Early Life and Military Career
| Ronald Lee Ermey | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | "The Gunny" |
| Born | (1944-03-24) March 24, 1944 (age 68) Emporia, Kansas, United States |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1961–1972 |
| Rank | Gunnery Sergeant (Honorary) |
| Unit | MCRD San Diego Marine Wing Support Group 17 |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Meritorious Unit Commendation Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm |
| Other work | Actor |
Born in Emporia, Kansas, Ermey enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1961. Ermey was a drill instructor at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, and Parris Island, South Carolina from 1965 to 1967. In 1968, Ermey arrived in Vietnam where he served for 14 months with the Marine Wing Support Group 17. He then served two tours of duty in Okinawa, Japan, during which he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) and was medically discharged in 1972 for several injuries incurred during his tours.
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