R. Lee Ermey Was Given a Choice: Go to Jail or Join the Military - He Became a Decorated Marine

R. Lee Ermey gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in Stanley Kubrick's 1987 film, Full Metal Jacket . Beyond his acting career, Ermey served with the US Marine Corps, deploying to Vietnam and Okinawa. He was also a dedicated advocate for current members of the Armed Forces.

A young R. Lee Ermey's run-ins with the law

Born on March 24, 1944, in Emporia, Kansas, R. Lee Ermey was one of six children. His early years were spent on a farm on the outskirts of Kansas City, where he lived until he was 14. In 1958, his family relocated to Zillah, Washington.

During his teenage years, Ermey had brushes with the law, facing two arrests for criminal mischief by the age of 17. Following his second encounter with the legal system, he faced a critical decision: either serve jail time or enlist in the US military. Ermey chose the latter option.

An 11-year-long career with the US Marine Corps

Initially, R. Lee Ermey had hoped to join the US Navy, but was turned down because of his past. As such, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps and underwent recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego . He served in the aviation support field before becoming a drill sergeant in India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, stationed at the Recruit Depot from 1965-67.

Following his stint in San Diego, Ermey served with Marine Wing Support Group (MWSG) 17, assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma on Okinawa, Japan. He was then sent to South Vietnam for 14 months, before returning to Okinawa.

There, he was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant and performed aviation duties.

R. Lee Ermey was a decorated US Marine Corps veteran

In 1972, R. Lee Ermey was medically discharged from the US Marine Corps for injuries he'd suffered during his service. Speaking with The New York Times in 1987, he explained his career had been ended "by a rocket" in 1969, but would not discuss the matter further. It was known, however, that he carried shrapnel in his back until his death.

For his service, he was awarded: the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Sharpshooter Badge, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Marksman Badge, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Following his retirement, Ermey was awarded the Marine Corps Instructor Ribbon for his work as a recruiting training instructor. In 2002, he was also honorarily promoted to the rank of gunnery sergeant by then-Marine Corps Commander James L. Jones, becoming the only Marine to receive the honor.

Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Throughout his acting career, R. Lee Ermey appeared in over 60 film and television productions. His first role was as a helicopter pilot in Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now (1979), where he also served as the film's technical advisor. At the time, he was studying criminology and drama at the University of Manila.

Ermey continued to take on smaller roles until being cast in 1987's Full Metal Jacket . Director Stanley Kubrick initially hired him as the movie's technical advisor, but after watching an instructional tape he'd recorded, Kubrick cast Ermey as Gunnery Sgt. Hartman. He was given the freedom to alter and improvise his dialogue for authenticity, earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

R. Lee Ermey's other on-screen work

Other notable appearances by R. Lee Ermey were the Toy Story franchise, the 2003 remake of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre , Mississippi Burning (1988) and Dead Man Walking (1995). Outside of film, he lent his voice to a host of animated series, including The Simpsons (1989-present), Family Guy (1999-present), The Grim Adventures of Bill & Mandy (2003-07) and Invader Zim (2001-02).

He did the same for a number of video games, such as Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel and Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex .

From 2002-09, Ermey hosted Mail Call on History Channel, where he answered viewers questions about the military. In 2003, he traveled to Kuwait during the opening phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom to film the US Department of Defense's mail distribution to service personnel. He also hosted Lock n' Load with R. Lee Ermey on History Channel, covering the development of different weapon types, and GunnyTime on Outdoor Channel.

R. Lee Ermey 'bought a run-down bar'

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly in 1997, R. Lee Ermey explained that, following his retirement, he "bought a run-down bar and w********* in Okinawa." His fellow servicemen received "honorary memberships" in exchange for helping him renovate the establishment. "I was doing a little black-marketing and the Okinawa FBI got hot on my trail," he explained. "So I boogied on out to the Philippines."

It was there he met his wife, Nila, whom he married in 1975. The pair had four children and remained married until his death. Once back in the US, he co-founded Bravery Brewing, located in Lancaster, California.

Continuing his work with the US Marine Corps until his death

Despite his retirement, R. Lee Ermey continued to visit Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego and Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island , speaking with recruits. He also conducted morale tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. While at Bagram Airfield, he held a USO-type show, during which he put on a comedy routine and portrayed his character of Gunnery Sgt. Hartmann. He organized similar shows in Doha, Qatar, and Camp Doha, Kuwait City, Kuwait.

Outside of his visits to military installations, Ermey also dedicated his time to veterans' affairs and charities that benefitted military personnel and their families.

Want War History Online 's content sent directly to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter here!

R. Lee Ermey passed away on April 15, 2018, due to complications from pneumonia. He was 74 years old. Just under a year later, in January 2019, his ashes were buried in Section 82 of Arlington National Cemetery. Around 100 loved ones and fans gathered for the ceremony, which included a firing party, a casket team, a bugler and the folding and presentation of the American flag.