Retired Marine Staff Sgt. R. Lee Ermey, the legendary Marine drill instructor turned iconic Full Metal Jacket actor who died last year, will be formally laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at 10 a.m. on Jan. 18, according to the cemetery’s web site.
- Ermy, who rose to fame for his powerful performance turning recruits into killing machines as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket, died of complications from pneumonia on April 15, 2018.
- “Gunnery Sergeant Hartman of Full Metal Jacket fame was a hard and principled man,” Bill Rogin, Ermey’s long-time agent, told Task & Purpose in a statement after news of his death broke. “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.”
- We’ve reached out to Arlington National Cemetary for more information. You can learn more at the cemetery’s website here.