World War Two U.S. Army veteran Jake Larson, who is 101 years old and a survivor of D-Day, is preparing to travel to France for the 80th anniversary of the historic invasion. Originally from Minnesota, Larson joined the National Guard as a teenager before being transferred to the Army V Corps for the D-Day invasion. Larson has gained popularity on TikTok by sharing his stories with younger generations, amassing more than 8.7 million likes on the platform. He is now known as “Papa Jake” and is among the dwindling number of World War Two veterans who will return to mark the anniversary of the allied invasion.
Sitting in his home in Martinez, California, surrounded by photos and mementos from his years in the National Guard and the U.S. Army, Larson can vividly recall the moments from the day he landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day. Carrying 74 pounds of gear in his pack, he faced German artillery and small arms fire as he made his way onto the beach. Describing himself as “the last man,” Larson is determined to honor his fallen brothers-in-arms who did not make it home. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing those who sacrificed their lives and is dedicated to ensuring their memory lives on.
Larson, who wears a black jacket inscribed with “WWII Survivor” and the six battles in Europe he survived, including the Battle of the Bulge, is deeply committed to honoring his fellow soldiers. He vividly recounts the events of his time in the military, including the harrowing experience of wading through the waters of the English Channel on D-Day. Despite facing challenges and loss, Larson remains humble, stating that he is not a hero. Through his TikTok account, where he shares his stories, Larson has gained a significant following and has received an outpouring of gratitude from people who have been touched by his experiences.
With the username @StoryTimeWithPapaJake, Larson has garnered more than 800,000 followers on TikTok and has received fan letters in the mail. He expresses gratitude for the support and appreciation he has received from his audience, stating that it keeps him going. While some have hailed him as a hero, Larson remains humble, emphasizing that his goal is to honor and remember the sacrifices made by his fellow soldiers. As he prepares to return to France for the D-Day anniversary, Larson’s dedication to sharing his stories and ensuring that the memory of those who served lives on is a testament to his enduring legacy.
As one of the few remaining World War Two veterans, Larson’s commitment to preserving the memory of his fallen comrades is unwavering. His willingness to share his experiences with younger generations through TikTok demonstrates his desire to educate and inspire others. By recounting the events of his time in the military, including the challenges and sacrifices he faced, Larson serves as a living reminder of the bravery and resilience of those who served in World War Two. Through his platform, he continues to spread awareness and gratitude for the sacrifices made by the men and women who fought for freedom and justice during one of the most tumultuous times in history.
