https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/15/obituaries/r-lee-ermey-dead-actor.html

https://www.military.com/off-duty/movies/2022/01/21/5-little-known-facts-about-r-lee-ermey-militarys-favorite-gunny.html

Biography found at https://marineparents.com/marinecorps/ermey.asp.

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.

*The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events. 



Visited Uncle Lee with my Aunt Nila, Betty and Evonne on April 15, 2023 his 5th year death anniversary.

Photo of the 4 of us next to Uncle Lee's grave

Visited Uncle Lee with my Aunt Nila, Betty and Evonne on April 15, 2023

RONALD LEE ERMEY

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