D-Day Veteran and TikTok Star “Papa Jake” Larson Dies at 102
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.
John Q. Hosedrinker