&w=3840&q=100)
Who was Papa Jake Larson, the 102-year-old WWII hero and TikTok star who inspired millions?
World War II veteran Jake Larson meets youths during ceremonies at the US cemetery to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings, on June 6, 2025 in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France. File Image/AP
Jake Melvin Larson, widely known as 'Papa Jake' on TikTok and revered globally as a decorated World War II veteran and D-Day survivor, passed away last week (July 17, 2025), at the age of 102.
From a Minnesota farm boy who enlisted underage to a Bronze Star recipient and later an internet sensation in his late 90s, Papa Jake's life spanned not only decades of personal courage and national history but also a digital bridge to younger generations.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Announced by his granddaughter McKaela Larson through a social media post, his passing sparked tributes from across the United States and towns in France, especially in Normandy, where Larson had long been welcomed as a cherished guest and war hero.
He had spent the last years of his life living in Lafayette, California.
Jake Larson, known as 'Papa Jake' had gained 1.2 million followers on TikTok by sharing war stories. File Image/AFP
'Our beloved Papa Jake has passed away on July 17th at 102 years young,' McKaela wrote. 'He went peacefully.'
'I am so thankful to have shared my Papa Jake with you all. You meant the world to him,' she added.
'As Papa would say, love you all the mostest.'
From a farm boy to a war hero
Jake Larson was born on December 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minnesota, and raised in the nearby community of Hope.
In 1938, at just 15 years old, he enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard by falsely claiming he was of legal age.
Assigned to the US Army's 135th Infantry Regiment in the 34th Infantry Division — known as the 'Red Bull' — Larson embarked on a military career that would define much of the 20th century's pivotal moments.
By 1942, he was deployed overseas to Northern Ireland, where he rose to the role of operations sergeant.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
In this capacity, he played a behind-the-scenes yet critical role in planning the Allied invasion of Normandy, compiling operational materials for what would become the largest amphibious military assault in history: Operation Overlord.
Papa Jake during D-Day & WWII
On June 6, 1944, Larson was among approximately 160,000 Allied troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy during the D-Day landings.
Assigned to Omaha Beach, he was one of 34,000 US soldiers to engage in the bloody assault that day. Machine gun fire from fortified German positions made the beach one of the most perilous fronts, claiming over 2,400 American lives.
Larson was one of the few to reach the bluffs overlooking the beach unharmed.
In this photo taken April 29, 2019, D-Day veteran Jake Larson poses before going for a ride in the 'The Spirit of Benovia' World War II-era aircraft in Oakland, California, US. File Image/AP
In a recollection shared through a US Army video posted in June, he described the chaos and fear that defined those hours: 'It seemed like that the landing was an eternity, with all the firing going on…. I can't describe it. And people say, 'Were you scared?' I was scared of stepping on a landmine, and that's what I was trying to prevent.'
'I was 5 foot 7 at that time. I weighed 120 pounds and I said, 'Thank God the Germans aren't good at shooting at toothpicks',' he added.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Larson went on to fight in the Battle of the Bulge — the last major German offensive on the Western Front — enduring a month of intense winter warfare across Belgium and Luxembourg.
His actions during the war earned him numerous honours, including the Bronze Star Medal from the US Army and the French Legion of Honour, France's highest civilian and military award.
Despite his accolades, Larson never saw himself as a hero.
'We are the lucky ones,' he told AP at the 81st D-Day commemoration in June, while standing among the headstones at the American Cemetery above Omaha Beach.
'They had no family. We are their family. We have the responsibility to honour these guys who gave us a chance to be alive.'
Post-war life for Papa Jake
Following his discharge from military service in 1945, Larson returned home and later married Lola Cassem. Their marriage lasted until her death in 1991.
In the decades that followed, he built a quiet life for himself, largely out of the spotlight, until his unexpected rise to social media fame in the twilight of his life.
In 2020, with assistance from his granddaughter, Larson launched a TikTok account — @storytimewithpapajake — where he began sharing stories of his war experiences.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The platform, initially foreign to many of his generation, soon turned him into a viral figure.
In this photo taken April 29, 2019, D-Day veteran Jake Larson walks to a seat before going for a ride in the 'The Spirit of Benovia' WWII-era aircraft in Oakland, California, US. File Image/AP
By 2025, he had amassed over 1.2 million followers and more than 11 million likes. His popularity extended to YouTube as well, where he gained more than 16,000 subscribers.
His videos — a mix of candid reflections, historical commentary, and humour — became a medium through which millions learned about the human costs and moral weight of the Second World War.
'I'm just a country boy. Now I'm a star on TikTok,' he told AP in 2023. 'I'm a legend! I didn't plan this, it came about.'
In 2021, he published a memoir titled The Luckiest Man in the World: Stories from the Life of Papa Jake, a nod to how he often described himself — not for having survived the war, but for having the opportunity to share his life and honour his fallen comrades.
Papa Jake's legacy
Larson's presence was a mainstay at international memorial events, particularly in Normandy, where he was deeply respected. From schoolchildren to museum curators, he was warmly welcomed during his visits.
The Overlord Museum in France — dedicated to preserving the memory of D-Day — posted a tribute that described him as 'an exceptional witness and bearer of memory,' recalling his humility, storytelling, and warm smile that touched visitors of all ages.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Even in his final years, he remained active and engaged with his audience. In 2023, during a commemorative visit to France, he met with 99-year-old British veteran Bill Gladden, who had landed in a glider on D-Day and been wounded by gunfire.
Their emotional exchange — hands clasped, tears in their eyes — became a moment widely shared online.
'I want to give you a hug, thank you. I got tears in my eyes. We were meant to meet,' Larson told Gladden.
Gladden passed away the following year.
Papa Jake's contributions to preserving World War II history were recognised by international media as well.
In June, he and CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour were jointly awarded a News and Documentary Emmy for their live interview during the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Though his fame came unexpectedly and late in life, Larson used it to promote remembrance, compassion, and peace.
'Make peace not war,' he said during an interview — a sentiment that resonated deeply with his global audience.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
US veteran SSgt. Jake M Larson talks to a girl who wears an American flag around her neck during a gathering in preparation of the 79th D-Day anniversary in La Fiere, Normandy, France, June 4, 2023. File Image/AP
His storytelling was never just about reminiscing; it was about accountability, memory, and ensuring that history — especially its darkest moments — would not be forgotten.
Following his death, tributes poured in not only from followers across the United States but from towns and institutions in France that had long considered him part of their shared historical heritage.
The official tourism page for Normandy stated that he 'will never be forgotten.'
His granddaughter has expressed her intent to keep his memory alive through continued storytelling: 'When the time is right, I will continue to share Papa Jake's stories and keep his memory alive.'
Also Watch:
With inputs from agencies
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Generation X, Gen Z or Gen Alpha: Which generation you belong to?
The Gen-Zs are often talked about their quiet quitting attitudes, refusal to take calls, and their bold take on work and life. But beyond the memes and viral stories, who really is Gen Z? When were they born, and how did the world build a perspective around them? Often being labelled as the digital natives, this generation has grown up in a hyper-connected world through technology and advancements, but there's more to them than screen time and side hustles. To understand Gen Z, we also need to look at the generations that came before them and laid the groundwork for the upcoming generations. Here are the generations that have been named according to the years they span! The Greatest Generation (1901–1927) This generation included the population of men and women who lived through the Great Depression and fought in World War II. They are well known for their patriotism, humility, and strength, who built modern institutions and valued sacrifice over self. Tom Brokaw, an American author, called them 'the greatest generation any society has produced' in his iconic 1998 book. The Silent Generation (1928–1945) This generation was quite young to fight in WWII, but most of their lives were shaped by its aftermath. This generation grew up quietly amid economic hardship. They are known for their discipline, hard work, and conformity, and for laying the foundation for post-war prosperity. Their name shows their understated but impactful image in shaping mid-century society and values. Baby Boomers (1946–1964) This generation basically belonged to the time of peace and prosperity, and came of age during powerful cultural revolutions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo They played important roles in movements for civil rights, feminism, and environmentalism. Often optimistic and hard-working, they have also influenced politics, media, and the workplace as one of the most populous generations. Generation X (1965–1980) Popularly called the 'Generation Xers', they were the original "latchkey kids", growing up amid rising divorce rates and changing family roles. They're known for exploring the concepts of independence and adaptability. Gen X bridged the gap between analog and digital, influencing today's tech world, entrepreneurial spirit, and a polarity toward more flexible work styles. Millennials (1981–1996) Millennials grew up right as the internet, social media, and smartphones just began. They are more focused on experiencing things over jyst owning them and care deeply about things like emotions and values. They mostly spend their time trying to catch up with being tech-savvy and sometimes misunderstood. They're changing how we work, shop, and raise kids in today's fast-moving world. Generation Z (1997–2012) Born into a fully digital world, Gen Z are true digital natives. They're distinctive, progressive, and deeply concerned about mental health, inclusivity, and the planet. Their entrepreneurial mindset and comfort with fast-changing tech make them flexible and future-ready. Generation Alpha (2013–2024) Whether in school or just being born, Generation Alpha is growing up in an AI-driven world. Be it smart toys to virtual classrooms, their daily lives are already all centered around the digital world. This generation is expected to be the most educated and globally connected to now. They are redefining learning, communication, and also some parenting norms. Generation Beta (2025–2039) Gen Beta's journey is just getting started, but they're stepping into a world that's already changing fast, including everything from climate challenges to smart tech and AI. Since they'll grow up surrounded by all this, experts believe they'll become creative problem-solvers with a global mindset, ready to tackle whatever the future throws at them. Xennials (1977–1983) Xennials are that in-between generation who had the best of both worlds. They grew up without smartphones or social media but adapted fast when tech took over. They carry Gen X's practical mindset and mix it with a bit of millennial optimism, making them flexible, balanced, and quite relatable in today's fast-moving world. Zillennials (Mid-1990s–Early 2000s) Zillennials are that sweet spot between millennials and Gen Z. They remember whenthe internet began, but also grew up with smartphones in their hands. They mix the traits of millennial passion for change with Gen Z's digital knowledge and are emotionally aware and culturally sharp. Zillennials are figuring out life in a world that's changing fast.
NDTV
3 hours ago
- NDTV
700-Year-Old Prague Cathedral Set To Get 'New Voice' After 95 Years
The installation of a new organ at Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral is nearing completion, giving the 700-year-old biggest temple in the Czech Republic a proper instrument to accompany religious services and concerts. An international team was working on a three-story scaffolding above the main entrance inside the cathedral on Tuesday to put in place some of the remaining pipes. The work is scheduled to be completed in late August, followed by the voicing and tuning of the pipes through the end of the year. The public could hear the organ's first sounds on June 15 next year, the feast of St. Vitus, officials said. The organ contains some 6,000 pipes, ranging in length 7 millimeters (0.28 inches) to 7 meters (23 feet). The four-manual instrument was build in a workshop of Gerhard Grenzing in El Papiol near Barcelona in Spain. The renowned German organ builder has constructed almost 140 organs and reconstructed more than 90 historical instruments in many countries. Once completed in Spain, the new organ was disassembled and its parts were gradually transported to Prague on trucks. The cathedral is linked to the Czech statehood. It's a place where the Czech kings were coronated and buried while the Czech crown jewels are stored inside. The funeral Mass for Vaclav Havel, the Czech Republic's first president, was celebrated in the cathedral on Dec 23, 2011. The previous organ was completed in the early 1930s, but turned out to be too small for its monumental space and frequently broke down. There was no interest in fixing the organ during World War II and more than 40 years of communist rule. Effort to build a new organ started in 2017, with a crowdfunding campaign that collected more than 109 million Czech koruna, or crowns, ($5.2 million), about 98% of the sum needed.
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Time of India
World War 2 relics found in Imphal West dist
1 2 3 4 Imphal: Several World War 2 relics, believed to be left behind by soldiers involved in the Battle of Imphal in 1944, were found by labourers at Langthabal in Imphal West district on Tuesday morning, officials said. The relics were discovered four feet under the ground by labourers while digging for construction works at Langthabal. A large number of rusted empty cases, water bottles, one grenade, shells, spades, a rusted tin can, and items that are yet to be identified were recovered. Further digging is underway to recover other items, an official said. The relics are believed to be left behind by the Allied Forces, as there was an Allied camp at nearby Canchipur hills during the World War 2 period, another official said. In 1944, forces of Imperial Japan surrounded the hills of Manipur but could not overrun the massive Allied army camps set up in different parts of Imphal valley. The Battle of Imphal, along with the Battle of Kohima involving Imperial Japan, Azad Hind, and Allied Forces comprising British and Indian soldiers, is considered Britain's greatest war by the British National Army museum. The battle was a significant victory for Allied Forces and stopped the Japanese advance to then British India. More than 54,000 Japanese troops were killed or wounded, while more than 12,000 Allied soldiers died or got injured in the Battle of Imphal.
