Samuel Nicholas | |
|---|---|
 Portrait by Maj. Donna J. Neary, USMCR, 1989. Hangs in the Marine Corps Commandant's house.[1] | |
| Born | 1744 Philadelphia, Province of Pennsylvania, British North America |
| Died | 27 August 1790 (aged 45–46) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Place of burial | Arch Street Friends Meeting House, Philadelphia |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service |  Continental Marines |
| Years of service | 1775–1783 |
| Rank | Major |
| Commands | Commandant of the Marine Corps |
| Battles / wars | American Revolutionary War |
Samuel Nicholas (1744 – August 27, 1790) was an American Marine and military officer who was the first officer commissioned in the United States Continental Marines (predecessor to the United States Marine Corps) and by tradition is considered to be the first Commandant of the Marine Corps.
- ^ Upton, Lt. Col. Stewart. "First Marine Corps Leader All About Institution, Not Self". imef.marines.mil. U.S. Marine Corps. Retrieved July 29, 2020.