East End in Portland in Cumberland County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
"Jacob Cousins left a torch for us to carry"
Jean Mathis
| | World War I hero speaking to a crowd of 2,000 gathered for the dedication of the memorial in 1935 | |
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 14, 2021
1. "Jacob Cousins left a torch for us to carry" Marker
Jacob Cousins was the first Jewish soldier from Portland killed in World War I.
Approximately 250,000 Jewish soldiers served in the U.S. military during WWI. 3,500 Jews would die in this conflict.
Cousin's Company C, 328th Infantry, fought in the massive 47-day battle in the Meuse-Argonne region of France. With over 1,200,000 soldiers, it remains the largest U.S. military offensive ever.
On October 14, 1918, less than a month before the war ended as Cousins' unit closed in on the German border, his platoon leader was killed. Jacob assumed command and was cited for coolness and bravery until he paid his supreme sacrifice."
Cousins is buried at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in France, the largest military cemetery in Europe with over 14,000 graves. Some, including his, are marked with a Jewish star.
Erected by Friends of the Eastern Promenade.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • Religion & Religious Structures • War, World I. A significant historical date for this entry is October 14, 1918.
Location. 43° 39.992′ N, 70° 14.455′ W. Marker is in Portland, Maine, in Cumberland
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Portland's Jewish War Heroes (here, next to this marker); Mayor Baxter and the Prom: A bold vision for our public spaces (here, next to this marker); Why build Fort Allen? (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The story of Fort Allen Park (about 300 feet away); Civil War guns (about 300 feet away); Portland Maine Fort Allen Park USS Portland Memorial (about 400 feet away); The U.S.S. Portland at war (about 400 feet away); Honoring those who served (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portland.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 14, 2021
2. "Jacob Cousins left a torch for us to carry" Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 342 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 21, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
