Samuel Nicholas
Samuel Nicholas | |
|---|---|
Portrait of Colonel Samuel Nicholas (1989) by Maj. Donna J. Neary, USMCR. Hangs in the Marine Corps Commandant's house. | |
| Born | 1744 Philadelphia, Province of Pennsylvania, British America |
| Died | 27 August 1790 (aged 45–46) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Place of burial | Arch Street Friends Meeting House, Philadelphia |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | Continental Marines |
| Service years | 1775–1783 |
| Rank | Major |
| Commands | Commandant of the Marine Corps |
| Conflicts | American Revolutionary War |
Samuel Nicholas (1744 – August 27, 1790) was an American military officer who was the first officer commissioned in the Continental Marines (predecessor to the United States Marine Corps) and by tradition is considered to be the first Commandant of the Marine Corps.