'Four-Star General from Enlisted Ranks' Former US Defense Secretary Mattis Marries for the First Time at 72

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis (right) and Christina Romersni, Director of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (left). Photo by SNS capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jung] James Mattis (72), a former four-star general of the U.S. Marine Corps who had been single for over 70 years, recently held a wedding ceremony.

According to political and military specialized media such as Politico and Military Times on the 28th (local time), former Secretary Mattis married Christina Romersni, director of the U.S. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), last weekend in Las Vegas, USA.

Photos from the wedding posted on social networking services (SNS) show former Secretary Mattis wearing a white top and Director Romersni holding a bouquet, both smiling. Next to them stood Robert Howard, former deputy commander of the U.S. Central Command, dressed as Elvis Presley as a groomsman.

It is reported that former Secretary Mattis and Director Romersni first met at a bar and developed their love.

Mattis, who rose from enlisted soldier to four-star general, is a legendary figure within the U.S. military. Nicknamed "Mad Dog" due to his aggressive nature, former Secretary Mattis commanded battles in the Gulf War, Afghanistan War, and Iraq War, earning the title "living legend of the Marines."

He served as the first Secretary of Defense under the Trump administration but was effectively dismissed after conflicts with former President Trump over issues such as the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria and handling of North Korea's nuclear threat.