By John Q. Hosedrinker 
D-Day veteran Jake “Papa Jake” Larson, who gained a massive following on TikTok for sharing his World War II experiences, has passed away at the age of 102. Larson, a Minnesota native, enlisted in the National Guard at 15 and served as an operations sergeant, participating in the D-Day invasion and surviving the Battle of the Bulge. He earned a Bronze Star and the French Legion of Honor. In his later years, Larson became a beloved figure, attending D-Day commemorations and sharing poignant stories, often reminding people to “make peace not war,” leaving behind a legacy of humor, remembrance, and inspiration.
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D-Day veteran “Papa Jake” Larson, a man whose life spanned extraordinary bravery and unexpected internet fame, has sadly passed away at the remarkable age of 102. The news of his death on July 17th brought a wave of tributes, especially on his popular TikTok account, “Story Time with Papa Jake,” where he shared his incredible experiences from World War II. It’s a testament to his impact that messages of love and respect poured in from across the United States and even from towns in Normandy, France, a place forever grateful for the Allied forces’ efforts.
This remarkable individual, described as a “country boy” from Minnesota, lived a life filled with courage and a disarming charm. He wasn’t just a soldier who faced down German gunfire on the bluffs of Normandy in 1944; he was a man who, in his later years, embraced social media, using it to connect with and educate a new generation. His granddaughter shared that even until the end, “Papa Jake” was “cracking jokes,” a clear indication of his enduring spirit and zest for life.
The tributes highlight his genuine warmth and the ease with which he connected with people of all ages. Many who followed his TikTok videos expressed how quickly they fell in love with his stories, finding him to be both loving and authentic. His legacy extends beyond his wartime service; he became a beloved figure in the digital world, proof that age is truly just a number when it comes to sharing one’s life experiences. It’s clear that “Papa Jake” left a lasting impression, embodying the best qualities of the Greatest Generation.
The passing of “Papa Jake” serves as a poignant reminder of the dwindling number of World War II veterans. It’s a sobering thought that in just a few decades, the experiences of those who fought in that conflict will become something akin to the historical narratives of wars past. While it’s easy to know the facts, the human element, the emotions, and the personal sacrifices, are slowly being lost to time. This is precisely why the stories shared by veterans like “Papa Jake” are so invaluable.
Many of us have wondered how these veterans feel about the world today, a world so different from the one they fought to protect. It’s a complex question, and one that no doubt evokes a range of emotions, from pride to perhaps a sense of bewilderment. The “Greatest Generation” has passed through the fire and come out stronger than ever. “Papa Jake” showed many that life itself can have a second, and even a third, act.
The reality is that the majority of these veterans are now in their late 90s or older. Their numbers are dwindling, but their stories remain. While finding accurate statistics can be a bit tricky, the fact remains that thousands of these brave men and women are still with us, carrying with them a history that deserves to be both remembered and celebrated. It is an honor to know someone from this generation.
Some may say it’s hard to remember the details from the past, but “Papa Jake” and others like him made sure that we could learn about these important events. They showed a new generation what courage and sacrifice looked like. It is important to keep these tales alive, to learn from the past and make sure the stories of these courageous veterans are not lost to time.
The conversation around these veterans also highlights the rare cases of individuals who served at very young ages, sometimes even as teenagers. While the vast majority of D-Day veterans are now over 90, there are a few who enlisted under unusual circumstances, some even at ages younger than legally allowed, and that adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. These stories, like the others, are a valuable part of understanding the full scope of the war.
So, as we remember “Papa Jake,” let’s honor his legacy by sharing his stories, by appreciating the sacrifices of all who served, and by striving to learn from their experiences. He was not just a veteran; he was a storyteller, a comedian, and a man who touched the lives of countless people across the globe. He deserves our respect and recognition, and his memory will certainly live on.