The Leatherneck Journal- Stories, traditions, and history from the United States Marine Corps.

Portrait of Major Samuel Nicholas, senior officer of the Continental Marines and first Marine Corps Commandant by tradition

Samuel Nicholas: The Man Who Raised America’s First Marines


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Before there was a Commandant, there was Samuel Nicholas. Discover the story of the Philadelphia native who helped raise America's first Marines, led them ashore at New Providence, and established a legacy the Corps still honors today.

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American Revolution
Continental Marines landing at New Providence, Bahamas, March 3, 1776 — the first amphibious assault in Marine Corps history

New Providence, 1776: The First Marines Go to War


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Less than four months after their founding, the Continental Marines went to war. On March 3, 1776, Samuel Nicholas led Marines ashore at New Providence in the Bahamas in their first amphibious assault. This is the story of the mission that began a Marine Corps tradition of fighting from sea to shore.

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American Revolution
The Founding of the United States Marine Corps: How a Nation Built Its First Marines

The Founding of the United States Marine Corps: How a...


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On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress created the Continental Marines, laying the foundation for what would become the United States Marine Corps. Discover the true story behind the Corps' founding, the historic resolution, Samuel Nicholas, and the enduring legacy that began in Revolutionary Philadelphia.

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American Revolution
The Design That Built Marines

The Design That Built Marines


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Before modern PT gear, there was one simple olive drab training shirt. Discover the story behind the iconic WWII Marine Corps physical training shirt and the Marines who wore it as they prepared for war.

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Artifacts of the Corps
Spirit of 1917: The Marine Corps Recruiting Poster That Captured America's Fighting Spirit

Spirit of 1917: The Marine Corps Recruiting Poster That Captured...


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Belleau Wood