Who was the first commissioned officer in the Marine Corps?

The first commissioned officer in the Marine Corps was Major Samuel Nicholas. He was appointed as a captain on November 10, 1775, and later promoted to major. Nicholas played a crucial role in establishing the Continental Marines, which later evolved into the United States Marine Corps. His leadership and organizational skills significantly contributed to the early formation and development of Marine operations during the Revolutionary War.

This makes Major Samuel Nicholas a key figure in military history, with a lasting legacy as the first leader of what would become one of the most distinguished military branches in the United States. The other listed individuals were influential and held significant positions within the Marine Corps, but they came after Nicholas’s foundational role.