Samuel Nicholas: The Founding Father of the United States Marine Corps

  


 Samuel Nicholas, born in Philadelphia in 1744, is a revered figure in American military history as the founder of the United States Continental Marines, the forerunner of today's Marine Corps. Commissioned a Captain of Marines by the Second Continental Congress on November 28, 1775, Nicholas swiftly set up a recruiting headquarters at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. This location holds a significant place in Marine lore as the birthplace of the Corps. Here, he recruited the first Marines, focusing on finding men who were skilled seamen or knowledgeable in maritime affairs, essential for operations at sea.

 These first recruits of Nicholas were instrumental in the Corps' early success, including the capture of Nassau during the Battle of Nassau without a fight and participation in the first naval battle against the British warship HMS Glasgow. Nicholas's efforts to form and lead the Marines immediately impacted the fledgling nation's naval capabilities during the American Revolutionary War.

 His leadership extended beyond combat as he organized Marine guards for the frigates being built, setting a precedent for the Marine Corps' role in ship security and establishing traditions of discipline and excellence that persist today. Promoted to Major on June 25, 1776, Nicholas's influence helped shape the Marines into a formidable force, integrating them into the American military framework, where they became known for their amphibious and expeditionary warfare capabilities. These foundations laid by Nicholas and his first Marines have left a lasting legacy as the Marine Corps continues to be a crucial component of the United States Armed Forces.

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