Amman E. Catalan was born in Escuintla, Guatemala. He entered the Marine Corps on 24 October 1994 at Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in San Diego, California.
Private First Class Catalan graduated from boot camp on 10 January 1995. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the School of Infantry in Camp Pendleton, California, for MOS training as a 0311 (Rifleman). After graduating from in March of 1995, he was assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. During this assignment, Lance Corporal Catalan completed two deployments to Okinawa, Japan as a SAW Gunner, Fire Team Leader, and Squad Leader. He was promoted to Corporal in 1997 and attended the Corporal course aboard Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan. In 1998, Corporal Catalan was assigned to Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii as a Training NCO. During this assignment, he was promoted to Sergeant and attended the Sergeants Course in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
In March of 1999, Sergeant Catalan reported to Drill Instructor School (8511 MOS) at MCRD, San Diego, California and was subsequently assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion where he served as a Drill instructor and later the Senior Drill Instructor. Sergeant Catalan was meritoriously promoted to Staff Sergeant (0369) on 2 January 2001. After eight cycles, Staff Sergeant Catalan was assigned to Receiving Barracks, Support Company and served as the Senior Drill Instructor and Chief Drill Instructor. Staff Sergeant Catalan attended the Career Course on Camp Pendleton, California.
In March of 2003, he reported to the Marine Combat Instructor Course (8513 MOS), School of Infantry on Camp Pendleton, California. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Charlie Company, Infantry Training Battalion as a Platoon Commander. In 2004, Staff Sergeant Catalan was selected to be the Chief Instructor for the Marine Combat Instructor Course (MCIC). Staff Sergeant Catalan was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in November of 2004.
In March of 2005, Gunnery Sergeant Catalan reported to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Regiment as the Company Gunnery Sergeant. In August of 2005, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he conducted combat operations in Hit, Haditha and Haqlaniya, Iraq. Upon redeployment, he was assigned as the Company Gunnery Sergeant to Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. In April of 2007, Gunnery Sergeant Catalan deployed with Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and participated in combat operations near Fallujah and Karma supporting the surge to Iraq. Upon redeployment in November of 2007, he was assigned as the Company First Sergeant for Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines.
Gunnery Sergeant Catalan was promoted (frock 8999 MOS) to 1stSgt in March of 2008 and reported for duty to Alpha Company, 7th Communication Battalion in Okinawa, Japan. In July of 2009, he assumed the duties of Service Company First Sergeant. In November of 2009, First Sergeant Catalan volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan with Embedded Training Team 3 in order to train the Afghanistan Army (0571 MOS). In March of 2010, First Sergeant Catalan was inserted in Marjah, Afghanistan. During this period, he conducted combat operations under 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, Regimental Combat Team (RCT) 7 and 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines under Regimental Combat Team 1. After returning from Afghanistan he was assigned to Headquarters Company, 7th communications battalion and later assumed the duties of Bn SgtMaj. In June 18, 2011 reported to 3rd Bn MCRD PI (8999 MOS). He served as India Company 1stSgt and 3rd BN SgtMaj. In 16 April, 2012 1stSgt Catalan reported to Mike Co where he was selected and Promoted in May 2013 to the rank of SgtMaj. In 2nd August, 2013 SgtMaj Catalan reported to Mag 49 det C, Belle Chasse Louisiana as the HMLA 773 Det A as the squadron and site SgtMaj. In March 24, 2016 SgtMaj Catalan reported to Recruiting Station Phoenix on March 2016 until April 2018. SgtMaj Catalan reported to 1st Marine Regiment on May 2nd, 2018.
Sergeant Major Catalan’s awards consist of: Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguish device and gold star in lieu of second Award, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a gold star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Combat Action ribbon with a gold star in lieu of second award.