Richard "Gunny" Remp

Richard "Gunny" Remp, also known as Sarge, 98, of Poolesville, MD passed away at his home surrounded by family and friends on May 19, 2024. He was born May 10, 1926, in Sharon, Pennsylvania. Gunny is survived by his only son, Richard R. Remp (Carol), two grandchildren Richard R. "Rick" Remp Jr. (Jennifer), Donna Remp Hopkins (Chris), great-grandchildren Justin Kersey, Alexandra Kersey, Katelyn Remp, and Sarah Remp. He is preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife, Dorthy "Dot" Remp, parents (Vincent Remp and Anna Mularski), and siblings.

Gunny very much loved his family, many friends, kind neighbors, and the Poolesville community, where he resided for over 50 years. His neighbors and friends were just like family. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, working in his yard, watching his favorite women's college softball team, and playing his luck with the Maryland scratch off lottery tickets. Sarge also enjoyed watching and rooting for his beloved Dallas Cowboys! He could be found sitting in his garage, feeding the squirrels in the driveway, working in his yard, and visiting neighbors. He enjoyed smoking his favorite cigar, sipping on his coffee or a cold beer, and chewing his favorite tobacco. He was very generous with his time and knowledge and always quick to help his family and friends. He had a great sense of humor, told interesting stories, and everyone who knew Gunny/Sarge, loved him. Gunny was a very proud and patriotic retired Marine Corps veteran, who loved the Marine Corps and his country.

Gunny entered the Marine Corps and completed his basic training at the 8th Recruit Battalion in San Diego, California, in March 1944. His first assignment was with the Wing Support Squadron 4 in El Toro, California, during WWII. Although Gunny requested to be transferred to the front lines to support the war effort, his commanding officer had other duties for him, which kept him stateside.

After World War II, Gunny served in various capacities around the Corps, including a mounted patrol at the Naval Weapons Station in Yorktown, VA. Gunny was most proud of this duty, as he was able to patrol on horseback and take care of the horses under his command. During the Korean War, Gunny was stationed at Marine Corps Base Iwakuni, Japan, where he worked to service jets returning from their bomb runs over the Korean Peninsula.

At the beginning of the Vietnam War, Gunny served as a crewman and door gunner on a UH-1 Huey helicopter. During one sortie, Gunny laid down heavy suppressive machine gun fire to protect a reconnaissance team that needed extraction. The recon team was surrounded by the Vietnamese, and Gunny provided direct suppressive fire to keep the enemy away from the recon team for four hours, until they could be extracted.

During his Marine Corps service, Gunny was awarded the following: Presidential Unit Citation w/1 star; Navy Commendation Medal w/Combat V Device; Air Medal (5th Award); Combat Aircrew Insignia w/3 stars; Good Conduct Medal w/5 stars; American Campaign Medal; Victory Medal (World War II); National Defense Service Medal w/1 star; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Dominican Republic); Korean Service Medal w/3 stars; United Nations Service Medal for Korea; Vietnam Service Medal w/1 star; Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device.

After retiring from military service, Gunny/Sarge worked as a meat cutter in Montgomery County, working for over 20 years.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 23 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road, Barnesville MD.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Post 247 in Poolesville, MD.