STEC Archives, Print Document Division
Curator signature: Jer
Format: Textual Record
Object: New Jersey’s Personal Journal
Location (if known): Naval Base Avalon
Time (if known): Dated June 14th, 1989
RIP, Gunny
Goddamn it, here I was hoping this was going to be a hoax or something…
https://twitter.com/RLeeErmey/status/985651917870202883
It is with deep sadness that I regret to inform you all that R. Lee Ermey (“The Gunny”) passed away this morning from complications of pneumonia. He will be greatly missed by all of us. It is a terrible loss that nobody was prepared for. He has meant so much to so many people. And, it is extremely difficult to truly quantify all of the great things this man has selflessly done for, and on behalf of, our many men and women in uniform. He has also contributed many iconic and indelible characters on film that will live on forever. Gunnery Sergeant Hartman of Full Metal Jacket fame was a hard and principled man. The real R. Lee Ermey was a family man, and a kind and gentle soul. He was generous to everyone around him. And, he especially cared deeply for others in need.
There is a quote made famous in Full Metal Jacket. It’s actually the Riflemen’s Creed. “This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.”
There are many Gunny’s, but this one was OURS. And, we will honor his memory with hope and kindness. Please support your men and women in uniform. That’s what he wanted most of all.
Semper Fi, Gunny. Godspeed.
This came as something of a shocker so much so that I want to write about it. Having grown up with a lot of family in the military, it’s … how can I put it, Gunny might have played a character on TV, but he’s a real American off the big screen. The love he has for what he does and his fans are genuine – anyone who’s interacted with him knows this.
He’s got a real ability to inspire. He motivates you to do better. The shows he made was an important factor in getting the small me interested in rooty-tooty-shooty stuff and military. He’s made such an impression that I model characters after his person – his drive, his dedication, and his love for America.
Sorry Gunny. I know you wouldn’t like it for us to be sad over your loss. So, sniff, I’m going to go over there, drop, and give twenty now.
May you find all the weapons you could ever want to shoot to your heart’s content.
A Testament of Character
You’ve probably looked through his files wondering if there’s more to it. Well, Mike’s pretty low key. He’s someone that goes above and beyond on any job that’s assigned. Really not the type to be talking about his own accomplishments.
Sub Corner 30: the U-Boat Blockade of England
(I like this particular thing because it makes me look cute, okay! I’ll probably use it as the page-image for all non-specific-submarine sub corner pages. You know, the ones where I talk about things relating to submarines, but not necessarily the submarine itself!)
Okay! It’s been a while since we’ve had one of these. This is because a lot of the questions I’ve gotten are sort of hard to answer simply.
Dear Tautog,
My history textbook mentioned the submarine today! It said that one of the most important things submarines did during both World Wars is that they were able to cut off the economies of the Axis powers by creating naval blockades.
I’m not sure I get this. After all, in the very same page, not every German or Japanese ship was sunk by the submarine force. So, could you please explain a little about how this stuff works, then?
Sure. Let’s take a look.