Photo: Jeff Greenough / Tetra images / Getty Images
Jake Larson, known affectionately as "Papa Jake," passed away peacefully at the age of 102 last week. A World War II veteran and social media sensation, Larson captivated millions with his stories of bravery and survival. Born on December 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minnesota, Larson joined the Minnesota National Guard at 15 by claiming he was 18. He later served in the U.S. Army's 135th Infantry Regiment and participated in the D-Day invasion on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944.
Larson's engaging storytelling and humor gained him a massive following on TikTok, where he shared his wartime experiences and reflections. His account, @storytimewithpapajake, boasts 1.2 million followers and over 11 million likes. His granddaughter, McKaela Larson, shared the news of his passing on social media, stating he "went peacefully and was even cracking jokes 'til the very end." She expressed gratitude for the support and promised to continue sharing his stories.
In addition to his social media fame, Larson received numerous accolades for his service, including a Bronze Star and France's Legion of Honor. His Emmy-winning interview with Christiane Amanpour last year commemorated the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Larson frequently returned to Normandy for commemorations, honoring his fallen comrades. Despite his fame, Larson remained humble, often referring to himself as "the luckiest man in the world."
His legacy lives on through his stories, which continue to inspire and educate people worldwide about the sacrifices made during World War II.