and the causes I was involved with at MarineParents.com) but never asked for, nor expected, any accolades for his support. I will always remember the day spent with you, R. Lee Ermey, in Washington, DC: your kind heart, your genuine caring, and the elevator ride with a half-dozen Marine Corps Generals. Still smiling about that today. Rest in peace, Marine.Tracy Della Vecchia

Ronald Lee Ermey was born on March 24, 1944 in Emporia, Kansas. Famous for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in the 1987 film "Full Metal Jacket", R. Lee Ermey served 11 years in the United States Marine Corps.

Ermey enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1961. He served as a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego from 1965 to 1967. Along with serving as a drill instructor, Ermey was also a rifleman and repair shop mechanic throughout his time in the Corps. In 1968, he arrived in Vietnam where he served 14 months attached to Marine Wing Support Group 17. He then served in Okinawa and he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1972 he was medically discharged for various injuries sustained during his service. On May 17, 2002 Ermey received an honorary promotion to Gunnery Sergeant, thus becoming the first retiree in the history of the Marine Corps to be promoted.

Following his discharge Ermey moved to the Philippines and joined the University of Manila to study criminology and drama. He then played his first role as a drill instructor in the film, "The Boys in Company C". His next role was when he famously portrayed Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in "Full Metal Jacket". The role earned him a nomination for a Golden Globe Award as Best Supporting Actor. Throughout the years Ermey acted in numerous roles as well as voice over work. He also hosted a show on the History Channel titled "Lock N' Load with R. Lee Ermey". This show discussed the history of various weapons used in the military.

R. Lee Ermey was much more than a Marine turned actor. Ermey devoted years of his life to helping Marines. He was a spokesperson for the Young Marines Youth Organization, made many appearances at military events, and made several trips to the Middle East during support troops in combat.

During his time in the Marine Corps Ermey received the following awards: Good Conduct Medal (x2); the National Defense Service Medal; the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star; the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device; the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit; Meritorious Unit; the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; and a Meritorious Unit Citation.

R. Lee Ermey passed away on April 15, 2018 due to complications from pneumonia.

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San Diego, Calif. (Mar. 22, 2005) - Gunnery Sgt. Elias Guy speaks with R. Lee Ermey, famed drill sergeant in the movie "Full Metal Jacket" and current host of the History Channel program "Mail Call," in the well deck aboard USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3). Emery visited Belleau Wood to produce a segment for his show highlighting the capabilities of the Navy-Marine Corps team and the amphibious Navy. The program is scheduled to air at the late May 2005. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Nelson A. Graca (RELEASED).

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R. Lee Ermey, Marine Parents founder Tracy Della Vecchia, and Gold Star father Dick Linn (Trio Media Group Photo).

Written by David Ogden, Sgt. USMC '11-'16.

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David was a Sergeant with the United States Marine Corps from 2011-2016. He is a combat veteran. He has worked at Marine Parents as a writer since he left the Marine Corps. He is currently in college and writes for the organization full-time. Click here to read more about the author.

R. Lee Ermey (2024)

FAQs

Did R. Lee Ermey fight in Vietnam? ›

Along with serving as a drill instructor, Ermey was also a rifleman and repair shop mechanic throughout his time in the Corps. In 1968, he arrived in Vietnam where he served 14 months attached to Marine Wing Support Group 17. He then served in Okinawa and he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

What was R. Lee Ermey's famous quote? ›

Marines never die; they just go to hell and regroup. The quote by R Lee Ermey, "Marines never die; they just go to hell and regroup," encapsulates the indomitable spirit and resilience of the United States Marines.

Did R. Lee Ermey improvise in Full Metal Jacket? ›

Was one of the few people ever allowed to improvise for notorious perfectionist Stanley Kubrick. A lot of his dialogue lines in Full Metal Jacket (1987) were improvised.

What did R. Lee Ermey do in the Marine Corps? ›

Today's #VeteranOfTheDay is R. Lee Ermey. Lee served from 1961 to 1972. He deployed to Vietnam for 14 months, did two tours in Okinawa, and spent time as a drill instructor. He left the Corps as a staff sergeant, but later received an honorary promotion to gunnery sergeant from Commandant General James Jones in 2002.

Who was the only Marine general killed in Vietnam? ›

From 19 March to 14 November 1967, General Hochmuth served as Commanding General, 3d Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. While involved in an inspection tour on 14 November he was killed when the helicopter, in which he was riding, exploded in mid-air and crashed.

Who was the most feared in Vietnam? ›

Tough, battle-hardened South Korean troops were justly feared by Vietcong and North Vietnamese regulars alike during the Vietnam War.

Who is the most famous drill sergeant? ›

Ronald Lee Ermey (March 24, 1944 – April 15, 2018) was an American actor and U.S. Marine drill instructor. He achieved fame for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in the 1987 film Full Metal Jacket, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

How much of a Full Metal Jacket was improvised? ›

R. Lee Ermey Ad-Libbed Up To 50% Of His Full Metal Jacket Dialogue. R. Lee Ermey didn't improvise all of his dialogue in Full Metal Jacket, as is sometimes reported, because some of the scripted lines were crucial to setting up the plot and the other characters.

Who was the famous gunnery sergeant? ›

Ermey worked with Furie again in Purple Hearts (1984). However, his most famous (or infamous) role came as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket (1987), for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe. He did win the best supporting actor award from The Boston Society of Film Critics.

Did R. Lee Ermey win an Oscar? ›

Ermey may have been snubbed by the Academy, but his performance remains one of the most memorable cinematic performances of the '80s.

How accurate is the movie Full Metal Jacket? ›

'Full Metal Jacket' Leans Heavily Into Satire to Condemn War

Full Metal Jacket never presents itself as a work of nonfiction, but the incorporation of real events and the experiences of the writers certainly enhanced the inhumane nature of the Vietnam War that Kubrick intended to unpack.

Why was it called Full Metal Jacket? ›

The film's title refers to the full metal jacket bullet used by military servicemen. Warner Bros. released Full Metal Jacket in the United States on June 26, 1987. It was the last of Kubrick's films to be released during his lifetime.

How was R. Lee Ermey wounded? ›

Ermey was rejected by the Navy before entering the Marines in 1961. His military career effectively ended eight years later when he was wounded by a rocket near the Vietnamese city of Danang.

Did R. Lee Ermey have a combat action ribbon? ›

Although he is primarily known for his acting, Ermey is a decorated veteran with military awards that include: Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal with Two 3/16 bronze stars, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one 3/16 silver ...

Was Lee Ermey cremated? ›

R. Lee Ermey, the former Marine who rose to fame by playing the sadistic Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in "Full Metal Jacket," was laid to rest Friday at Arlington National Cemetery. A former Marine drill instructor turned successful actor, Ermey, had his cremated remains buried with full military honors.

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