The incredible career of Jim Mattis, the legendary Marine general turned defense secretary

Gleb Garanich/Reuters

U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Ukraine's Defence Minister Stepan Poltorak walk past honour guards during a welcoming ceremony in Kiev, Ukraine August 24, 2017.

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis has achieved a legendary status on par with the heroes of the US Military's past.

Stories of his achievements and sayings are told in the same way that Patton, Pershing, Marshall, and MacArthur. He is widely viewed as above politics - a man dedicated to his job and his country.

In his 49 years of service, Mattis rose through the ranks of the military to the very top. He has received numerous colorful nicknames - most notably "Mad Dog" and "Warrior Monk" - and made a number of memorable statements that will likely be quoted by service members for a long time to come.

Take a look at the life and career of the Warrior Monk: