Colonel Matthew Puglisi was born 22 April 1965 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in August 1987 and was discharged August 1991.
Following graduation from the University of Maryland, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in April 1992. Upon completion of The Basic School, and Supply Officers Course, Lieutenant Puglisi reported to 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, and served as the Regimental Supply Officer, Battalion Supply Officer and assistant Logistics Officer.
In September of 1996, Captain Puglisi was transferred to Marine Wing Support Group - 47, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Detroit, Michigan, and served as the Training Officer, Logistics Officer and Marine Wing Support Squadron 472 Detachment commander. In 2000, he received orders to the Captains Logistics Career Course, Fort Lee, Va.
In February 2001, Major Puglisi was assigned to Combat Service Support Group 3, Marine Corps Base, Hawaii, and served as Commanding Officer, Supply Company, and Commanding Officer, Combat Service Support Detachments 77 and 79, supporting numerous deployments throughout the Pacific. In June 2004, Major Puglisi attended the U.S. Naval War College, Newport, RI, and graduated with a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. In June 2005, Major Puglisi returned to Hawaii and was assigned to joint duty as an action officer, Special Operations Branch, Operations Directorate, U.S. Pacific Command.
In May 2008, he assumed command of Marine Wing Support Squadron - 372. In Jun 2010, Lieutenant Colonel Puglisi assumed duties as the Marine Wing Support Group – 37 Operations Officer. Lieutenant Colonel Puglisi graduated from the NATO Defense College, July 2011, and was assigned to MARFORPAC G-3 and assumed duties as the G39 Branch Chief responsible for Global Force Management, FDP&E, and Reserve Integration.
In Jan 2012, Lieutenant Colonel Puglisi deployed to Australia as the OIC of the Forward Coordination Element responsible for establishing the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin. Upon returning from Australia, LtCol Puglisi was assigned as the lead planner for the Marine Rotational Force. In February 2013, LtCol Puglisi returned to Darwin, Australia to lead the second rotation. He was promoted to his current rank, Colonel in February 2015.
His personal awards include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement.