WWII veteran and social media star 'Papa Jake' dies at 102
July 20 (UPI) -- A World War II veteran who became a social media sensation and captivated millions of people with his stories has died at the age of 102.
Jake Larson, who became known as "Papa Jake," died "peacefully and was cracking jokes til the very end," her granddaughter, Mikaela Larson, said in a TikTok post Saturday.
"I am so thankful to have shared my Papa Jake with you all," Makaela Larson said in her post. "When the time is right, I will continue to share Papa Jake's stories and keep his memory alive. We appreciate all the kind words and posts. As Papa would say, love you all the mostest."
Jake Larson was born in Owatonna, Minn. on Dec. 20, 1922 and joined the National Guard when he was age 15 by claiming that he was 18. He was assigned to the U.S. Army's 135th Infantry Regiment in the 34th Infantry Division, known as the "Red Bull."
He was deployed to Ireland during WWII, and then shipped to June 6, 1944, one of 34,000 Allied soldiers who stormed Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion of Normandy, which was occupied by Germany.
"Papa Jake" gained a worldwide following on social media with the help of his family, and later created a TikTok page with the "@storytimewithpapajake" handle, where his appeal grew to more than 1.2 million followers, and where his posts have garnered more than 11 million likes. He also has more than 16,000 YouTube subscribers.
Many of his social media posts recounted his encounters on Omaha Beach, where he escaped enemy machine gun fire in addition to other recollections of fighting advancing German soldiers.
"It seemed like the landing was an eternity, with all the firing going on....I can't describe it. And people would say 'Were you scared?' I was scared of stepping on a landmine, and that's what I was trying to prevent," he said in a video posted by the U.S. Army last month.
"I was 5 foot 7 at that time. I weighed 120 pounds and I said, "Thank God the Germans aren't good at shooting toothpicks."
At least 2,400 hundred Americans died during the Normandy invasion.
"There's going to be casualties but we're willing to risk that," he said in the video. "We had to get this done. We have to relieve the world of this guy called Hitler."
Larson was the recipient of a Bronze star from the U.S. Army Legion of Honor, which is France's highest honor. An interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour won an Emmy Award in June.
Larson received a Bronze star from the U.S. Army and the Legion of Honor, France's highest honor. His interview on D-Day by CNN's Christiane Amanpour won an Emmy award in June.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
24 minutes ago
- Buzz Feed
21 Amazon Deals This Week That Are Actually Worth It
A Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask reviewers adore because it helps them achieve that iconic *glass skin* look while also hydrating their parched skin. Apply it before you hit the hay to reap the benefits (firmer skin, more elasticity, minimized pores) while you dream. Most reviewers recommend doing this treatment once per week. Promising review: "Caught wind of this on TikTok and decided to give it a whirl. Honestly, it's pretty solid! It really makes my skin look tight and shiny, like I just came out of a professional facial. It's an overnight mask, so yeah, it does have to stay on for a while, which is a bit of a hassle, but the payoff? Totally worth it. My skin feels more elastic, and the pores look minimized, too. If you don't mind the long wear time, this mask could be a game changer for your skincare routine!" —NalaPrice: $14.25 for a pack of four (originally $19.99; available in three styles) A Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner for 29% off you'll pat yourself on the back for buying when you see just how much dirt and gunk it pulls out of all the surfaces in your life. Forget about buying a new couch — your current one is about to look fresher than ever. Promising review: "This vacuum is amazing. I first heard of it on TikTok, where people were using it to clean their stairs, mattresses, car seats, etc., and from the videos, it already looked amazing. But considering how dirty my dining chair cushions were, I was a little bit apprehensive and skeptical. I purchased the item and used it on my chairs for the first time and the results were SO AMAZING. Best vacuum I've ever used. I even bought a second one!" —DavinaPrice: $100 (originally $139.99) Laneige Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum for 25% off (the lowest price it's gone for so far) to add some color to your pout while also nourishing it with the built-in polypeptides. Each shade has been inspired by a donut, so you and your lips can hop right onto that *glazed* bandwagon. Promising review: "I rarely write reviews, but this gloss is so amazing that I had to. I'm a longtime lover of Laneige, but mainly because of their skincare products. That being said, I was blown away by this product! The pigmentation is AMAZING for such a lightweight and non-sticky gloss. And it smells like a bakery or a pastry or something! I have already bought this in two colors (Sugar Glaze and Cinnamon Sugar) and I'm sure I'll buy more because this might just be the holy grail lip product I've been looking for." —Emily BrontePrice: $16.50 (originally $22; available in eight shades) A longline sports bra for 33% off that'll double as a crop top so you can wear it to the gym and while galavanting around in the summer heat. It comes in *so* many colors you might as well order a bunch and make 'em your uniform (especially while it's on sale!) Reviewers also say it's super similar to the Lululemon Align bra (but waaaay cheaper). Promising review: "Great tank top! I've had this for years and it is still in great shape. The texture is so soft and it does not shrink in the wash. It is true to size and very comfortable even when it gets warm." —KaylaPrice: $17.99 (originally $26.99; available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 32 styles) And coordinating leggings for 20% off, because we love nothing more than a fresh set that can be worn to workout or rewatch this past season of Love Island while lounging on the couch, eating snackies. These beauties have *also* been praised as being similar to Lululemon. Promising review: "I've had these pants for a while now. They are holding up great in the gym with cardio and weight training. They still look great and are structurally sound after many 2x weekly washings. They don't roll or slide, and in terms of 'staying power,' they are the best leggings I own. Given the number of fellow gym goers who I see fail to wipe the equipment, I'm very happy to have these between my skin and the benches. These are proving to be very high-quality leggings at a reasonable price. They are not sheer even when stretched and fully pass the squat test." —ScubaBluePrice: $19.99 (originally $24.99; available in women's sizes XS–4XL and 32 styles) A Coop Home Goods Pillow for 20% off that are said to be ideal for back, side, and stomach sleepers — they're filled with memory foam (and come with extra stuffing!) that can be adjusted to your precise sleeping preference. Coop Home Goods is a small business!Promising review: "This is the best pillow ever! 🙌🏻 I'm SUPER picky with pillows, and this one is perfect! I normally don't like shredded pillows, but this one is a game-changer. It's super soft, like a fluffy cloud. It doesn't really feel like it's shredded once you lay your head on it. I'm mainly a side sleeper, and this gives me perfect support. It molds perfectly to your head, neck, and shoulder. No more neck pains in the morning for me. Over time, I added the extra stuffing, and I'm happy with where it's at. When it needs a fluffing, I just toss it in the dryer on low for 15 minutes, and it's good as new. I've had it for a few months now, and this is the one I will always buy from now on. Just buy it! You'll love it!" —SierraPrice: $68 (originally $85; available in three colors and queen or king sizing). Retainer cleaning tablets for 20% off to help restore yours back to its original color (aka not yellow, yikes) and do a much better job at it than your well-intentioned but feeble attempts to brush it with your toothbrush. M3 Naturals is a small business!Promising review: "I didn't take before/after pics because, truthfully, I didn't expect this to do much. I've got a night guard to prevent grinding, and I've had it for years now. I've cleaned it regularly, brushed it, sanitized it daily, etc., but it was distinctly yellow and opaque. I figured from age. I was about to talk to my dentist about replacing it, but figured I'd give these a try. LET ME TELL YOU. This thing is now clear and clean and almost like new. It definitely wasn't an instant fix, but it got a little better after each use, and now, it's unrecognizable. If you're on the fence, try this. It's not cheap, but it's way less than a new dental device!" —KatiePrice: $17.44 for 120 tablets (originally $21.81) Bluetooth earbuds for 28% off with a digital display that'll keep you in the loop on exactly how much battery you've got left before the sweet sound of Taylor Swift's "All Too Well" is lost in the musical abyss (aka starts playing out loud on your phone in a crowded room, oops). Many reviewers have said they're even better than AirPods! Promising review: "I bought several of these. They work very well, the sound is great, and the battery lasts forever (or it seems like it). I also bought the latest ones from Apple and these work just as well, if not better, because they last longer, and they are a fraction of the price I paid for the Apple ones. At $35 vs. $250, it's a no-brainer... All the different colors are great because so many in my family have these now, so you can easily keep them apart. Also, since the pods themselves are also the same color, no one can claim them as theirs (too many in the family) when the color doesn't match. They're awesome!" —G. LarsonPrice: $25.98 (originally $35.99; available in eight colors) Under cabinet lighting for 33% off with a rechargeable motion sensor light that'll make sure you can creep into your kitchen for a midnight snack (fingers crossed your dad doesn't eat all the brownies before you get to 'em) without alerting everyone you're doing so by turning on the overhead lighting. Promising review: "These lights are absolutely amazing! The adhesive strength is top-notch, keeping them securely in place on my stairs. The ease of use is fantastic —installation was a breeze, and they turn on automatically, providing perfect illumination. They produce no flickering, ensuring a steady and reliable light. The durability is impressive, withstanding daily use without any issues. The adjustment capability allows me to fine-tune the brightness to suit my needs, and they generate very little heat, making them safe and energy-efficient. Highly recommend these lights to anyone looking to enhance their staircase safety and style!" —Jamaican me happyPrice: $23.98 (originally $35.99; available in two lighting colors) A Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum for 50% off, so instead of pushing your outdated, heavy vacuum across the floor on a Sunday morning, you can let this gadget do its thing, kick your feet up, and reap the benefits of a clean room without having to lift a finger (literally). Promising review: "I bought this vacuum because it was in my price range, and honestly, with two kids and four dogs, I could use just the help. I didn't expect miracles, tbh; I was just hoping to cut down on my 'manual' vacuuming time. So far, I have set it up and the app, set it to explore, then vacuum as scheduled. I actually do NOT need to vacuum at all this first day. It got everything. The amount of time I have saved is worth every penny. Since this machine is helping me, I can do dishes, take out laundry, or literally just sit and watch Netflix. I absolutely love it. I hope the durability holds up, because this is a game changer for me. My house is 2,000 sq ft with 900 sq ft of vacuumable space. (Minus couches and beds and appliances, and two closed-off rooms.) It will finish cleaning my house in a single charge and do it in one hour, give or take. After it's done, it has 25% charge and returns to base (second time). And stays docked to charge. I have not emptied the base, so I cannot comment on how easy this is, but so far, so good!" —Kara $297.99 (originally $599) A darling midi dress for 60% off (a new lowest price!) with a smocked top, flutter sleeves, and playfully tiered skirt you'll be happy to have on hand the next time you're invited to an impromptu brunch with the girls. It'll look fabulous alongside your fave pair of sandals and that cute beaded handbag you picked up for the summer. Promising review: "This dress was so adorable for all shapes and sizes. It's super comfortable. It does wrinkle easily, so you will have to steam it once you get it and if you travel with it. But besides that, definitely go and get the dress!" —AmyPrice: $19.99 (originally $49.99; available in women's sizes XS–2XL and 27 styles) A cream Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 for 47% off (the cheapest it goes for) with a slew of exciting features you won't be able to resist — we're talking an energy score, wellness tips, a heart rate tracker, a sleep monitor, and, of course, fitness tracking. Not to mention it is *quite* stylish in this shade, if I do say so myself. Promising review: "This watch helps me a lot, whether I'm teaching swim lessons or chasing after my kids. The heart rate tracking, energy score, and wellness tips keep me on top of my health. I like tracking my sleep, even though with a 5-month-old and a 23-month-old, it's not always the prettiest lol. It's lightweight, stylish, and easy to use. I get my texts and calls right on my wrist, which is perfect when I'm busy. The battery lasts nicely. I use a wireless charger to charge side by side with my phone. Definitely worth it! —Heriberto RiveraPrice: $159.99 (originally $299.99) A pack of jumbo vacuum storage bags for 21% off so when the urge takes over to empty your closet and dressers of all your summer gear and break out your fall fashions, you'll be ready. Stash everything in these bags, suck the air out, and stow 'em away all the while patting yourself on the back for saving space in the process. Promising review: "These jumbo bags can fit so much inside them, saving me SO MUCH space. I kind of can't believe it. They are durable, hefty, and will easily hold three large squishmallows AND flatten them to a crisp. The zipper is super strong, and the little tool makes it so easy to close overstuffed bags! They made organizing my room so much easier." —PercyPrice: $17.99 for 10 (originally $22.99) An Anker Soundcore 2 portable Bluetooth speaker for 33% off because your carefully crafted playlist of 2000s bops shouldn't be kept under lock and key — let the entire party enjoy your efforts by pumping it through this (affordable) speaker. Promising review: "This little Bluetooth speaker is awesome and sounds amazing for its size. I bought it to use at work so I can listen to my favorite tunes at my work station and this thing does the job as advertised. I mostly listen to heavy metal and everything sounds crisp and clear while the up-bass feature delivers the lower end and killer double bass drums. It actually sounds just as good as the more expensive ones I bought for my kids." —Mona BlairPrice: $30.22 (originally $44.99; available in four colors) And a JBL PartyBox 710 speaker for 29% off, you might want to consider splurging on because 1. it's actually on sale (duh) or 2. if you're the life of the party and constantly hosting everyone in your backyard. It has a handle and wheels to make popping it into the perfect spot a breeze, it's splash-proof (a must for pool parties!), connects through Bluetooth, and has mesmerizing built-in lights. A ThermoPro digital meat thermometer for 27% off (the cheapest price it has ever been) that'll let you know your steak is *perfectly* cooked to your liking — no more second-guessing when you're workin' the grill while also trying to entertain guests with endless witty banter. Promising review: "I'm an assistant deli manager and I use this thermometer all day several times an hour, and I haven't found one that lasts and is as durable. This is a thermometer that works great and has everything you need to do your job right when taking temperatures. Highly recommended!!!" —nichole baginskiPrice: $14.69 (originally $19.99) plus an additional 10% off when you redeem the coupon under the pricing line! A pleated tennis skort for up to 24% off (its best price) you'll want to add to your cart if you've got big plans to be the next Coco Gauff or simply want to snag a piece of her on-court style. A few reviewers also noted it as a comfortable option to wear around the Disney parks. Promising review: "Hands down the best tennis skirt! It's super comfortable with just the right amount of stretch — and the price makes it even better. I own it in five colors and wear them multiple times a week. The length in the back is perfect as well. Highly recommend!" —Teresa WPrice: $22.71+ (originally $29.99; available in women's sizes XS–2XL and 14 styles) A boho comforter set for up to 35% off, so gorgeous you'll think you dreamt about it and then be delightfully surprised by it all over again once you wake up to its stunning embroidered tufts. It'll be *just* the thing you need to refresh your room. Promising review: "If you're on the fence about purchasing this comforter, do it! Very boho, cute, and cozy. I like to keep my room colder at night, and the thickness of the comforter is perfect. I've washed and dried it three times and have had zero issues with wrinkling, the threading, or the stuffing. The color matches the pictures perfectly. I would recommend sizing up, though. I have a queen bed, and the king-size comforter fits perfectly." —Liz OvePrice: $39.19 for a full size (originally $59.99; also available in twin, queen, oversized queen, king, California king, and oversized king in various discounts and in a variety of colors) An electric Momcozy baby nail file for 34% off that'll *literally* lend you a helping hand when it comes to trying to tame your tyke's claws. Why is it that they seem to grow back overnight!? This set comes with seven grinding heads, replacement pads, a storage case, and the tool itself (obvs). Promising review: "Works great for those little baby nails. Minimal sounds, so baby doesn't mind having a little manicure time when those nails turn into claws and that happens every other day, it seems. So it is nice to have this right close to be able to get those little things back to a safe length." —Alexandria LoyPrice: $19.94 (originally $29.99; available in three colors) A smocked toddler Disney dress for 20% off (the first recorded sale) that'll win your kid over and have them exclaiming "I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!" when you show them the cute outfit you bought them featuring their fave character. Hope they're ready to twirl from the moment they put it on until bedtime! I've been buying clothes for myself and my kids from Disney Store for years now and have never been disappointed in the quality. I have found that they tend to run big, so size down accordingly!Promising review: "That princess dress is absolutely fantastic. My little girl is over the moon with it! The quality of the fabric is surprisingly nice; it doesn't feel cheap or flimsy at all. We've washed it a few times already, and it still looks brand new, which is a huge win. I highly recommend this dress if you're looking for a great princess outfit!" —Maria QuinteroPrice: $19.99 (originally $24.98; available in sizes 2T–6Y and 13 styles) And the newly released novel A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Saungu Mandanna for 25% off for anyone looking to embrace the cozy, witch vibes of autumn a bit early. It's filled with magic, romance, and a cute familial bond that'll have you wanting to read it again when October actually rolls around. I ordered this the second I discovered it was on sale! I've had this bookmarked to buy/read since it was announced! I read Sangu Mandanna's other witchy novel, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, last year and became so enamored with her writing. This story is about a young witch who lost most of her powers and is helping run an enchanted inn while trying to figure out how to restore her magic (and maybe finds love along the way???) Don't sleep on this next novel — I'm sure it's going to be just as lovely as her other one!Promising review: If you're the sort of person people call 'sensitive,' then bring your tissues. It's a gorgeous story with delightful turns of phrase peppered throughout in the author's usual style and a deep appreciation of healing and meaning and what it is to choose." —Kindle CustomerPrice:
UPI
25 minutes ago
- UPI
'Chucky' alum Jennifer Tilly joins 'School Spirits' Season 3
Jennifer Tilly will be seen in Season 3 of "School Spirits" on Paramount+. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo July 21 (UPI) -- Jennifer Tilly -- best known for playing Tiffany and a fictionalized version of herself in the Chucky film and TV franchise -- has joined the cast of School Spirits Season 3. "Very excited about joining School Spirits for Season 3!" Tilly wrote on X Monday. Deadline reported Tilly will play a character named Dr. Deborah Hunter-Price, but offered no details about who she is or how she might interact with the show's main characters. The Paramount+ ghost story follows a group of students trying to rescue Maddie (Peyton List), a teen who seems to be caught between the worlds of the living and dead in their high school. The cast includes Kristian Ventura, Milo Manheim, Spencer MacPherson, Kiara Pichardo, Sarah Yarkin, Nick Pugliese and Rainbow Wedell. Season 2 wrapped up in March.
Newsweek
25 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Mom Checks Baby Cam and Sees It Keeps Moving—Then Discovers the Reason
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A mother checking in on her baby through the monitor noticed the camera kept moving, and what she found on the other end left viewers in stitches. Kimmy Fuhrman couldn't quite understand why the baby monitor screen kept shaking. She set the monitor on a table, out of reach of the baby's hands, to look out over the floor where her child crawled, which meant it shouldn't be moving. But it seemed like something kept bumping into it. Confused, Fuhrman began using the buttons to move the baby monitor camera in different directions to get new views of the room, trying to pinpoint the cause of the shaking. Her July 4 TikTok video posted to her account @ revealed the culprit: her cat. As Fuhrman spun the camera around, she stopped it once it came face-to-face with her cat. She first saw her cat's tiny, pink nose up against the screen. Then, as she adjusted the view, Fuhrman found her feline staring back at her with annoyance. Fuhrman jokingly wrote in the caption: "I'm so sorry for being in YOUR space." She told Newsweek that she had a feeling it was the cat behind the disturbance, noting that this is typical behavior for her feline. She didn't seem to mind, chuckling at the image she discovered before going over and fixing the camera. Screenshots from a July 4 TikTok video of an owner discovering her cat was the reason why the baby monitor kept moving. Screenshots from a July 4 TikTok video of an owner discovering her cat was the reason why the baby monitor kept moving. @ And while it might appear to some that the cat doesn't look thrilled to have a baby in the house, as if she's the one taking care of her day and night, Fuhrman said she's been nothing but a perfect and patient furry companion. "My baby will grab her fur or ears sometimes, and she just lets it happen," she said. "She's a very cuddly and patient cat." Viewer Reactions The TikTok video amassed over 1 million views and 180,000 likes as of Monday, with many users immediately knowing the culprit was going to be a cat before the camera turned around. "That babysitter is working real hard," joked a viewer, while a second person commented, "He's just keeping an eye on the baby for you. So loving." Another commenter said: "He looks like a strict parent." A fourth person wrote: "Still can't with the attitude in that look." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
