Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Pucino

Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Pucino, 34, died on Nov. 23, after his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device while conducting a mounted patrol in the Afghan city of Pashay Kala, in support of combat operations while serving with, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his second deployment in support of the Global War on Terror. He also served on a deployment to Iraq with 5th SFG. He was a Special Forces intelligence sergeant.
Pucino a native of Hudson, Boston, Mass., and enlisted into the U.S. Army 2002 as a Special Forces candidate. He then went on to complete the Special Forces Qualification Course and earn the coveted “Green Beret” as a Special Forces engineer sergeant. He was assigned to 5th SFG, Fort Campbell, Kentucky before leaving active duty to become an Army National Guard Soldier assigned to 2nd Bn., 20th SFG.
Pucino’s military education includes the Warrior Leader’s Course, Basic NCO Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant Course and Special Forces Qualification Course.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, non-commissioned officer professional development ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab.
Pucino is survived by his wife Crystal of Clarksville, Tenn., Mother Katherine and Albert of Orlando Fla. and Sister Lisa Haglof, Sagamore, Mass.
- DE OPPRESSO LIBER –

...improvised explosive device...