D-Day Hero and TikTok star, “Papa Jake” Larson, Passed Away at 102

A Voice from the Past, Loved in the Present

Jake Larson, widely known as “Papa Jake,” passed away peacefully on July 17, 2024, at the age of 102. A decorated World War II veteran, Larson became known not only for surviving the D-Day landings in 1944 but also for using social media late in life to keep the memory of the war and his fellow soldiers alive. With over 1.2 million TikTok followers, he shared stories from the war and connected with people across generations.

His granddaughter, McKaela Larson, announced his death on his TikTok account, “Story Time with Papa Jake.” She wrote, “Our beloved Papa Jake has passed away on July 17th at 102 years young. He went peacefully.” She ended the post with a line he often used: “As Papa would say, love you all the mostest.” Soon, tributes poured in from all over the U.S., and even from towns in Normandy, France, where people still honor the Allied forces that helped end German occupation.

Early Life and Wartime Service

Jake Larson was born on December 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minnesota. He joined the National Guard in 1938 by lying about his age—he was only 15. In 1942, he was deployed overseas and stationed in Northern Ireland. He later became an operations sergeant, where he helped create the planning materials for the invasion of Normandy.

Larson was one of the nearly 160,000 Allied troops who landed on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944. He came ashore at Omaha Beach, one of the deadliest landing points. German guns were heavily guarding the bluffs, and many American soldiers were killed. But Larson made it through without a scratch, climbing up to safety under heavy fire.

A Witness to History

At the 81st anniversary of D-Day, Larson visited the American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach and told the Associated Press, “We are the lucky ones. We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive.” He later took part in the Battle of the Bulge, one of the war’s hardest battles, and earned a Bronze Star and the French Legion of Honor for his service.

In his final years, Larson visited Normandy many times for remembrance events. Everywhere he went, people recognized him and asked for pictures. He always gave them a hug in return. One touching moment happened in 2023, when he met Bill Gladden, a 99-year-old British veteran. They hugged and held hands tightly. “I want to give you a hug, thank you. I got tears in my eyes. We were meant to meet,” Larson told him. Gladden passed away the following year.

Legacy on Screen and in Memory

Larson’s presence on TikTok brought attention to the stories of the war that many had never heard. He was known for mixing humor with serious reflection. He once said, “I’m no hero,” and urged leaders today to “Make peace not war.” Despite all he had done, he always remained humble, calling himself “just a country boy.”

In 2023, he told the Associated Press, “Now I’m a star on TikTok. I’m a legend! I didn’t plan this, it came about.” Museums and local groups in Normandy praised him for preserving the memory of those who never came home. The Overlord Museum wrote online, “He came every year to the museum, with his smile, his humility and his tales that touched all generations. His stories will continue to live. Rest in peace Papa Jake.”