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Before stepping into the limelight for his unforgettable role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket (1987), R. Lee Ermey had already lived a life full of adventure, discipline, and sacrifice. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Ermey’s military career was as tough and gritty as the characters he would later portray on screen.
A Troubled Start and a Turning Point
Born on March 24, 1944, in Emporia, Kansas, Ermey was raised on a farm near Kansas City until his family relocated to Zillah, Washington. As a teenager, he often found himself in trouble with the law. By the age of 17, he had been arrested twice for mischief. His rebellious streak led to a pivotal moment in his life: faced with the choice between jail time or military service, Ermey chose the Marines, a decision that would set him on a path toward both personal redemption and a decorated career.
The Marine Corps: A Path to Discipline
Ermey’s initial attempt to join the Navy was rejected due to his past, but the Marine Corps welcomed him in 1961. He completed his basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego and soon rose through the ranks, becoming a drill instructor at India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion.
Following his time at San Diego, Ermey was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, with the Marine Wing Support Group 17. It was here that his life as a Marine deepened. He served in Vietnam for 14 months before returning to Okinawa, where he was promoted to staff sergeant.
In 1972, after 11 years of service, Ermey was medically discharged due to injuries sustained in combat. He once told The New York Times that his career ended “by a rocket” in 1969, but he preferred not to delve into the details. What is known is that he carried shrapnel in his back for the rest of his life, a testament to the dangers he faced on the battlefield.
For his military service, Ermey was highly decorated. His honors included the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and Vietnam Service Medal, among others. In 2002, he received the rare distinction of being honorarily promoted to Gunnery Sergeant by the Marine Corps, becoming the only Marine to ever receive such an honor after retirement.
Hollywood Beckons
After his military career ended, Ermey turned to acting. His first role was a minor part in Apocalypse Now as a helicopter pilot, but it wasn’t long before his big break came. Originally hired as a technical advisor for Full Metal Jacket, Ermey’s commanding presence in an audition tape caught the eye of director Stanley Kubrick, who cast him as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman. The rest, as they say, is history.
Ermey’s portrayal of the tough-as-nails drill sergeant was so authentic that he was allowed to improvise much of his dialogue, cementing his place in cinema history. His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination and became the defining role of his career.
While Full Metal Jacket made him a household name, Ermey went on to appear in over 60 films and TV shows. From Toy Story to Mississippi Burning, his gravelly voice and commanding presence made him a standout in every project he took on.
A Lifelong Dedication to the Military
Even after achieving fame, Ermey never forgot his roots. He devoted himself to veterans’ causes and regularly visited military installations, speaking with recruits and offering words of wisdom. In a 1997 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ermey humorously recalled buying a bar in Okinawa after his retirement, where he offered “honorary memberships” to fellow servicemen who helped him renovate the place.
His dedication to the armed forces extended to his television work as well. From 2002 to 2009, Ermey hosted Mail Call on the History Channel, answering viewers’ questions about military life. He also hosted Lock n’ Load and GunnyTime, continuing his mission of educating the public about the military and weaponry.
Final Years and Legacy
Ermey passed away on April 15, 2018, due to complications from pneumonia at the age of 74. In January 2019, his ashes were interred in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors, including a firing party and the folding of the American flag.
R. Lee Ermey’s life was one of service, both on the battlefield and in front of the camera. He not only entertained millions with his roles but also left a lasting impact on the armed forces community through his advocacy and outreach. His legacy as a tough but compassionate figure endures, both in the Marines and in Hollywood.
Ermey once said, “I play the hell out of authority figures, and I know why now. It’s because I know authority figures.” And indeed, his authority on screen was matched only by the respect he earned in real life.
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