Good Bye, Gunny

"Most of you will go to Vietnam. Some of you will not come back. But always remember this: Marines die, that's what we're here for. But the Marine Corps lives forever. And that means you live forever." Gunnery Sergeant Hartman (R. Lee Ermey), Full Metal Jacket (1987).

Noting the passing of R. Lee Ermey, actor, Marine, gun guy.

Ronald Lee Ermey did not "play" a Marine Corps drill instructor in the movie Full Metal Jacket. Mr. Ermey brought his years of experience in the USMC as a Vietnam Vet, Staff Sergeant and "Hollywood Marine" DI to the silver screen. He was not originally cast in the movie, assigned the task of technical advisor. His off-screen personae convinced director Stanley Kubrick that Ermey was the man for the job.

No one who has seen the movie will ever suggest that it is politically correct. In a way, the movie views the 60's era Corps as...well, the main character calls boot camp a place for the "phony tough and the crazy brave." There are slurs against nearly everyone, of any genre. Sergeant Hartman tells the new boots on their initial meeting he is not prejudiced against...then runs off a string of racial epithets leaving no group unbloodied.

Are you easily offended? This movie is not for you. DI Hartman makes the point that the Marines train lethal marksmen by reminding the Boots that Kennedy assassin Lee Harvey Oswald and University of Texas mass murderer Charles Whitman were both trained by the Corps. He demands that the barracks latrine be so clean that "Even the Virgin Mary" would avail herself of it. Then, he assaults "Joker" (Matthew Modine) for saying he did not believe in her.

Ermey went on to more roles, starred in more shows. He was especially well known in the gun culture, as a spokesman for Glock pistols and as the host of a show that, among other things, compared and contrasted different weapons. In 2002 the Marine Commandant promoted him to Gunnery Sergeant. As well he should have.

A friend of mine met him at a "Glock Days" event several years ago. His presence at the gun shop was designed - guaranteed, actually - to draw a crowd. What was he like, I asked.

Turns out he was kind, eloquent and was as thankful for my friend's law enforcement service as anything he himself had done. A gentleman.

Marines die. But, honor is forever. Thank you for your service, Gunny.